Rather than rely on someone else's methodology for success, Cadillac is using their own judgment and forging their own path. Which is not to say they are attempting to re-live the glories of the past -- aside from the wreath-and-crest logo and fancy script nameplate, modern Cadillacs have nothing in common with the gasoline-swilling La-Z-Boys the division used to produce.
Today's SRX is a modern, sharp-looking five-seat luxury crossover. I am in love with the styling -- the bold lines and sharp creases of Cadillac's "Art and Science" design theme are overlaid on a modern airfoil-like profile, with a slight bulge to the nose and big wheels (18" standard, 20" optional) that give it a futuristic concept-car look. Out back, the tall vertical taillights proudly recall classic Caddies of the 1960s and 70s, a parting reminder of Cadillac's heritage as the Standard of the World. Most bold designs are bound to alienate some percentage of the population, but I don't see how anyone could find fault with the SRX's styling.
Nor do I see how anyone could find fault with the price. The 2012 SRX starts at $36,060 (including $875 destination fee), about what you'd pay for a nicely-equipped Toyota Highlander. For that price you get power everything, faux-leather upholstery, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and an 8-speaker Bose stereo, plus four years or 50,000 miles of free maintenance. Pile on every available option -- all-wheel-drive, real leather, chrome wheels, twin-screen DVD player, rear-seat climate control, and more -- and the SRX tops out just over $53,000, which is only about three grand more than a base-model Mercedes-Benz ML350.
