The Cadillac STS represents an American
challenge to the technology, quality and great driving attributes of
the high-end imports. Available with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive,
with engines ranging from a responsive and efficient V6 to a
supercharged V8, the STS delivers a lot of luxury, technology and
performance with a wide range of drivetrain and powerplant choices. STS 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 as well as brake and throttle control to avoid
dangerous skids.
Interior Style
The interior of the STS is superb, with
comfortable but supportive seats that are infinitely adjustable,
ample storage space, and superior sound systems. Entertainment
systems include 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.
Rear-wheel drive provides the balance and control that serious
enthusiasts demand, while all-wheel drive can be very beneficial in
bad weather.
Trims and 2009 STS Options
The Cadillac STS comes with a choice of V6 or
V8 engines. The high-performance STS-V comes with a supercharged V8.
All-wheel drive is not available with the STS-V.
Standard STS features include leather
upholstery, aluminum interior trim, dual-zone automatic climate
control, Bose AM/FM/CD stereo, interior auto-dimming rearview
mirror, and the usual lineup of power creature comforts and driver
aids. OnStar telematics (with one year's service), StabiliTrak
electronic stability control, automatic high-beam control (Intellibeam)
for the headlights, and rear park assist are also standard.
The V6 Luxury Package adds two-position memory
for seats, mirrors, climate and radio controls; Rainsense wipers;
six-disc in-dash CD-changer; Sapele wood trim on the instrument
panel, steering wheel, console and center stack; heated and
ventilated front seats with four-way power lumbar; heated rear
seats; heated steering wheel; tire pressure monitor, universal home
remote; and a cargo net. The V6 Luxury Performance Package includes
all of the above, plus a limited-slip rear differential, premium ZF
steering gear, performance cooling package, rear spoiler, Brembo
performance brakes, and P235/50R18 front tires and P255/45R18 rear
tires on 18-inch polished aluminum wheels.
The V8 Premium Luxury Performance Package
includes Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Head Up
Display, Adaptive Cruise Control, Bose 5.1 Surround Sound with
navigation, Xenon HID headlamps with washers, Intellibeam automatic
high/low beam control with flash to pass feature, heated and
ventilated front seats, premium ZF steering gear, performance
cooling package, Magnetic Ride Control suspension, rear spoiler,
limited-slip rear differential, P235/50R18 front tires, P255/45R18
rear tires, 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, Brembo performance
brakes, power glass sunroof, compact spare tire.
A Performance Handling Package is available
that includes StabiliTrak with the high-performance Brembo brakes
and chrome-plated wheels fitted with P255/45R18 summer tires. On AWD
V8s, StabiliTrak includes active steering.
The STS-V comes with a higher level of standard
equipment, including EZ Key with remote start, XM Satellite Radio,
rear AV jacks, rear park assist, the Lane Departure Warning System,
leather seats with suede inserts, and olive ash burl wood and
aluminum interior accents. Safety features that come standard on all
models include dual two-stage frontal airbags, front seat-mounted
side airbags, and front-and-rear side-curtain airbags. Four-wheel
anti-lock brakes are standard, along with StabiliTrak electronic
stability control. Up front the STS has a boldly traditional
eggcrate grille with Cadillac's trademark vertically stacked
headlamps.
The Platinum Edition features 18-inch
chrome-finish wheels, an even brighter chrome-finish grille, bright
chrome inserts on the exterior door handles, and Tuscany
full-leather seats.
2009 Interior of the Cadillac STS
Buttons in the steering wheel spokes provide
redundant controls for audio and driver information functions. The
available Bose 5.1 stereo incorporates Surround Sound with 15
speakers. OnStar features a fully integrated GPS navigation system
called Turn-by-Turn Navigation. The steering wheel is heated. Chrome
accents highlight the instrument panel and doors. Driving
Impressions
On the road, the Cadillac STS delivers
everything promised by its slick looks and advanced specifications.
The V6 delivers 302 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 272 pound-feet of
torque at 5200 rpm. The 3.6-liter V6 also features an isolated
fuel-injector system, which helps reduce engine noise.
The STS-V's 4.4-liter supercharged V8 pumps out
469 horsepower, making it the most powerful production engine in
Cadillac history. Biasing 60 percent of the power to the rear wheels
gives the all-wheel-drive STS the sporty dynamics of rear-wheel
drive while sending enough power to the front wheels to help in bad
weather.
In addition to controlling brakes and reducing
engine power, StabiliTrak with active steering can turn the front
wheels to reduce skidding when rear wheels lose traction. The Lane
Departure Warning system engages above 35 mph. The Side Blind Zone
Alert system uses radar to sweep an 11-foot zone on either side of
the vehicle; in other words, about one lane over. Recognizing that,
Cadillac engineers designed the STS engines to generate lots of
torque throughout the rev range for responsive performance at all
engine speeds.
2009 Conclusions
The Cadillac STS offers a smooth and powerful
driving experience with warm and luxurious accommodations. "With its
edgy styling, powerful engines and high-tech safety options, the
2009 Cadillac STS is a strong player in an arena filled with
talent." says
Edmunds. The
supercharged STS-V delivers serious performance but sacrifices some
comfort and drivability. The STS V8 model with the Performance
Package offers a nice balance.