Dayton Daily News

Finding the right balance between luxury and sporty is the charge of the Cadillac STS sedan.

The big brother to the Cadillac CTS debuted in 2005 and mixes a little company old-school tradition with new-age spunk.

There are three engines available in the 2007 STS, and the motors correspond with the three trim levels offered. The V-6 is a 3.6-liter with

254 horsepower and a beginning price of $42,250. The V-8 engine is 4.6 liters with 320 hp and a retail price of $51,810. There is also a supercharged 4.4-liter V-8 known as the STS-V with 469 hp and several other nifty items at a price of $75,010.

The V-6 engine is mated with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The V-8 and supercharged V-8 work with a new 6-speed automatic transmission. Each transmission has manual-shift capability.

Rear-wheel drive is standard. All-wheel drive is available with the V-6 and V-8 engines but not with the supercharged V-8.

We tested an STS with the V-6 engine and all-wheel drive, which is a $1,900 option. We found the V-6 to be able under all circumstances, and our ride impressions were suitable as well. It's a nice package.

There's plenty that comes standard on an STS. Among the better features are dual-zone automatic climate control, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel with radio and climate controls, leather upholstery, 8-way power front seats, heated power mirrors, remote engine starting, fog lights and alloy wheels. The safety equipment is top-notch with front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, rear-obstacle detection system, wiper-activated headlights and traction control.

While the riders up front have all the luxurious space that they can handle, the back seat can actually be a bit tight. Also, while Cadillac sedans used to mean cavernous trunks, the STS is a fooler. There's only 13.8 cubic feet of space in the trunk, although a small passthrough to the back seat offers a slim possibility of carrying longer items.

The primary options on our tester, in addition to the all-wheel drive, was a $3,690 luxury package that included multi-driver memory settings, heated and ventilated front seats with power lumbar, heated rear outboard seats, heated steering wheel, premium interior wood trim, upgraded sound system with 6-disc CD changer, rain-sensing wipers, universal remote, tire pressure monitor and a cargo net. There was also a navigation system that incorporates another sound system upgrade with in-dash 6-disc CD/DVD changer, rear headphone jacks and wireless cell phone link for $2,145. Premium paint (Thunder Gray!) was another $995 and performance 4-wheel antilock brakes was another $395.

With destination charges, the bottom line was $52,120.

Mileage ratings of 18 mpg/city and 27 mpg/highway with the V-6 engine are class comparable, and the V-8 carries figures of 17 mpg/city and 27 mpg/highway. Regular fuel goes into the V-6's gas tank; premium is recommended with the V-8 and required for the supercharged engine.

Cadillac has a fine sedan on the market with the STS. That it comes with three engines that fall into three different price points is a plus for the company and the brand.

David Mikesell is a free-lance automotive reviewer based in Indianapolis. Read this review and others like it at DaytonDailyNews.com/Wheels.