Cadillac DTS specifications and photos
The 2005 Cadillac DTS is a full-size, front-wheel-drive luxury sedan that debuted as the direct successor to the long-running DeVille. It brings updated styling and a modernized interior to the brand's traditional flagship formula.
Cadillac DTS at a glance
Quick model context before comparing photos and trim-level specifications.
Introduced in 2005 following a premiere at the Chicago Auto Show, the Cadillac DTS took over the mantle from the DeVille, a model that had accounted for half of all Cadillac sales over a 19-year run. The DTS updates that successful formula with sharper, more architectural exterior lines while retaining classic brand elements. Positioned as a large, traditional luxury sedan, it caters to buyers looking for a spacious cabin, soft-touch materials, and strong V8 performance. The car prioritizes comfort and straightforward luxury, maintaining a front-wheel-drive layout rather than adopting the rear-wheel-drive platforms of its smaller siblings.
- Power: 279 hp
- Engine displacement: 4565 cc
- Transmissions: 4-speed automatic
- Seating: 5 seats
Photos, trims and specifications for Cadillac DTS
This model page brings gallery images, trim comparison, and detailed technical data together for the 2005 generation.
Estimate fuel cost
Use trim-level fuel consumption data to estimate monthly and yearly fuel spending.
Fuel costs are estimates. Real consumption can change with driving style, traffic, tires, weather, load, and market-specific equipment.
Cadillac DTS overview
Editorial context for design, cabin, performance, practicality, and buyer notes.
Design
The exterior of the DTS features structured, graphic lines compared to its predecessor. Classic Cadillac styling cues remain prominent, including the signature egg-crate grille, vertical headlamp and taillamp clusters, and a slightly raised, sculpted hood formed by two ascending planes. The sedan comes equipped with xenon headlights and LED taillights as standard equipment. Its large footprint, measuring 5,273 mm in length and 1,900 mm in width, gives it a substantial presence on the road.
Interior
Inside, the DTS offers a spacious traditional luxury environment characterized by clean, sculptured panels and natural materials. The dashboard was repositioned slightly forward and lower to enhance the feeling of roominess for the front occupants. Cabin details include soft-molded polyurethane surfaces, a central analog clock, and optional burl wood trim. Available comfort features are extensive, ranging from heated and ventilated seats to a heated steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, and a six-disc CD/MP3 audio system.
Performance
Power comes from a 4.6-liter V8 engine (code LD8), delivering 279 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. This engine is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission sourced from General Motors, driving the front wheels. The DTS can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds, with a top speed limited to 180 km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 15.7 liters per 100 km in city driving and 10.7 liters on the highway.
Practicality
As a full-size vehicle, the DTS excels in everyday passenger comfort. The 2,936 mm wheelbase provides generous legroom for all five occupants. The trunk offers a substantial 532 liters of cargo capacity, making it well-suited for long trips or airport runs. With a ground clearance of 135 mm, the suspension and undercarriage are geared strictly toward paved road driving.
Safety and tech
The DTS incorporates several notable safety and driver-assistance features for its era. It includes six airbags as standard, featuring an advanced dual-depth front passenger airbag that deploys at varying levels depending on crash severity, passenger position, and seatbelt usage. Other available technology includes rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, and both front and rear parking sensors to aid in maneuvering the large vehicle.
Buyer notes
When reviewing a 2005 Cadillac DTS, buyers should note which optional equipment is fitted, as desirable features like ventilated seats and burl wood trim were not standard on all trims. Running costs should be factored in, as the 4.6-liter V8 engine will consume more fuel, particularly in urban environments. The four-speed automatic transmission is a proven, if older, design compared to rivals of the same era.
Trims and key specifications
Use this table to compare the main differences between available configurations.
| Trim / modification | Engine | Power | Seats | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6-speed automatic | 4565 cc | 279 hp | 5 | 4-speed automatic |
| 4.6i (279 hp) 4-speed automatic | 4565 cc | 279 hp | 5 | 4-speed automatic |
Specifications can vary by market, model year, and equipment package. Use the trim sections below to review the full data for each configuration.
Cadillac DTS photo gallery
13 images are collected here with the main specifications and trim data for this model.
Photo Cadillac DTS
Specifications by trim
Choose a configuration below to open full technical data grouped by category.
4.6-speed automatic 34 specifications
Specifications
Performance and consumption
| Fuel consumption city, L/100 km | 15.7 |
|---|---|
| Fuel consumption highway, L/100 km | 10.7 |
| Fuel consumption combined, L/100 km | 12.7 |
| Top speed, km/h | 180 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s | 7.1 |
Engine
| Engine | 4.6i |
|---|---|
| Engine code | LD8 |
| Engine type | Internal combustion engine |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Engine displacement, cc | 4565 |
| Cylinder layout | V-type |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Valves | 32 |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Power, hp | 279 |
| RPM at max power | 6000 |
| Torque, Nm | 400 |
| RPM at max torque | 4400 |
Dimensions
| Seats | 5 |
|---|---|
| Length, mm | 5273 |
| Width, mm | 1900 |
| Height, mm | 1463 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2936 |
| Front track, mm | 1588 |
| Rear track, mm | 1567 |
| Ground clearance, mm | 135 |
| Trunk capacity, L | 532 |
Transmission and drive
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
|---|---|
| Transmission type | automatic |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission manufacturer | GM |
| Automatic transmission | + |
| Transmission country | USA |
4.6i (279 hp) 4-speed automatic 34 specifications
Specifications
Performance and consumption
| Fuel consumption city, L/100 km | 15.7 |
|---|---|
| Fuel consumption highway, L/100 km | 10.7 |
| Fuel consumption combined, L/100 km | 12.7 |
| Top speed, km/h | 180 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s | 7.1 |
Engine
| Engine | 4.6i |
|---|---|
| Engine code | LD8 |
| Engine type | Internal combustion engine |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Engine displacement, cc | 4565 |
| Cylinder layout | V-type |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Valves | 32 |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Power, hp | 279 |
| RPM at max power | 6000 |
| Torque, Nm | 400 |
| RPM at max torque | 4400 |
Dimensions
| Seats | 5 |
|---|---|
| Length, mm | 5273 |
| Width, mm | 1900 |
| Height, mm | 1463 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2936 |
| Front track, mm | 1588 |
| Rear track, mm | 1567 |
| Ground clearance, mm | 135 |
| Trunk capacity, L | 532 |
Transmission and drive
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
|---|---|
| Transmission type | automatic |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission manufacturer | GM |
| Automatic transmission | + |
| Transmission country | USA |
Cadillac DTS questions
Short answers based on the specifications and photos available in this catalog.
What engine is in the 2005 Cadillac DTS?
The 2005 DTS is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 279 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque.
Did the DTS replace the DeVille?
Yes, the Cadillac DTS was introduced in 2005 as the direct replacement for the Cadillac DeVille.
Is the Cadillac DTS front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive?
The Cadillac DTS is a front-wheel-drive sedan, continuing the layout of its predecessor.
How big is the trunk on the DTS?
The trunk capacity is quite large, offering 532 liters of cargo space.
What kind of transmission does it use?
It uses a four-speed automatic transmission manufactured by General Motors.