2006 Cadillac DTS

It would be easy to dismiss the new DTS as a New York livery driver's dream. But it's also an update for the car that led Cadillac's renaissance six years ago, when black DTS sedans with darkly tinted windows were briefly a trend among well-heeled baby-boomers posing as characters from "The Sopranos." Now the DTS has been left behind as other Cadillac cars are rear drive again and the trucks are hip-hop video stars.

But there's some innovation in the new DTS. The styling is a solid evolution of Cadillac's edgy look, and GM has done wonders for the interior quality and design, partly because there was no other direction to go. Fit and finish are much improved, with a decent choice of wood tones and just the right amount of flash. But here's much of the elegant new switchgear in the lesser Buick Lucerne, and even in new Chevys. While it's true you'll recognize Mercedes switchgear in Chryslers, it's not so obvious as to put Benz buyers off. And while the Chrysler looks like it's trading up, the shared pieces in the Cadillac make it look like it's trading down.

Dynamically, the DTS is good for a front-drive Caddy. Its Magnetic Ride Control adjustable shocks allow decent handling in the "sport" mode, given how cushy it is in the other setting. On our short handling course, the DTS was neutral and more fun than the smaller Chevy Impala SS. The Northstar engine always has been a good performer, with a distinctive, overhead-cam V-8 growl. But the car's electronic brain doesn't get along with the suspension's "sport" setting, at least when driven the way you'd infer from "sport." A few quick corners on the short course set off the airbag-warning light, which in turn alerted OnStar Emergency to the possibility of an accident. The lesson? Don't spill the boss's coffee in the back seat.