The DeVille and DeVille Concours sedans were joined by a new, upscale sedan called the d'Elegance.

• The Concours was repositioned as a sportier sedan for the performance-minded buyers, while the DeVille and d'Elegance offered luxury and high-luxury, respectively.
• Those two sedans were powered by the 275-horsepower version of the Northstar 4.6 liter V-8 while the Concours again used the 300-horsepower Northstar V-8.
• Both engine versions were again paired with the 4T80-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with viscous converter clutch.
• Key new standard features of the DeVille series included
  • side airbags
  • Magnasteer electromagnetic variable assist power steering (already standard on Concours)
  • a revised seat appearance
  • revamped hood (with more emphasis on the powerdome), front fascia, fenders and rear upper and lower fascia
  • new bodyside molding
  • refinements to both anti-lock brake and traction control systems.
• One of the most notable changes to the 1997 DeVille was in profile, with the rear wheel opening being enlarged and the wheels pulled out 10mm per side. This widened rear track improved the wheel- to-body relationship.
• DeVille and d'Elegance sedans sported a new chrome grille.
• The d'Elegance and Concours sedans featured both a new personalization programmable package and memory package.
• The former included remote function activation, activation verification, auto door lock perimeter lighting and battery storage mode while the latter featured eight-way seat adjustment, outside rearview mirror/lumbar/HVAC settings and radio presets.
• Unique to the d'Elegance was a gold tone exterior ornamentation package and Rainsense windshield wiper system (already standard on Concours) while Concours exclusives were road texture detection, which increased the effectiveness of anti-lock braking and StabiliTrak, an electronic chassis system that helped the driver control the car on slippery surfaces.
• Due to a full center console, the Concours sedan's revised interior now accommodated five passengers, while the DeVille and d'Elegance each carried six.
• Other new DeVille series features included the instrument panel pad, HVAC outlets with chrome finish, and trunk storage dividers.
• Also, new hydraulic shocks offered damping rates higher than the firm setting available with the previous road sensing suspension.
• A new lower control arm design put the unit's main bushing in line with the wheel center, which allowed the bushing to directly absorb cornering loads.
• Front brake discs were enlarged one inch (to 11.9 inches in diameter) over the previous units for additional stopping power.
• The new acoustic headliner and sound-absorbing foam used in the body structure further isolated road and powertrain noise.
• The aforementioned new optional On-Star communication system used on-board electronics in conjunction with global positioning system satellite technology to offer around-the-clock driver security in emergency situations.