Cadillac STS-V Review

In a luxury sport sedan market that's traditionally dominated by German carmakers, the Cadillac STS-V makes a tremendous impression. A model from Cadillac's V-Series line of ultra-performance vehicles, the STS-V is based on the STS large sedan. With its supercharged V8 producing 469 horsepower, it's the most powerful car Cadillac has ever produced. The car also comes with upgraded hardware for improved handling and braking and minor styling changes to differentiate it from regular STS models.

2007 Cadillac STS-V Sedan Shown

The focus on performance doesn't come at the expense of luxury. Just like the standard version, the V-Series sedan is comfy, plush and loaded with a generous amount of premium features. Overall, we're quite impressed. Though the Cadillac STS-V doesn't quite match some competing models in terms of maximum performance or prestige, we still think it's a very viable choice for a big-bore luxury sport sedan.

Current Cadillac STS-V model

A special-edition, high-performance vehicle, the Cadillac STS-V sedan is available in one trim level only. (Cadillac says it limits production to help exclusivity.) Standard equipment highlights include heated front and rear seats, a navigation system and a 15-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system with a six-CD changer.

Distinguishing the STS-V from the standard STS are larger wheels (18-inchers in front and 19s in the back), massive Brembo brakes, a larger front grille for improved airflow, additional brake ducts, and additional aerodynamic and stylistic enhancements.

For motivation, the rear-drive STS-V is equipped with a supercharged 4.4-liter V8 engine that pumps out a startling 469 hp and 439 lb-ft of torque. Zero to 60 is accomplished in 5.1 seconds. A highly responsive six-speed automatic transmission (with manual shift control) is standard.

But the Cadillac STS-V is world-class in ways beyond its under-the-hood muscle. It has been outfitted with a sport-tuned suspension. And compared to a standard STS, V-Series sedan's steering is quicker. The result is that it handles like a car half its size while providing meaningful feedback to its driver. A limited-slip differential, antilock brakes, stability control and traction control are all standard on the STS-V. Other safety equipment includes front-seat side airbags and full-length head curtain airbags. A tire-pressure monitor and rear park-assist system are also standard.

The STS-V's long wheelbase means there's generous legroom in the front and back. The interior is upscale and handsome, with finely stitched seats and accents of wood and aluminum, though it's still not quite at the top level of quality found in some European luxury sedans. The trunk is also smaller than what one might expect for this class of car.

In reviews, our editors found the Cadillac STS-V to be powerful in every situation. It rockets off the line, but the real allure is what happens afterward. Passing power on the highway is effortless and easy. And even when you don't have the accelerator pedal pinned, the STS-V's handling abilities make it fun to drive. It's true that it's a bit out of its element on tight, twisty roads. This isn't a downfall, but rather an inherent characteristic of its size and genre. In general, the STS-V strikes an excellent balance between high-performance capability and everyday luxury driving.