The Cadillac SRX 2012 is in the niche of luxury crossover and shares most of its structure with the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. However, the size of the SRX is bigger and its weight is significantly higher than the other two mainly because of its more complete equipment, prestige brand requires. Since the overhaul occurred in 2010, the SRX takes the razor lines, which have become the visual signature of the brand. However, the effect is not as striking with the SRX with the CTS Coupe.

Developed based on the Theta platform, which serves utilities compact or intermediate size at General Motors, the Cadillac SRX 2012 is available traction, but with all-wheel drive, much better suited to our climate. The style is reminiscent of the interior of the body, and the dashboard is both well designed and well finished. Strangely, you feel a sensation a little clinical aboard Cadillac SRX 2012, a sensation similar to what one experiences in the dentist’s waiting room.

A safe road behavior Cadillac SRX 2012

On the road, the Cadillac SRX 2012 is quite pleasant to drive, but not the gallery to show off what’s dynamics. The direction is correct, assistance is dosed and vehicle reactions are always safe and predictable, especially in the case of all-wheel drive models, which not only improves traction on slippery surfaces, but can also transfer some of the torque to the outer rear wheel in order to improve the behavior of the vehicle during cornering.

In addition, the Cadillac SRX 2012 is almost as quiet as the Lexus, which is a feat notorious. In regards to the engine, the automatic transmission shifts gears rather slowly, improve the comfort of history, but it is possible to control in manual mode using the gearshift lever to make gear changes a little faster.

A new engine for Cadillac SRX 2012

In recent years, the Cadillac SRX 2012 has often changed engine, the latter two being a running 3.0-liter V6 with 265 horsepower whose power was pretty fair, considering the weight of the SRX. This had the effect of making certain maneuvers such as overtaking on roads more hazardous. A turbocharged V6 2.8 liter, 300 horsepower developed for the Saab brand was also on the agenda, but even if its power was adequate, the engine did not deliver torque linearly.

Regarding the longer-term future of this model, rumors indicate that Cadillac is currently developing a hybrid version of “pluggable” Cadillac SRX 2012 for the 2013 model year, and this new version may receive an internal combustion engine with four or six cylinders coupled to an electric motor, powered by a battery pack. As it would be a plug-in hybrid, it would be possible to recharge the battery pack at night to enjoy the electric motor and reduce fuel consumption. Story to follow …

Overall, it is clear that the Cadillac SRX 2012 was designed to be measured Lexus RX, and it is a comfortable vehicle, competent and has a certain style. However, it is unfortunate that the weight ratio affects both the dynamic road behavior.

Cadillac SRX 2012 News

Cadillac has slowly been rebuilding its brand to glory, but it has been a long road. For Cadillac, the phoenix that rose from the ashes is without a doubt the successful CTS. The brands greatest triumph since the V-16 Cadillacs of the 1930s is without a shadow of a doubt the CTS-V, an absolute menace to society dressed in a tuxedo. Yet, with all focus on the CTS, Cadillacs larger car family went neglected, and between the DTS and STS, it seemed confusing as to where Cadillac wanted to go with their premier large car. Which made me scratch my head, given that Cadillac has been building luxury cars for over 100 years.

The DTS and STS are now extinct, and the XTS takes their place. The XTS boasts a prominent grille, and the creased styling weve come to expect from Cadillacs Art & Science design mantra. The XTS is easily recognizable as a Cadillac, but there is no hiding the fact the car was engineered as a front wheel drive vehicle, and it looks it. And that can be a tough sell in the luxury car market, where buyers demand looks above all else. The XTS is a handsome car, but being front wheel drive, it cannot pull off the elegance of design its rear wheel drive competitors offer.

Inside, the XTS is a revelation. Step in to the drivers seat, hit the start button and you are greeted with a swirling digital display for not just the infotainment center, but the dashboard itself. Thats right-no needles, the gauges are all computerized. They look fantastic. If youve complained that stepping into a car has stopped having any sense of occasion, step into an XTS. You genuinely feel like you are sitting in the most cutting edge car out there. And thats not always a good thing. Meet CUE, Cadillacs newest infotainment system. Cadillac has forgone buttons to control climate control and other functions. Yes, it is high tech, but as a Gen Xer with an iMac, iPod, iPad and Android phone, the XTSs controls proved to have the highest learning curve of any car I have ever driven in all the years I have reviewed cars. My Grandfather loved Cadillacs, but he would positively hate the XTS for its controls. Which I understand. Cadillac has been desperate to reach out to a younger audience, and shake the old mans car that has dogged them for decades. But the reality is the guy contemplating an XTS will likely be in his 50s at least, not understand how to work Facebook, doesnt know what a tweet is, and think Pandora is about a box. Yes, the XTS is extremely comfortable, build quality and materials are on par for the price paid, but simpler controls would be welcome.

Motivation for the XTS comes in one form only, a 3.6L V-6, rated at 304hp, and paired to a six-speed automatic. Buyers have a choice between front and all-wheel drive. The XTS does a decent job of getting out of its own way, and passing power is perfectly fine. However, I suspect Cadillac buyers will be disappointed at the lack of a V-8 option. As expected, the XTS was stellar as a highway cruiser. Fitted with 20 alloys, the XTS Magnetic Ride Control delivered one of the smoothest rides I can recall in a car sporting wheels that large. Brembo brakes up front instilled confidence, and the XTS was cool as a cucumber when pushed, but few owners are likely to drive this car hard. For its considerable size, the XTS EPA fuel economy numbers are 17/26 MPG city/highway, not bad for a large all wheel drive luxury car.

A base front wheel drive XTS starts at $44, 075USD, and comes well equipped. The XTS is available in four trim levels: Standard, Luxury, Premium, and Platinum. Our test car was the Platinum with all-wheel drive. The standard equipment list is staggering. Bose studio surround sound with 14 speakers, SiriusXM and HD radio, Opus leather interior, real wood trim, power tilt/telescope/heated steering wheel, heated/vented front seats, three-zone auto climate control, head up display and a panoramic moonroof. Of course, there are shades aplenty for privacy. I mentioned before the XTS offers a real sense of occasion when you step in, but even before you get in, while leaving a five star restaurant after dinner, walk up to your XTS, hit the button to unlock the doors, and the illuminated door handles are jaw-dropping sexy. In words, it may sound tacky, but in person, seeing this puts the XTS at the height of class. Our test cars sole option was a gorgeous Crystal Red Tintcoat, which brought the tally to $62,300, including delivery. Thats a far cry from the base XTS price, but with all-wheel drive and every conceivable luxury option as standard equipment, the XTS we sampled did not seem excessively priced for what you get.

Still, the XTS, as fine a car it is, seems conflicted. With Cadillac, you have the well received CTS, and the new rear wheel drive ATS, meant to fight the BMW 3-series. With the XTS we have a front wheel drive, full size luxury car competing in a market segment that practically demands rear wheel drive. Then again, the XTS nearest domestic competitor,the Lincoln MKS, also based on a front-drive platform, which is less expensive and more powerful in Ecoboost form, but seems old next to the XTS. Cadillac may not be after the BMW 5-Series buyer, but their renewed interest in a large car has produced a luxurious, capable car that suffers none of the driving traits of the cars the XTS can trace its roots to.