[7] The DTS was a very mildly revised iteration of the eighth-generation Deville, using the brand's new naming convention, set by the CTS and STS.

Writing for the Los Angeles Times, noted reviewer Warren Brown called the DTS "a large, exceptionally comfortable front-wheel-drive luxury sedan."

The DTS used GM's G-platform,[1] as denoted by the 4th letter in the VIN), and was powered by a transverse[9] 32V Northstar V8, which produced 275 bhp (205 kW) in "Standard", "Luxury" and "Premium" trims.

Optional equipment included heated and cooled front seats and a heated rear seat, rain-sensing wipers, Bose audio system, DVD navigation, automatic dimming headlights, adaptive cruise control and Magnetic Ride Control suspension.

[14] Early DTS-L Cadillacs are easily recognized by the wider rear C-pillar, similar to the one used on the older Fleetwood 75 Series.

[23] Prior to bankruptcy, GM had considered a rear-drive sedan, powered by the new Ultra V8 engine (replacement for the Northstar), to bow for 2010.

[24] GM later stopped development of new North American Zeta-based models and canceled the Ultra V8 engine.