2005 Cadillac STS

You can favorably compare the new Cadillac STS with a BMW or Mercedes-Benz with a straight face -- something that couldn't have been done just several years ago.


Is the carefully built STS sedan a direct rival to the BMW 5-Series or Mercedes E-Class sedans? There is no definite "yes" or "no" to that question. That's because the STS retains an American-luxury-car feel that isn't on the menu of the German BMW and Mercedes, which have been playing the sports sedan game longer than Cadillac.


The STS is basically a stretched version of Cadillac's hot CTS sedan and is arguably the best-looking Cadillac. It comes with a 255-horsepower V-6 for $40,300 or with a V-8 for $46,800.


Those list prices make the STS significantly less costly than major rivals, and both versions are loaded with comfort, convenience and safety equipment. You can even start and stop the car by pushing a dashboard rocker switch without inserting the ignition key, although you must have that key near you to start the car.


The STS can be equipped with option packages that range from $730 to $13,115 and can significantly increase the bottom-line price. Offered are everything from heated-cooled front seats to a touch-screen navigation system with voice recognition and adaptive cruise control, which maintains a set following distance.


My $40,300 test car had an $8,595 option that contained lots of options, including a navigation system, but raised its price to $48,895. Add $695 freight and the car stickered for nearly $50,000.


The mid-size, 196-inch-long STS replaces the aged Seville, which was Cadillac's most "European-style" model. The 2005 STS model designation might confuse some because the Seville's high-performance version long was called the STS.


The new STS is considerably different than the Seville. For one thing, it has a rear-wheel-drive design for better weight distribution and thus sharper handing. BMW and Mercedes never built front-drive cars because that setup doesn't allow good weight distribution, with the engine and transmission jammed up front.


The new STS also is offered with all-wheel drive, which is a "first" for a Cadillac auto. But it's not really needed for added stability on slippery roads because even the base STS has standard stability control and anti-skid systems, along with anti-lock brakes.


Moreover, you can't get the $1,900 all-wheel-drive system unless you get the more costly V-8 version and add the (gulp!) $13,115 Preferred Equipment Group 1SG. That group also contains items including upgraded leather upholstery, wider tires on bigger 18-inch wheels and performance steering and brakes.


The smooth V-6 in my test STS made the car surprisingly fast, considering it weighs 3,857 pounds. The V-8 version weighs 3,921 pounds with rear-drive and a hefty 4,230 pounds with all-wheel drive.


The costlier STS V-8 model really isn't necessary unless you need extra punch for frequent merging into very fast-moving traffic -- or live where there is constant passing on two-lane roads.


Both engines work with a responsive five-speed automatic transmission, which is the same Hydra-Matic unit used in BMWs. The transmission has an easily used manual shift feature, but it seems superfluous away from, say, mountain driving. The STS isn't the sort of car you shift manually during routine driving.


The V-6 only calls for 87-octane gasoline, while the V-8 requires 91-octane fuel. The V-6 gets an estimated 17 mpg in the city and 24 on highways. The rear-drive STS V-8 is rated slightly higher at 17 and 26 because that engine's larger size lets it use a more economical rear-axle ratio. The all-wheel-drive V-8 version is rated at 16 city, 22 highway.


Some 70 percent of STS buyers will get the V-6 and about 10 percent will order all-wheel-drive, said Cadillac spokesman Vince Muniga.


The STS is more than willing to transport you quickly and safely. The quick power steering is on the heavy side, but not objectionably so. Handling is quite good, although a BMW 5-Series feels sportier.


A $795 Performance Handling package with such things as larger 18-inch wheels and wider tires for the V-8 version gives it sharper reflexes, but only is offered for the STS V-8 and also requires the $13,115 1SG option.


The best ride is gotten with General Motors' optional Magnetic Ride Control, which provides almost absolute control over unwanted body motions when encountering such things as severe dips.


Even the ride of the STS V-6 version is good, thanks largely to a cleverly designed all-independent suspension with weight-saving aluminum. If you don't want -- or can't afford -- the Magnetic Ride Control, the most comfortable ride is with the standard suspension and plenty large standard 17-inch wheels.


The strong brakes are easily modulated with a pedal that has a nice progressive action.


The upscale interior is deadly quiet and provides good room for four tall adults. The rear seat area is especially roomy, but the center of the back seat is too hard for comfort.


The best place to be is in the well-bolstered driver's seat, where the car's pilot faces backlit gauges that can be quickly read and easily reached cupholders and controls, including large sound system and ventilation controls. However, some audio control settings are absorbed by a large color dashboard touchscreen, making their use more complicated than it should be for a driver who wants to keep his eyes on the road.


Doors have storage pockets, and the front console has a deep, covered bin.


The large trunk has a low, wide opening and a lid with hinges that don't take up cargo space.


For most, the STS V-6 with a few key options is the best buy in the STS lineup. No STS version has the harder-edged BMW's sporty flair, but this Cadillac is a sound alternative for those who want a solid sports sedan with a strong dose of American car luxury.

2005 Cadillac STS

Prices
$40,300-$46,800

Likes
Handsome. Fast. Good handling. Supple ride. Roomy.

Dislikes
High cost of optional all-wheel-drive. Some complicated controls.