Cadillac SRX as good as Q5?

[member12]

Awesome. Let's hope the Lambda based Escalade can embarrass a Q7.

[mkwelbornjr]

Not sure what the big deal is here...the Q5, Lexus RX, BMW, all have vinyl pieces on the non seating surfaces. They all use plastic...and the Lexus even has some pieces that squeek when you push on them. The Lexus and Q5 are every bit as FWD as the SRX is.

[MrMax]

MGESCURO isn't really saying he hates FWD vehicles, nor is he bashing Audi. He's bashing Cadillac for spending billions of dollars to establish a new RWD luxury performance identity, and then running back to FWD vehicles once the job was done.

The only reason I don't hate this car is the CTS wagon exists, which I think will serve well to cover both sides of the luxury performance equation. But knowing that more FWD vehicles are to come, and that the 'flagship' is probably going to be on Epsilon II, makes me sick to my stomach.

For all the FWD vehicles they have, at least Acura and Audi have identities. As long as Cadillac lacks one, they'll be chasing the competition.

Had they continued down the path of all RWD/AWD platforms, Sigma, Zeta, etc, they would be on their way to unquestionable excellence. Unfortunately, due to the economy, GM has another excuse to change their minds yet again. And that's no way to establish yourself as the Standard of the World.

[MrMax]

What's more, for those who want to say 'Well... Lexus has FWD cars'... Who the hell on this site wants a Lexus? Stop using that as a crutch!

[GMFAN85]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

Did you people actually READ the article?? It focused on power, power, and more power. There was a side note about having a more flashy interior.

You think SRX will succeed just because it's got better horsepower?
What about SRX's lack of full leather seats?
Louder than average engine?
What is supposed to be in a luxury car? Refinement, luxury, technology. SRX has 1 of 3.

SRX is yet another example of Cadillac putting out vehicles that are simply NOT GOOD ENOUGH.

You clearly didn't read the article thoroughly enough. You're just skimming through it and finding bits of information that support your lame argument. Here are few things to point out to you.

1) This is a pre-production model that they were testing. They even said it in the article. They always have a few kinks to work out. You know this.

2) This is the base model (not the turbo V-6) so it's obviously not loaded with leather. ( a point which will obviously upset you)

3) You haven't even driven the car let alone been in one, you have no clue as to what you're talking about. You have no argument. It's like saying New York City stinks because you don't like the look of it in photos that you've seen but have never actually been there. It's an ignorant and immature way to make an opinion.

You hate every new product GM has come out with.. great! Good for you. Keep hating.. I don't care anymore. Stop thinking that you're going to change everybody's mind. Nobody thinks you're right. You have proven that you don't know what you're talking about. Save yourself the effort and just leave. We'll feel better and more importantly, you'll feel better not having to argue all the time.

[tbirderic]

Originally Posted by MrMax

MGESCURO isn't really saying he hates FWD vehicles, nor is he bashing Audi. He's bashing Cadillac for spending billions of dollars to establish a new RWD luxury performance identity, and then running back to FWD vehicles once the job was done.

The only reason I don't hate this car is the CTS wagon exists, which I think will serve well to cover both sides of the luxury performance equation. But knowing that more FWD vehicles are to come, and that the 'flagship' is probably going to be on Epsilon II, makes me sick to my stomach.

For all the FWD vehicles they have, at least Acura and Audi have identities. As long as Cadillac lacks one, they'll be chasing the competition.

Had they continued down the path of all RWD/AWD platforms, Sigma, Zeta, etc, they would be on their way to unquestionable excellence. Unfortunately, due to the economy, GM has another excuse to change their minds yet again. And that's no way to establish yourself as the Standard of the World.

That's pretty much the way I feel. Build a cohesive identity, stick with it, and create products that serve that ideal. Cadillac can't be the Standard of the World when it's constantly reacting to what the rest of the world is doing.

[Rngr07]

I dislike the new SRX for the very reason I think Mgescuro dislikes it. Cadillac was being pushed by GM as a competitor to BMW and Mercedes. Now with the new SRX they are gunning for Lexus and Audi. While there is some overlap of these brands they do have different buyers with different wants and needs. In my opinion if Cadillac is going after Lexus now then why was Buick kept because if GM continues on this path then they are once agin going to be spending valuable time and money on competing with themselves.

[GM_Guy81]

Originally Posted by Taglane

whew. just got finished screen-capping. I gather no one wants to see the Volvo XC-whatever it was, because it lost lol. Just click on each thumbnail.

How do you figure the Volvo lost? They didn't rank them and they had generally very positive things to say about all three. After reading the whole article I think they were probably most complimentary towards the Volvo.

[igotzzoom]

Originally Posted by b4z

Caddy does need to do something about their louder than average engines. i was shocked at how loud the last DTS rental car was on hard acceleration. Tons of induction roar.

I agree. While a throaty engine might be appropriate on the V-series models, for the base-model versions, Cadillac needs to tone it down a little. The marketing spin I've heard on this is that it makes their vehicles seem more "sporty," but I think when you're shelling out the levels of money Cadillac customers are, it comes across more as "crude."

[Ambalanche]

I too hate that Cadillac is going FWD however, if FWD is the future, the vehicles need to be dynamic such as the Converj. That is the first FWD design recently I would desire to own on looks alone. I do hope the SRX is a winner as the early reviews are saying, but It's not something I aspire to own and that is Cadillac's mission, to provide a "halo" to Chevy and Buick and ok, GMC, so that there is a trickle down effect to the other divisions. Unfortunately, with all the negative press GM has had, and the fact that the Government basically owns GM now, the car may not even get a second look because people are so upset about their money being used this way. Time will tell...

[gagt02]

in the pictures... the Q5 exterior makes the SRX exterior look cheap.

[zete]

Although I understand where mgescuro is coming from, you can actually be "bifurcated" -- love that word -- and still matter. You just have to show two different viewpoints, targeting a specific demographic for each bifurcation.

Thus, you can have sedans and wagons on a RWD/AWD platform that targets those interested in a specific style of comfort and performance while the crossovers are FWD/AWD for those who want the badge but are more interested in a comfortable people mover.

Of course, Cadillac has the issue that there's Buick sitting next door with a similar offering. This is a serious problem, but can be addressed via technology.

Most people barely comprehend what class a car is in, let alone the platform particulars. Thus, if you can make it look different and feel different people will believe it is different.

But I do agree that Cadillac needs a particular vision.

Buick is closer to a unified vision, especially once the Buick 5-seat crossover arrives and the Regal.

Cadillac needs to go upscale quickly. And to do that they should quickly focus on long range, electric uber-machines. Total differentiators. This attempting to be BMW or Mercedes or Audi should stop. And the reason is needs to stop is that a customer would buy a Cadillac because it's the most advanced automobile in the world. That's what it historically was. That's why it was called the Standard of the World. To attain that now, make Cadillac Voltec powered across the board. As to what underpins these types of Cadillac? No one but us gearheads will care since everyone else will call them the true Standard of the World.

[MrMax]

Originally Posted by zete

Although I understand where mgescuro is coming from, you can actually be "bifurcated" -- love that word -- and still matter. You just have to show two different viewpoints, targeting a specific demographic for each bifurcation.

Thus, you can have sedans and wagons on a RWD/AWD platform that targets those interested in a specific style of comfort and performance while the crossovers are FWD/AWD for those who want the badge but are more interested in a comfortable people mover.

Of course, Cadillac has the issue that there's Buick sitting next door with a similar offering. This is a serious problem, but can be addressed via technology.

Most people barely comprehend what class a car is in, let alone the platform particulars. Thus, if you can make it look different and feel different people will believe it is different.

But I do agree that Cadillac needs a particular vision.

Buick is closer to a unified vision, especially once the Buick 5-seat crossover arrives and the Regal.

Cadillac needs to go upscale quickly. And to do that they should quickly focus on long range, electric uber-machines. Total differentiators. This attempting to be BMW or Mercedes or Audi should stop. And the reason is needs to stop is that a customer would buy a Cadillac because it's the most advanced automobile in the world. That's what it historically was. That's why it was called the Standard of the World. To attain that now, make Cadillac Voltec powered across the board. As to what underpins these types of Cadillac? No one but us gearheads will care since everyone else will call them the true Standard of the World.

Agreed.

FWD isn't the true problem here, its a lack of vision. A lack of cohesion. Cadillac shouldn't offer ANY FWD vehicles as long as Buick exists. Technology be damned, it shouldn't happen. Because no matter what, in the GM hierarchy, at some point the Buick will get the extra content. Who cares if they wait a model year. GM has to get away from this sort of thinking.

Cadillac should fight BMW/Mercedes. Buick should fight Lexus/Acura/Volvo and dare I say Saab.

You can't fight FWD with RWD, I don't care how 'irrelevant' today's engineering has made the difference. RWD and Voltec can make Cadillac the standard.

And for the record, Audi and Lexus get away with FWD because of their segment leading, benchmark worthy interiors. Cadillac interiors are now competitive. They aren't segment leaders.

[hummerseller85]

Originally Posted by GMFAN85

You clearly didn't read the article thoroughly enough. You're just skimming through it and finding bits of information that support your lame argument. Here are few things to point out to you.

1) This is a pre-production model that they were testing. They even said it in the article. They always have a few kinks to work out. You know this.

2) This is the base model (not the turbo V-6) so it's obviously not loaded with leather. ( a point which will obviously upset you)

3) You haven't even driven the car let alone been in one, you have no clue as to what you're talking about. You have no argument. It's like saying New York City stinks because you don't like the look of it in photos that you've seen but have never actually been there. It's an ignorant and immature way to make an opinion.

You hate every new product GM has come out with.. great! Good for you. Keep hating.. I don't care anymore. Stop thinking that you're going to change everybody's mind. Nobody thinks you're right. You have proven that you don't know what you're talking about. Save yourself the effort and just leave. We'll feel better and more importantly, you'll feel better not having to argue all the time.

I agree with the above wholeheartedly.

I work at a large Cadillac dealership and Ive read these forums for years and have always stayed away from posting to avoid immature arguements like this, unfortunately I couldnt resist this one.

Lexus is the segment leader with the RX350, Audi has the Q5, Acura the RDX and MDX, Volvo the XC60 and XC90, Mercedes the GLK350, BMW the X3, and Infiniti the EX35. If you look at the sales numbers the Lexus Dominates and all of the RWD CUV's have had more dismal sales numbers than expected Sigma SRX included (at lease initially- even BMW had to quickly up the equipment level and redesign the suspension of the X3).

Buyers in this segment care about comfort, quality, luxury, features per dollar and technology. They care less about performance and more about overall utility and maneuverability. This is why the RWD performance CUV's traditionally do not do aswell as the FWD/AWD CUV's and GM IS making the correct move taking on the RX head on! Lexus has established luxury dominance and cache in multiple segments both in performance IS/GS and BORING with the ES, LS by going after the segment leaders for each respective vehicle line. Why is it wrong for GM to do the same.

What is best about the new SRX is that from the reviews (and this is KEY- nobody on these forum's has driven the vehicle themselves and has NO RIGHT to deem the vehicle a failure) is that it seems like it will appeal not only to the midsize luxury CUV buyer looking for an RX (boring) but quite possibly to someone looking for more performance (X3 3.0si) with the Haldex AWD and the 300 turbo 2.8 liter V6. We all know how great the Saab 9-3 XWD is and what it is capable of even being FWD based and on Epsilon!

So please please, instead of being a stuck up euro snobs from SF with older Jags, MBZ and a Saab 9-5 in your garage we should all be AMERICAN and support GM. Be excited about the new SRX and hope it sells in volumes and is profitable enough to allow GM to green light Alpha and continue with Sigma for CTS. If Cadillac ends up with a new BLS on Alpha (3series competitor) next gen CTS on Sigma or Alpha (5 series comp) and STS/DTS replacement on on AWD and stretched epsilon II (7 series competitor) for cars and SRX on Theta plus and Escalade on Lambda II then it will finally be allowed to have a full renassiance like it is meant to.

[Quixote88]

Originally Posted by hummerseller85

I agree with the above wholeheartedly.

I work at a large Cadillac dealership and Ive read these forums for years and have always stayed away from posting to avoid immature arguements like this, unfortunately I couldnt resist this one.

Lexus is the segment leader with the RX350, Audi has the Q5, Acura the RDX and MDX, Volvo the XC60 and XC90, Mercedes the GLK350, BMW the X3, and Infiniti the EX35. If you look at the sales numbers the Lexus Dominates and all of the RWD CUV's have had more dismal sales numbers than expected Sigma SRX included (at lease initially- even BMW had to quickly up the equipment level and redesign the suspension of the X3).

Buyers in this segment care about comfort, quality, luxury, features per dollar and technology. They care less about performance and more about overall utility and maneuverability. This is why the RWD performance CUV's traditionally do not do aswell as the FWD/AWD CUV's and GM IS making the correct move taking on the RX head on! Lexus has established luxury dominance and cache in multiple segments both in performance IS/GS and BORING with the ES, LS by going after the segment leaders for each respective vehicle line. Why is it wrong for GM to do the same.

What is best about the new SRX is that from the reviews (and this is KEY- nobody on these forum's has driven the vehicle themselves and has NO RIGHT to deem the vehicle a failure) is that it seems like it will appeal not only to the midsize luxury CUV buyer looking for an RX (boring) but quite possibly to someone looking for more performance (X3 3.0si) with the Haldex AWD and the 300 turbo 2.8 liter V6. We all know how great the Saab 9-3 XWD is and what it is capable of even being FWD based and on Epsilon!

So please please, instead of being a stuck up euro snobs from SF with older Jags, MBZ and a Saab 9-5 in your garage we should all be AMERICAN and support GM. Be excited about the new SRX and hope it sells in volumes and is profitable enough to allow GM to green light Alpha and continue with Sigma for CTS. If Cadillac ends up with a new BLS on Alpha (3series competitor) next gen CTS on Sigma or Alpha (5 series comp) and STS/DTS replacement on on AWD and stretched epsilon II (7 series competitor) for cars and SRX on Theta plus and Escalade on Lambda II then it will finally be allowed to have a full renassiance like it is meant to.

Good post. Very similar to what I've said in a few threads on this site. Let me add that though Buick and Cadillac will overlap from time to time, Buick cannot yet launch a CUV at this pricepoint. The SRX launches at just under the base MSRP of the Enclave. There's no way Buick could justify that yet. Their reputation isn't strong enough. Besides, we all know the SRX will have a base MSRP that's closer to $37k soon enough(And Buick definitely cannot do that yet)... Just like the other high profile launch MSRP's from GM; Solstice/Sky, G8 etc.... Which all jumped considerably after the first 6 months of being on the market.