The fact the Cadillac is focused on at least matching the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW is a good sign. Truthfully, there is no reason they can't achieve as good or better quality. Unfortunately for now, my experience in the CTS mirrors Mr. Lutz's. While the exterior design wows me and fit and finish of body panels impresses, the interior leaves me cold. Not only is the hard plastic covering the doors, dash and console unpleasant to touch, the overall interior design looks like it's trying too hard. The center console, shaped like a computer tower and incorporating cassette and CD slots that mirror 3½ and ancient 5¼ inch floppy drives respectively, uses orange-colored LED readouts that remind me of old-tech monochromatic computer screens delivering complicated DOS code - something I'd rather not think about. However, the integrated driver information screen is useful, but probably not as much as the large-as-life color screen on navigation system equipped U.S. models - that incidentally looks much better.

Whatever you think of the interior design, the CTS is very well equipped. Its 8-way power adjustable driver's seat is wonderfully comfortable, with firm lower and backside cushions plus good lateral support. The programmable steering wheel buttons actuate the traction control, phone, fan speed, as well as set cruise and audio parameters. The 212-watt audio system itself consists of 8 Bose speakers, a cassette deck and in-dash 6-CD changer. The standard equipment list is much too long to reiterate and would come at the expense of sounding like a brochure, so I'll leave you with the knowledge that few items have been excluded.

Those that have can be found in the Luxury package, including the same 8-way power adjustable seat for the front passenger, as well as a memory package with key fob activation, audible theft-deterrent system, compass, and wood accents on the steering wheel, door trim and shift knob. Stand alone features such as Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps and a power tilt/slide sunroof can also be added.