Thinking about buying a Cadillac SRX? Compare it to a BMW X5 first!

 

The BMW X5 Overview

In 1999, BMW forever altered the automotive landscape with the launch of the world's first Sports Activity Vehicle® – the now legendary X5. Never before had anyone thought it possible to effectively infuse a vehicle of such size and versatility with the soul and athleticism of an authentic sports sedan.
Now, more than a decade later, no fewer than nine other premium nameplates have their sites set on competing with the X5. Unfortunately for them, the 2011 BMW X5 is the beneficiary of more than 4,000 new parts, all created by BMW designers and engineers to create a vehicle that is unmatched in its ability to blend driving dynamics, responsiveness, and agility with utility, versatility and luxuriousness.
Need proof? As of June 2010, no other competitor listed on this page offers more horsepower, more torque, or a faster 0 – 60 mph time than its direct X5 counterpart. Yet despite the clear power advantage, only one can match the X5's fuel efficiency.
And that's just scratching the surface.


The Cadillac SRX Overview

In 2004, Cadillac entered the premium SUV segment with the 1st generation SRX. Though its styling was criticized heavily for being boxy and bland, it earned high marks for its surprising mix of athleticism, power and versatility.

In 2010, Cadillac completely revamped the SRX, and the wholesale changes are evident throughout. Its RWD set-up has given way to either a FWD or AWD configuration. The chassis has shrunk considerably, resulting in the deletion of 3rd row seating. The available V-8 has been shelved. And the styling has taken on a post-modern flair, with an angular, hard-edged, wedge-shape design that is both sporty and appealing.

While the SRX looks like a chiseled athlete ready for action, the start of competition reveals a player that lacks the heart and hustle of a champion. The standard 3.0-liter direct-inject V-6 is shared by its stable mates – the GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox – and it produces a somewhat feeble 265 horsepower and seriously weak 223 lb-ft. of torque at a whopping 5100 rpm. The result is a 0 – 60 mph time of 8.4 seconds (Car and Driver), making it a full 2 seconds slower than the X5 xDrive35i. An optional 2.8-liter turbo V-6 developed by Saab is also available, providing a much needed boost of 35 horsepower and 72 lb-ft or torque, but it comes at a nearly $4,000 price premium. Then again, that may be money well spent.

The available Haldex AWD system sends 100% of engine power to the front wheels under normal driving. Combined with a 57 / 43 weight balance, this results in understeer when pushed. When necessary, up to 100% of engine power can be re-directed to the rear wheels, and an electronic limited slip differential can direct more of this torque to the rear outside wheel to improve traction when cornering.

The SRX 3.0L V6 is available in four distinct trim levels – Base, Luxury, Performance and Premium. The 2.8L V6 Turbo is only available with the Performance and Premium packaging.



BMW vs. Cadillac 


What's Hot About The BMW X5…

  • First engine in the world to combine turbocharging, Valvetronic and High Precision direct fuel injection
  • Inline 6-cylinder engine delivers smooth, refined power while helping achieve a superior 47.3 / 52.7 weight balance
  • TwinPower Turbo engine produces 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque
  • Broad torque curve supplying maximum power from an incredibly low 1200 rpm
  • 0 – 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, equaling the performance of the 2010 X5 xDrive48i's V-8 engine
  • 8-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission improves acceleration while reducing fuel consumption
  • 17 mpg city / 25 mpg highway
  • Brake Energy Regeneration only charges the battery when coasting or braking, saving 1-2% on fuel consumption
  • Standard Brake Drying, Brake Stand-by, Brake Fade Compensation and Start-off Assistant
  • Standard 19-inch alloy wheels
  • xDrive provides a RWD bias in normal driving conditions, with the ability to send up to 100% of engine power to the rear wheels when needed
  • The X5 features a long wheelbase combined with short front and rear overhangs for improved balance and agility
  • 12 year Corrosion Warranty speaks to the high level of detail and quality craftsmanship that goes into every BMW
  • iDrive is standard and includes six Programmable Memory Keys for quick access to key functions
  • Heat-at-Rest and a power tilt/telescopic steering are standard on the X5
  • The X5 audio system includes standard HD Radio and an iPod/USB adapter
  • The X5 cabin is far more spacious, with more rear leg room, rear shoulder room and 75.2 cu. ft. of maximum cargo space
  • Standard Hill Descent Control assists drivers when trying to safely travel downhill in slippery or icy conditions
  • The X5 features a host of standard lighting features that greatly enhance safety, including Xenon Adaptive headlights, Cornering Lights, fog lights and Adaptive Brake Lights
  • Run-flat tires and Active front seat head restraints are standard
  • Every BMW is supported by the BMW Maintenance Program for 4 years / 50,000 miles
  • Head-Up Display, Automatic High Beams, and Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go are optional
  • Side View and Top View Cameras are optional
  • Rear side window sunshades, a heated steering wheel, and upgraded leather interior trim are optional
  • A 3rd row seat is optional and includes a self-leveling rear suspension and 3rd row climate controls
  • The X5's stellar handling and agility can be further enhanced with optional Active Steering and Active Roll Stabilization
  • Optional BMW Assist includes 4 years of service when purchased. TeleService is also included.
  • 20-way power multi-contour front seats with Active Support massage are optional
  • Optional Navigation system includes an 8.8-inch display monitor and free Real-Time Traffic Information
  • A 12GB Music Collection is included with optional Navigation
  • The optional premium sound system includes 16 speakers


What's Not Hot About Cadillac SRX…

  • The SRX 3.0L shares the same overtaxed V-6 engine with the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain
  • V-6 engine creates more noise and vibration while contributing to a 56.8 / 43.2 nose-heavy weight bias
  • Naturally aspirated engine produces only 265 horsepower, and 223 lb-ft of torque
  • Narrow torque curve supplies maximum power at an incredibly steep 5100 rpm, resulting in poor acceleration
  • 0 – 60 mph in 8.4 seconds (Car and Driver), making it one of the slowest vehicles in the segment
  • The SRX 3.0L features a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting
  • 17 mpg city / 23 highway
  • The SRX's alternator constantly charges the battery, thereby wasting fuel
  • Brake Drying, Brake Stand-by, Brake Fade Compensation and Start-off Assistant are not available
  • Standard 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Advanced AWD sends 100% of engine power to the front wheels under normal driving, leading to FWD-type steering deficiencies (i.e. understeer)
  • The SRX's wheelbase is 5-inches shorter than the X5, resulting in longer front and rear overhangs
  • 6 year Corrosion Warranty speaks to a paint process that is substandard compared to BMW
  • The SRX does not feature an iDrive-like centralized controller, nor does it feature Programmable Memory Keys
  • Heat-at-Rest is not available, and the SRX only features a manual tilt/telescopic steering column
  • HD Radio is not available and the iPod/USB adapter is only included in a number of expensive option bundles
  • The SRX features a narrower cabin and only 61.1 cu. ft. of maximum cargo capability
  • The SRX does not feature a Hill Descent Control feature, leaving drivers without a critical aid in certain conditions
  • Xenon Adaptive headlights and fog lights are included in expensive option bundles. Cornering Lights and Adaptive Brake Lights are not available
  • Run-flat tires and Active front head restraints are not available
  • Edmunds.com estimates it costs nearly $44/month to maintain the SRX during the first 3 years of ownership
  • Head-Up Display, Automatic High Beams, and Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go are not available
  • Side View and Top View Cameras are not available
  • Rear side windows sunshades, a heated steering wheel, and upgraded leather interior are not available
  • A 3rd row seat used to be standard on the SRX, but was removed altogether as part of the 2010 model redesign
  • The SRX lacks the athleticism of the X5 and yet fails to offer Active Steering and Active Roll Stabilization
  • OnStar® is standard on the SRX, but only includes 1 year of service free of charge. TeleService is not available.
  • The SRX is only available with 8-way power front seats. A massage feature is not available.
  • Optional Navigation features an 8.0-inch display and traffic information requires a monthly XM Radio subscription
  • A 10GB music jukebox is included with optional Navigation
  • The optional premium audio system includes 10 speakers


 "The 2011 BMW X5 is one of the best-handling midsize luxury crossovers you can buy.

Whether driving on back roads or on an endless expanse of interstate, the X5 is a champ." Edmunds.com

Irvine BMW proudly serves Orange County - including Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Dana Point, East Irvine, El Toro, Foothill Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, San Clemente, Lake Elsinore, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Juan Capistrano, Silverado and Trabuco Canyon.

We will make our best efforts that posted prices are always accurate however, we are not responsible for any typographical or other errors that may appear on the site. If the posted price for a vehicle or service is incorrect due to a typographical or other error, such as data transmission, etc., this Dealership or Pixel Motion, Inc. are only responsible for the correct price, which will be provided as soon as we are made aware of such error(s). Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that the information is 100% accurate with the Dealer.

Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.

In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.

We will make our best efforts that posted prices are always accurate however, we are not responsible for any typographical or other errors that may appear on the site. If the posted price for a vehicle or service is incorrect due to a typographical or other error, such as data transmission, etc., this Dealership or Pixel Motion, Inc. are only responsible for the correct price, which will be provided as soon as we are made aware of such error(s). Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that the information is 100% accurate with the Dealer.

Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.

In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.