2006 Cadillac STS V6 Road Test

A Quiet Blend of Luxurious Simplicity

The latest generation of Cadillac Seville, now simply dubbed STS to align with the domestic brands new alpha naming strategy, was launched as a 2005 model, and shortly after its introduction I road tested a top-of-the-line V8 model. Recently, however, I thought it fitting to test a more modest and sedate version of the STS; one that wouldnt require such deep pockets to call, “mine.” Although stripped of two cylinders, 45-horsepower and a dessert cart full of electronics, the de-contented 2006 STS is still a pretty sweet ride. It is a tightly assembled sled, embodying much of the quality and amenities we have come to expect in modern luxury cars.

pocketbook compatible than many other pIn its less competitive form, the STS exhibits a character more inline with the domestic premium-car market rather than the Euro performance-car market, meaning that refinement and comfort trump handling and performance - but the skew in favor of pampering is ever so slight. This isnt yesterdays land yacht Caddie by any stretch. Its a sure-footed cruiser that spoils its occupants in many ways over and above physics-defying handling, and it does so at a cost that may be moreremium vehicles.

The most important point of departure in todays STS is its rear-wheel-drive, or all-wheel-drive configuration. Gone is the front-wheel-drive format that led the previous gen STS, and I couldnt be happier. Along with sending power to the “correct wheels,” GM engineered a very rigid body structure for the latest STS. When encountering beat-up pavement, the solidity of the cars unibody construction becomes immediately noticeable thanks to the absence of suspension noise, body-flex and cabin shudder. The fully independent arrangement smoothly absorbs bumps and potholes while keeping the vehicle stable and connected to the road. There is no float or excessive rebound to suggest the chassis under foot is anything but sound. The placid, but well-controlled ride of the STS enhances the sense of relaxation that comes with driving a refined luxury car.

That refinement carries over to the sedans V6 powerplant as well. Now before I go further, let me say that I have never been fond of the V6 engines found beneath most domestic hoods. In my view they seldom match the “silkiness” I so admire in Acura and Audi products among others. But stop the presses; Cadillac has altered my perception of reality. The 3.6-liter (217 cu in), 255-horsepower V6 in the STS stands shoulder to shoulder - or should that read air cleaner to air cleaner - with the best the aforementioned marques have to offer.

The operation of this mill is polished and unobtrusive until the right foot sinks, at which point an exhilarating high-performance growl imparts a sophisticated exhaust note. And there is plenty of punch on-tap to accompany the ear candy, as the engine delivers its maximum torque of 252 pound-feet at 3,200 rpm. En route to its 6,500 rpm redline, the power output remains steady as the 5-speed STS autobox smoothly switches cogs. Should the desire arise, a manual-mode allows greater humanoid input into the shifting process, but lest we forget, this is not the hot V8 edition of Cadillacs midsize 4-door. Nevertheless, a zero to 60 mph time of only 7.0 seconds is achievable, and thats very commendable for a V6-powered sedan tipping the scales at 3,857 lbs.

But race track performance is not what the V6 STS is all about, its about comfort, luxury, reasonable fuel economy, and ease of operation; and by this definition my tester was a straight-A performer.

Partially because it wasnt a heavily optioned unit and partially because Cadillac designed it so, the instrumentation and switchgear in my testers cabin was straightforward and intuitive to operate. There was no complicated i-Drive controller or mysterious multi-function switches to confuse the techno-challenged, such as I, which could be a strong selling point in the ever-expanding gray-wave market. Anyone accustomed to the business office of a modern vehicle could easily assume command of the basic STS without needing to study an encyclopedia-thick manual, or worse yet, CD ROM. Try that with a 7-Series Bimmer!

But dont mistake simplicity for meagerness, the STS is plenty loaded even in its base form. My test unit raised the luxury ante slightly with a Preferred Package group of options that included heated front seats, memory settings for numerous functions, an in-dash 6-disc CD changer, rain sensing wipers, and an air filtration system. Many additional upgrades are available beyond this package, including a 15-speaker premium audio system, heated and cooled front seats, a moonroof, navigation system and much more.

Without marking any option boxes, STS owners will still enjoy spoils such as a keyless access system and pushbutton start, remote starting, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, ultrasonic park assist, tire pressure monitoring, Bose audio, a tilt and telescopic leather wrapped steering wheel with audio and climate controls, plus many additional conveniences.

The dessert cart of electronics I referred to earlier include such cutting-edge features as adaptive radar-controlled cruise control, 4-color heads-up display, Xenon HID Intellibeam headlights (automatic high beam dimming), satellite radio and Blue Tooth cell phone technology.

On the mechanical side, the STS is available with GMs programmable Magnetic Ride Control Suspension, limited-slip differential, performance axle-ratio, ZF performance steering system and 18-inch wheels. So theres plenty of gear available to transform the basic STS into a rolling billboard of technology and performance - but keep in mind the rapid escalation in price that accompanies the goody list.

Its the dearth of such tech that I found so refreshing and appealing in this weeks tester. My sampler spoiled me with perhaps the quietest ride I have ever experienced in terms of wind, engine and road noise. These subliminally annoying sounds can be more irritating and fatiguing than most people realize, especially during lengthy trips. Have you ever noticed that conversation often diminishes among passengers as the ambient noise in a vehicle increases? Thanks to its quiet operation - even at highway speeds - this subtle effect is pretty much non-existent in the STS. Conversation can be maintained without the need to raise voices above a normal level.

Complementing the cars hushed, vault-like cabin is a decent audio unit and wonderfully comfortable seats. Leg and headroom up front is tremendously good, and surprisingly, rear seat dimensions are very generous as well, given the STSs midsize rating.

Try as I did, there was nothing I found particularly objectionable
about the STS V6. Its angular styling cues and exterior wedge-shape
arent as edgy as the suit of armour cloaking the smaller and perhaps
sportier Cadillac CTS. Undoubtedly the STSs clean, simplistic interior
design is more attractive than the over-wrought modular theme found in
its little brother. 

Although a long list of equipment is available to ensure each owner drives away in the STS of his or her dream, Cadillac stocks the base car with a wealth of active and passive safety features as standard equipment. The list begins with powerful 4-wheel antilock disc brakes bolstered by Dynamic Brake Assist (DBA) and Rear Brake Proportioning (RBP). Traction control and GMs StabiliTrak stability enhancement system are present to aid in maintaining control in slippery conditions or when driver enthusiasm exceeds competence. And in the unfortunate event of a hard impact, occupants will appreciate GMs commitment to occupant protection in the form of driver and front passenger dual-stage airbags, front and rear seat outboard seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and front to rear side head curtains.

I may experience separation anxiety upon returning this weeks tester, as theres no built-in protection against that. Truly, I liked the V6 powered STS a whole lot more than I anticipated. Its a mature, grown-up luxury vehicle, not a bad-boy luxury sedan with a nervous twitch. And like a smooth vintage port, it suits the palate of my demographic.