The 2011 Cadillac DTS is ranked 12 out of 16 large luxury vehicles. With its spacious interior, it reminds you of the classic models. The DTS (De Ville Touring Sedan) combines timeless luxury and modern sensibility and make the premier prestige with a distinctive exterior styling with well-adorned features. The DTS is basically a full size luxury sedan manufactured by General Motors replacing the old Cadillac De Ville.
It is a front-wheel drive sedan which separates it from most luxury large cars. Its most important feature is the six-passenger comfortable seating capacity that is appropriate in long distance travels. It is equipped with standard features including multiple airbags, heated steering wheel, high power xenon headlamps, cooled/heated seats, leather seating, chrome wheels, power seats, sun roof, navigation system and Magnetic Ride control system.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Sedan | Base Price: $46,680.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 18 gallons (68 liters) | MPG: 15 city / 23 hwy |
| Length: 207.6 in. (527 cm) | Width: 74.8 in. (190 cm) |
| Height: 57.6 in. (146 cm) | Wheel Base: 115.6 in. (293 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 4009 lbs (1818 kg) | Max Towing Capacity: 1000 lbs (453.6 kgs) |
| Luggage Capacity: 18.8 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 32-Valve DOHC V8 | Displacement: 4.6 liters |
| Horsepower: 275 HP | Max RPM: 6000 RPM |
| Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic |
| Option:DTS Luxury | MSRP: $51,925; MPG: 15 city / 23 hwy |
| Option:DTS Premium | MSRP: $54,825; MPG: 15 city / 23 hwy |
| Option:DTS Platinum | MSRP: $59,875; MPG: 15 city / 23 hwy |
Performance
The 2011 DTS is available in 4 trims ranging from the V8, Luxury to the Platinum. The Base, Luxury and Premium are powered by a 4.6 liter V8 engine outputting a maximum power of 295 pound feet of torque and 275 horsepower. It has a fuel economy of 15-mpg in the city and 23-mg on the highway. The Platinum is powered by an engine that can produce 288 pound feet of torque and 292 horsepower. Fuel economy can achieve 15-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. Both engines are equipped with four-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive system.
Exterior & Interior
The DTS styling is linear and straightforward with a 207.6 inches long body. It offers an egg crate grille, has a sizable Cadillac crest and fresh-end sheet metal, standard xenon headlights, a standard 17-inch wheels. Addition feature for the 18-inch wheel is the sun roof. The DTS comes in Vanilla Latte and Tuscan Bronze Chrome flair exterior colors.
The DTS features one of the uniquely designed interiors which leads in its class. With a luxurious cabin that offers ample amount of headroom and legroom for both driver and passengers. It features a dual-zone climate control, leather appointed seats, auto-dimming mirror. The audio system features an eight-speaker CD/MP3 audio system with XM Radio. It also features a standard remote start system. The Luxury trim is upgraded with a wood trim, a touch screen navigating system optional blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning system. The DTS’s maximum cargo capacity behind rear seats is 19 cubic feet.
Safety & Reliability
The DTS earned a five-star rating for driver and a four-star rating for passenger in frontal impacts in government testing while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the DTS the highest rating for both side impact and frontal offset crash protection. The DTS includes the feature of standard front, front side and side head-curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes and an automatic crash response system.
The 2011 DTS received a high score for Predicted Reliability rating provided by the J.D. Power. This is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data basing on the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS).
The Competition
Despite its unique features, the 2011 Cadillac DTS falls short on its competition like the Infiniti M (MSRP $47,700; 18 city / 26 hwy) and the Mercedes Benz E-Class (MSRP $49,400; 17 city / 24 hwy) which offer more luxurious interior accommodations, fresher exterior designs and earning top safety scores.
The prices of these three are nearly identical, which is not an issue. Another car to compare with the DTS is the Lincoln MKS (MSRP $41,500; 17 city / 24 hwy) but DTS cannot match its athletic and high tech interior features. Adding to that, the MKS has less fuel economy than the DTS. Pricewise, the MKS is much cheaper than the DTS.
Here are the Pros and Cons on the 2011 Cadillac DTS:
Pros:
- Bigger interior and trunk space
- High-end luxury features
- Competitive base price
- Cushy ride with capable braking
Cons:
- Lacks in advance safety features compared to its competitors
- Low fuel economy
- Poor turning radius
- Mediocre handling
- Parking problems
Overall Rating
74 out of 100
What others say:
“Base versions have a well-cushioned, emotionless ride quality, while the more plush versions with Magnetic Ride Control have measurably better steering and ride response.”Car Connection
“Clear gauges are easy to read. Minor controls are mostly handy, but some switch icons are not obvious and others are too small and hard to read in daylight. Refreshingly, the climate controls are independent of the optional navigation system, which absorbs but doesn’t complicate audio functions.”Consumer Guide
“The ride is quiet and comfortable, but handling is clumsy.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“Roomy and quiet interior; cushy ride; huge trunk. Unimpressive performance and handling; difficult to park; subpar interior materials.”Edmunds
“If you desire the Cadillac brand, but you want your car to have a modicum of road feel (not to mention youth-oriented styling), you might want to shoot for the STS Sedan or even the SRX CUV.”KBB
