The new-generation Fleetwood/DeVille was, in Cadillac's words, "engineered from the ground up, to make more efficient use of space." That meant a new body, new chassis, new suspension, and new engine, in an integrated design. Trunk space grew larger. DeVilles gave more rear leg/headroom. Broughams (below) were just as spacious as before. DeVilles (and Fleetwoods) wore a new horizontal crosshatch grille with four horizontal and nine vertical divider bars, peaking forward at the center, topped by a "Cadillac" script nameplate at the side of the wide upper bar. The grille pattern of wide holes was repeated down at the bumper, between the license plate and bumper guards. Small vertical parking/signal lamps just outside the grille, quad rectangular headlamps reaching all the way out to fender edges, and large cornering lenses at the side, were all the same height as the grille. That combination gave the whole front end a wide, uniform appearance that flowed into the bodysides. All that was topped off by a stand-up crest hood ornament. In sum, it carried on the traditional Cadillac look. Bodies had full rear wheel openings and vertical taillamps. New bumpers had dual rubber strip protective inserts.

The new instrument panel had a "central control area" that allowed both driver and passenger to reach air conditioning, radio, and accessory controls. Options included wire wheel discs, opera lamps, and accent stripes. Standard DeVille/Fleetwood equipment included

• wide-whitewall steel-belted radial tires
• variable-radio power steering (fixed ratios on limos)
• cornering lights
• lamp monitors
• power windows and door locks
• Soft Ray tinted glass
• three-speed wiper/washers
• Freedom battery
• digital clock
• color-keyed litter container
• six-way power driver's seat
• center armrests
• visor vanity mirror
• turbo Hydra-matic transmission

Automatic climate control was redesigned so it operated only when necessary. Aberdeen cloth upholstery came in light yellow-gold, dark blue, medium saffron, and claret. Ribbed Dynasty cloth came in six colors (including claret). Eleven other interior choices featured leather (including white). The standard AM/FM radio included an automatic power antenna. The DeVille d'Elegance special edition added pillow-style 50/50 Dual Comfort seats in Medici crushed velour cloth in claret, medium saffron, dark blue, or light buckskin color). Upper door pads, inserts in door pull straps, and front seatback assist straps were also Medici cloth. Bodyside moldings held vinyl inserts that matched the body color. The Coupe DeVille Cabriolet roof option came in 13 coordinated colors, with a Cadillac crest on the sail panel and bright roof moldings.