Introduction

The Cadillac STS is an American challenge to the technology, quality and great driving attributes of the high-end imports. The STS features responsive engines and, like all great luxury cars, uses rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available for wintry climates. Factor in its comfortable cabin and comprehensive range of features, and the STS delivers a lot of luxury, technology and performance. The 3.6-liter V6 with direct-injection developing 302 horsepower is standard equipment, with a 320-hp 4.6-liter V8 optional. Both STS models come with a six-speed automatic transmission. Both are modern aluminum powerplants boasting double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing. Safety technologies include Cadillac's Lane Departure Warning and Side Blind Zone Alert systems, plus a sophisticated StabiliTrak electronic stability control system that uses steering and other inputs, and brake and throttle controls, to reduce the chance of a dangerous skid. The roomy cabin is superb, with comfortable, supportive seats that are infinitely adjustable, ample storage space, and superior sound systems, including 15-speaker Surround Sound. The STS is unmistakably a Cadillac, but it's also a four-door performance sedan for people who like to drive. The standard suspension is tuned for a smooth and comfortable ride, while the available active suspension instantly adjusts to any driving situation, whether cruising through a sea of potholes or accelerating around a sweeping turn. Rear-wheel drive provides the balance and control serious driving enthusiasts demand, while the available all-wheel drive very beneficial in bad weather. Changes for 2010 are minor, with two new colors: Vanilla Latte and Tuscan Bronze ChromaFlair.

Walkaround

The Cadillac STS has a distinctive, crisp profile with an almost box-like silhouette that somehow still looks aerodynamic. Gently curved A-pillars and C-pillars tend more toward art than science. Sharply contoured lower rocker panels tracking rearward from the front fascia's bottom edge pull the body down, adding a stylistic ground-effects look. It's all very consistent with Cadillac's art and science design motif. Up front the STS has a boldly traditional eggcrate grille with Cadillac's trademark vertically stacked headlamps. Chromed air extractor vents mark the clean flanks, and more subtle chrome accents adorn the door handles and rocker flares. The rear has vertical taillights bracketing a tall, squared-off trunk lid. Recessed into the trunk's rear surface is a trapezoidal inset, big enough for European-spec license plates, housing large backup lights at the left and right extremes. Dual polished aluminum exhaust tips exit below the rear bumper. The Platinum Edition features 18-inch chrome-finish wheels, a unique grille finish, Olive Ash wood trim with Saddle-stain leather-wrapped interior, premium floor mats, Tuscany full-leather seats and additional features.

Interior Features

The Cadillac STS cabin is warmer in appearance than the exterior, with soft leather surfaces complemented by warm wood accents. Those wood accents cost extra, but we much prefer them over the standard brushed aluminum trim, which looks and feels cold and reflects sunlight to the point of annoyance. Our advice: Order the wood. The seats in all models are refreshingly supportive, for a Cadillac, without being overly firm. All essential controls are within easy reach, although there could be more clearance between the lower door panels and seat bottoms to access the front seat adjusters. For this reason, we especially liked the seat memory feature, which often saved us from having to reach down for the adjusters. The interior is noticeably roomier than that of the marginally smaller CTS. Instruments are easily-scanned, white-on-black round analog gauges, with a large nested tachometer and speedometer between the smaller fuel and engine temperature gauges. The speedometer changes between English and metric electronically, so there's only one set of numbers around its circumference. Cruise control and running lights are managed via a stalk on the left side of the steering column, windshield wipers and washers with a stalk on the right. Buttons in the steering wheel spokes provide redundant controls for audio and driver information functions. The steering wheel hub looks substantial, and even a bit futuristic. The available head-up display projects speed and other key information onto the windshield, so that the driver does not need to look down at the gauges. The available Bose 5.1 stereo incorporates Surround Sound with 15 speakers. An integrated six-disc CD/DVD changer plays DVD-A, CD, and MP3 formats. An eight-inch VGA-quality touch screen and advanced navigation, Bluetooth phone capability, and OnStar with advanced voice recognition are all part of the package. A word of caution, however: The top-level stereo system, although delivering superb Surround Sound, is multi-tasked with a navigation system that, in combination, demands study of the owner's manual to operate with any degree of alacrity and confidence. OnStar features a fully integrated GPS navigation system called Turn-by-Turn Navigation. Turn-by-Turn allows drivers to talk to a live advisor, who can download complete step-by-step directions to the vehicle through the OnStar system. These audio directions then automatically play through the vehicle's stereo as needed (after the OnStar operator hangs up), triggered by the system's GPS capabilities. This enables drivers to be led to their destinations while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Storage cubbies include map pockets in all four doors. The front center console is deep and wide and pre-wired for cellular and Bluetooth. The glove box, though, is barely sufficient to hold the navigation DVD case and owner's manual. Two cup holders are provided front and rear. The trunk is fully lined, with articulated, gas-pressurized struts. Fit and finish are top grade, with notably tight trim tolerances. Careful attention was paid to reducing noise, vibration and harshness, with remarkable and commendable success. Specially laminated windshield and front door glass, wind tunnel-tuned outside mirrors and high-density/low-mass sound-deadening padding make this a quiet car even by Cadillac standards. The Platinum Edition features hand-cut and hand-sewn leather on the instrument panel, door trim and center console areas. The seats are fully covered with a semi-aniline leather called Tuscany. Wood trim is an Olive Ash burl stained a saddle shade. Chrome accents highlight the instrument panel and doors. Even the floor mats are upgraded, and there are Platinum badges on the door sills. Only two interior colors are offered: Ebony or Cashmere with Cocoa accents.