Cadillac DeVille EL12 4.6 i V8 32V DHS (279 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 3.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 4.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Cadillac DeVille:

The Cadillac DeVille is a model name used by Cadillac over eight generations, originally to designate a trim level of the 1949 Cadillac Series 62 and later for a standalone model in the brand range. The last model marketed specifically as a DeVille was the 2005 full-size sedan, at the time, Cadillac's largest model.
For 2006, the DeVille nameplate was retired, when the model line was carried forward as the Cadillac DTS, using a nomenclature adopted by the Cadillac STS and CTS....(Read more on Wikipedia)

EL12 Overview:

Cadillac DeVille (EL12). With 407 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1840 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.6 s). The top speed reaches 180 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Cadillac DeVille EL12 generation was not tested by Euro NCAP. While it featured standard safety equipment for its era, such as ABS, specific crash test ratings from European bodies are unavailable, reflecting its primary market focus.

4.6 i V8 32V DHS (279 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers robust and smooth acceleration, ideal for effortless highway cruising. The 279 Hp Northstar V8 provides ample power for a large luxury sedan.

Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption is typical for a large American V8 of its time, meaning it's quite thirsty, especially in urban environments.

Best Use Case: Highway / Long-distance travel

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional ride comfort and smooth suspension
  • • Spacious and luxurious interior with ample room for passengers
  • • Powerful Northstar V8 engines provide strong acceleration
  • • Classic American luxury styling and presence
  • • Well-suited for long-distance highway cruising

Cons:

  • • Poor fuel economy across all engine variants
  • • Known reliability issues with the Northstar engine (e.g., head gaskets)
  • • Large exterior dimensions can make city driving and parking challenging
  • • Interior technology can feel dated compared to European rivals
  • • Soft suspension limits dynamic handling capabilities

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(DeVille: 1998 - 1999).

General:
Brand:Cadillac
Model:DeVille
Generation:EL12
Modification (Engine):4.6 i V8 32V DHS (279 Hp)
Start of production:1999
End of production:2006
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:279 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:61.1 Hp/l [72mm less]
Torque:407 Nm @ 4000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:Northstar More details about the engine Northstar
Engine displacement:4565
Number of cylinders:8
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:7.1 l
Coolant:11.8 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:93 mm mm
Piston Stroke:84 mm mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:13.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:10.7 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:7.6 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:7.6 sec
Maximum speed:180 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:6.6 kg/Hp, 151.6 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4.5 kg/Nm, 221.2 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:7.2 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1840
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:495 l
Fuel tank capacity:70 l
Size:
Length:5258 mm mm [72mm less]
Width:1890 mm mm [50mm less]
Height:1440 mm mm [20mm more]
Wheelbase:2929 mm mm [39mm more]
Front track:1592 mm
Rear (Back) track:1580 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size225/60 R16
Wheel rims size7J x 16
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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