2006 Cadillac DTS Expressive new models replace the DeVille. By Greg N. Brown, New Car Test Drive .com

This might not be the Cadillac for rockers who load up their iPods with Led Zeppelin, but neither is the new DTS meant for the folks who spend Sunday evenings watching Lawrence Welk reruns.

Its restrained styling, front-drive platform and mild-mannered V8s suggest the DTS is the most traditional of today's Cadillac, but it's also full of modern technology and electronic goodies. Unlike many high-end luxury cars these days, there's no need to study an encyclopedic owner's manual to make the DTS do its job, which is to provide faultless motoring. This is a rational luxury car, aimed at buyers who place affordable and user-friendly alongside large and luxurious on their automotive wish lists.

Formerly wearing the DeVille nameplate, Cadillac's full-size luxury sedan sports a new badge, fresh body lines, a redesigned interior, upgraded running gear and suspension refinements. It is offered in a single model, with a single interior, but with a number of option packages (including a front bench seat), and two levels of Northstar V8 power for a wide range of personalization.

However outfitted, the DTS continues the Cadillac legacy of impeccable road manners and a warm, spacious interior. Yet with its improved chassis, suspension and larger running gear, the new Cadillac DTS also offers crisp handling and improved grip for another layer of driving enjoyment that we welcome.

The 2006 Cadillac DTS ($41,990) is offered with two versions of the Northstar 4.6-liter V8, both sending power to the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. It comes standard with a 275-horsepower V8 engine, tuned for quicker acceleration and greater peak torque than last year's version. An optional 291-horsepower V8 sports higher revs and more peak horsepower.

DTS equipment lists begin with the Luxury I package, which includes six air bags, including an industry-first dual depth front passenger air bag, front bucket seats (with the standard five-passenger seating), eight-way power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support, three-zone automatic climate control, OnStar with one-year Directions & Connections Service, adaptive remote start, Magnasteer (a magnetic variable assist rack-and-pinion steering system), 17-inch wheels and tires, xenon HID headlamps, and laminated side glass. Audio is supplied by an in-dash CD changer and MP3-capable stereo. The windshield wiper fluid is heated.

Equipped with the Luxury II package, the DTS ($44,490) adds XM Satellite Radio, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, StabiliTrak with Brake Assist, heated steering wheel, heated windshield washer fluid system, and ultrasonic front and rear Park Assist.

The Luxury III package ($48,490) adds burled walnut wood interior trim, power lumbar control and massaging seats for front passengers, IntelliBeam headlamps, Bose premium audio system with Centerpoint signaling, six-disc in-dash CD/MP3 player, rain-sensing windshield wipers and 17-inch chrome wheels.

The Performance package ($50,490) includes the Northstar 4.6-liter V8 L37 engine with 291 horsepower, Magnetic Ride Control, 18-inch wheels and tires and performance algorithm shifting.

Options include adaptive cruise control, a DVD-based navigation system, a front bench seat, DTS-exclusive Tehama leather upholstery, a power rear sunshade, a body color grille, and a power tilt/slide sunroof.