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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

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. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

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

The 3.6-liter (217 cu in), 255-horsepower V6 in the STS stands shoulder to shoulder with the best the aforementioned marques have to offer. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

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

a zero to 100 km/h time of only 7.1 seconds is achievable, and thats very commendable for a V6-powered sedan tipping the scales at (3,857 lbs. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

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

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. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

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

My sampler spoiled me with perhaps the quietest ride I have ever experienced in terms of wind, engine and road noise. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

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

Conversation can be maintained without the need to raise voices above a normal level. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

audio system, heated and cooled front seats, a moonroof, navigation system and much more.

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