What’s New?
The DTS full-size luxury sedan remains a staple of the Cadillac lineup. For 2007, the DTS gets a longer list of standard features, as well as a simplified options ordering program. Other small changes include a redesigned analog clock for a more upscale feel, center wheel caps with a colored wreath and crest logo, Cadillac-specific remote keyfob, one new interior color (Cocoa), and five new exterior shades: Mystic Gray, Gold Mist, White Diamond, Cognac Frost, and, of course, MaryKay V. Also, the navigation system for 2007 includes Taiwan and Korea, since the DTS is sold in those countries, among others.

Overview
While many full-size luxury sedans have either moved far upscale in price or now focus on sportier driving, the Cadillac DTS, although updated, is a throwback to the time when big and comfortable were not considered negatives when describing a high-end sedan. Indeed, the DTS continues the legacy of the DeVille, stressing driver and passenger comfort by offering a host of technology-laden comfort and convenience features. Five or 6-passenger seating, heated and cooled seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, Adaptive Remote Start, front and rear ultrasonic rear park assist, and IntelliBeam automatic high beam headlamps are just a handful of the available and standard features.

The DTS comes in only one trim level, but with two engine choices. Both are Northstar 4.6-liter V-8s, but the L37 version, with 292 hp and 288 lb.-ft. of torque, is higher-revving for more high-end horsepower, while the LD8 version has 275 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque and is tuned more for quick launches, part-throttle responsiveness, and greater peak torque. A Performance Package and a Luxury Package also determine the suspension setup. The Performance choice will net you GM’s Magnetic Ride Control to minimize body roll and provide more connected road feel. Wheels and tires of the Performance Package come in 18 inches, while the Luxury Package keeps the 17-inch sizes.

Safety is paramount in the DTS, which admittedly plays to an older demographic. Six air bags are standard (two in the front, two mounted in the front seats, and two side-curtain type), as are StabiliTrak, which helps keep the vehicle going on its intended path if the car starts to slip, and Brake Assist with 4-wheel ABS. OnStar-equipped DTS models feature Turn-by-Turn Navigation, which allows the customer to call and get audio instructions for directions that can be replayed through the radio; no screen-driven navigation system is necessary.

The Competition
The Cadillac DTS competes in the Large Premium Conventional segment, which consists of eight models. Buyers in this segment look for performance, quality, and comfort, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Cadillac DTS (58,224 units sold), Lincoln Town Car (39,295), and Mercedes-Benz S-Class (30,886). The Cadillac DTS’s 58,224 sales in 2006 represent an increase of 149.7 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Large Premium Conventional segment include the Lexus LS Series, BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Jaguar XJ-Series, and Maserati Quattroporte.