2007 Cadillac Platinum Series Preview

Cadillac Platinum Series – 2007 Preview: Applied to the Cadillac DTS, STS, and XLR, a “Platinum” badge signifies new limited-edition models with extra chrome, real wood trim for the interior, upgraded leather upholstery, and other touches designed to lend their cabins a hand-crafted appearance.

Why they matter

Cadillac’s press release for the Platinum Series blathers on about how these three vehicles extend the brand’s credentials into the elite-level luxury arena, holding them up as examples of the luxury automaker’s return to hand-crafted interiors “executed by craftsmen who cut, wrap and sew cabin components individually.” This matters because Cadillac’s interior quality has been one shortcoming that has held it back from competing head-to-head with the best from Europe and Japan.

Cadillac DTS Platinum

Without looking at the Platinum badge on the decklid, it might be hard to distinguish the DTS version of these special Cadillacs. Other giveaways are 18-inch wheels, an extra-chrome grille, chrome door handle inserts, and Glacier Gold paint. Inside, it’s clear this Caddy is king with real olive ash wood, rich Tuscany leather, a suede headliner and visors, and hand-cut and -sewn leather on the dashboard, console, and door panels. The Cadillac DTS Platinum goes on sale in August of 2007.

Cadillac STS Platinum

Like the DTS Platinum, the Cadillac STS Platinum is understated on the outside. Chrome 18-inch wheels, Ebony paint, chrome door handle trim, and extra brightwork on the grille are the primary identifiers, in addition to the special Platinum badge on the back. Inside, the STS Platinum receives the leather-upholstered dash, door panel and center console treatment of its performance oriented V-Series sibling. Tuscany leather, added chrome accents, olive ash burl wood trim, and premium floor mats deliver an upscale cabin environment. Cadillac will offer the STS Platinum with a choice between V6 and V8 engines when it goes on sale in the first quarter of 2007.

Cadillac XLR Platinum

It’s easy to spot the Cadillac XLR Platinum, thanks to its Liquid Amethyst paint job. If that’s not a dead giveaway, check out the exclusive 15-spoke chrome wheels and shinier grillework. Inside, the XLR Platinum gets a Cashmere color scheme, with olive ash burl wood, Alcantara suede trim, and leather on the dashboard and door panels. The XLR Platinum goes on sale in the first quarter of 2007.

What Cadillac says

According to Jim Taylor, Cadillac’s general manager, “The Platinum Series is a natural addition to the Cadillac brand, extending the luxury appeal of our products. Platinum also joins the new 2007 SRX and our V-Series cars as examples of Cadillac’s return to hand-crafted interiors, an important addition to the ongoing renaissance of the brand.”

What we think

That purple XLR screams “chick,” but Platinum trim definitely improves the viability of the DTS and STS. One of the hurdles Cadillac has faced when playing in the luxury big leagues has been the quality of its interiors, and the Platinum Series models are a step in the right direction. Now the trick is to apply this philosophy to every Cadillac -- not just the limited production models.

Photos courtesy of Ron Perry and Cadillac