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Luxury SUVs have gained widespread popularity in the United States, thanks in no small part to Cadillac’s most conspicuous display of worldly opulence, the Escalade. The 2006 Escalade is all-new, more decadent than ever, with even more power, more luxury features and bolder styling than any American sport-utility vehicle in history. In addition to providing five-star comfort, it’s goal is to be the ultimate symbol of power and achievement, a mansion on wheels. And in that respect, it succeeds.

The Escalade is offered in three distinct models; the standard Escalade is a full-size sport utility sharing the same architecture (and roughly the same dimensions) as the Chevy Tahoe. The Escalade ESV is the Suburban-sized model, sharing the latter’s architecture. Finally, the Escalade EXT is a sport utility/pickup combination that quickly converts from a pickup with an enclosable eight-foot bed to a five-passenger luxury vehicle, basically, Cadillac’s interpretation of the Chevy Avalanche. All three feature a high-performance, 403-hp 6.2-liter V8 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that includes manual shift control (a rarity in this class). The standard Escalade comes with rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive while the ESV and EXT come only with all-wheel drive. » Read more after the jump →

It took courage to abandon the 57-year-old DeVille nameplate, but that’s exactly what Cadillac did last year while overhauling its biggest and most conservative sedan for 21st Century duty? The DTS designation used to indicate the DeVille Touring Sedan, a sporty version of the old model. DTS now stands for the whole revised and revamped model line. It’s fitting, given today’s DTS is sportier than yesterday’s DeVille. The DTS takes turns with poise and dignity, making it an enjoyable steed when the road goes curvy. Sporting fresh body lines, a redesigned interior, upgraded running gear, and suspension refinements, the current version was launched as a 2006 model. For 2007, it’s offered as a single model, with a single interior, but with a number of packages and two levels of engine power for a wide range of personalization. The DTS is a full-size luxury car and it is, indeed, a big car, riding on a 115.6-inch wheelbase that would have qualified it as full-size car even in the mid-1950s. Its styling is restrained, but it’s stuffed with modern technology and electronic goodies. And unlike many luxury cars these days, there’s no need to study the owner’s manual to make the DTS do its job. This is a rational luxury car, easy to operate in addition to being large and luxurious. The DTS offers impeccable road manners and a warm, spacious interior. Yet the DTS also offers crisp handling and good grip for improved composure and driving enjoyment on winding roads. The 2007 Cadillac DTS is a full-size luxury sedan, powered through its front wheels by Cadillac’s 4.6-liter Northstar V8. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard. The engine develops 275 horsepower, but a higher-revving, 292-hp version is also available. Model Lineup The 2007 Cadillac DTS comes in one trim level with the option of two luxury packages and one performance package. Safety features that come standard on all models include six air bags, including a dual-depth front-passenger air bag. DTS ($41,170) comes with eight-way power front bucket seats with adjustable lumbar support; OnStar with one-year Directions & Connections Service; Adaptive Remote Starting; Magnasteer magnetic variable-assist rack-and-pinion steering; 17-inch chromed wheels, xenon HID headlamps; laminated side glass; and an MP3-capable stereo. XM Satellite Radio is also standard, including three months free service. » Read more after the jump →