SRX vs. X5
 

Although I have decided to order a 2010 X6 (which is currently being built in South Carolina), I have driven a 2009 X5 diesel, 2009 X5 3.0 and 2010 Cadillac SRX. No contest. The SRX is simply not in the same league as the X5...at least not for someone who really appreciates a dynamic driving machine. I am sure that Cadillac will snare plenty of potential RX customers away from Lexus, but in no way can it begin to compete with the X5. Of course, I am sure that politics will get in the way, and the car mags will rave about the 2010 SRX. But as someone who used to write for and review products for a high end audio magazine for 12 years (Stereophile), I can tell you that what you read in any enthusiast magazine review may not be as unbiased as one would expect.

Interesting that you post this...I received an invitation to a driving event for the SRX at a high-end outdoor shopping center at the end of the month. They will have an RX, a GLK(why no ML or GL?) and an X5 to compare it to. That should be interesting. I feel sorry for the SRX! Not that it's that bad looking, and Cadillac has made amazing strides, but against the X5? I don't think so.

I'll bet you the X5 they have there for comparison doesn't have the adaptive drive option, the V8, or the diesel!

Your point is well taken. First of all, the MB GLK cannot be seriously considered as a competitor to the others (I almost ordered a GLK until I drove the X5 diesel and 3.0, and of course the X6). Nice vehicle, but it has too many compromises for what appears to be visual effect rather than the BMW philosophy of "form follows function". The SRX is indeed a nice looking vehicle (although the feel of all exterior and interior surfaces and controls are still out of the GM dark ages mentality), but it is NOT a car for someone who will expect it to be able to keep out of its own way, and be safe at high speeds during evasive maneuvers. Detroit still doesn't know how to design a vehicle that is a direct extension of the driver's input (be it good or bad). Still like driving an appliance down the boulevard rather than a true dynamic motor vehicle.

I think it all boils down to the fact of Detroit building vehicles catering to the lowest common denominator of driving abilities and training of the majority of drivers in the US. Most people on our roads really have nowhere near the skill required to operate those vehicles at the speeds that they do everyday. Thus, Detroit continues to put out crap that will appease the masses, and will be loose enough to work in traffic without causing many wrecks by dismally uneducated, arrogant, and plain stupid US drivers.

I joined this forum a couple of days ago.

I recently bought a 2007 x5 with 25k kms, and most of the options.

I am coming from an SRX, and the new CTS.

I solemnly swore to myself to never again purchase any Cadillac for the very least.

While their are trying to compete and are doing a very good job of reaching European luxury brands, they are still lagging in drive train quality, and final fit and finishes.

Its honestly a shame, but after spending 7 years with the Cadillac brand, I can tell you with 100 percent assurance, that it is not even worth considering.

I know BMWs are not perfect, but when your paying 48+ for a car, you expect it at the very least not to have drive train issues and falling interior pieces.

Dont waste your money.

My 2 cents.

Btw, for more info try checking out The Cadillac Owners and Enthusiasts Forum Homepage - 100,000 Members Ive been a member there for many years, just compare our two forums and youll see what I mean.

"I think it all boils down to the fact of Detroit building vehicles catering to the lowest common denominator of driving abilities and training of the majority of drivers in the US. Most people on our roads really have nowhere near the skill required to operate those vehicles at the speeds that they do everyday. Thus, Detroit continues to put out crap that will appease the masses, and will be loose enough to work in traffic without causing many wrecks by dismally uneducated, arrogant, and plain stupid US drivers. "

I thought the post was about the quality of a Cadillac versus a BMW or other marques. Does that mean that when I drive my sons Chevy Impala I suddenly become arrogant, uneducated and plain stupid. What happens to me when I'm in my companies' Honda Accord? am I in between what I assume I must be when I drive my X5, an educated, gracious and intelligent driver? Blanket statements like that above is what gives ***hole BMW drivers a bad rep. Unnecessary and not relevant.

Not the best examples perhaps, as BMW's ae know for automatic transmission problems with less than 100k on them, with some failing at 50k. As for interior pieces failing....

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ty-lately.html

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ebox-trim.html

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...rin-wheel.html

But I have to agree with you that BMW's interior fit and finish is one of the best in the industry. OTOH, the Orange Peel on BMW paint is generally much worse than on American company cars.

They all have problems, a lot of it just seems to be the luck of the draw.


There are pros and cons on both sides, but since I am buying an X5, and not an SRX, I guess I ended up with the same conclusion as you have.

yeah as i said, i was trying to be objective...i know all car companies have problems, but the amount of drive train clunking and vibration i had on both of my cadillacs really turned me off...moreover, the fact that they were not willing to fix it or accept it as NOT normal even did them worse...

It will be interesting to see how the new SRX does vs. the Lexus RX, which is their target. BMW is probably not on most loyal Cadillac owners' radars. A few weeks ago, while I was at my local BMW dealer, I met a couple who had owned Cadillacs for years, but ended up renting a BMW during a recent trip to Europe. They were so impressed with the BMW, that they didn't even consider another Cadillac. Went with an X5.

Perhaps Cadillac could offer trips to GM HQ for deliveries...........get stuck on the tarmac with Northwest Airlines............take your picture with a cardboard Obama ......defensive driving course in downtown Detroit..........priceless