The edgy styling of the SRX represents Cadillac's latest Art and Science" design philosophy. People tend to love it or hate it. It looks modern, even futuristic, but harkens back to Cadillac's heritage. When Cadillac marketers, designers and engineers dug into the company's 100 years of history, they found two prevailing themes had made Cadillac successful in its glory days: distinctive, futuristic styling a la the 1959 Eldorado with its exuberant tailfins, and Cadillac's leadership in technology. Cadillac's $4 billion worth of new vehicles, including the SRX, embody the modern interpretation of those themes.

Bottom line is that if you like the edgy, angular look of the CTS, XLR and STS sedans, then you'll like the styling on the SRX. And if you don't like the SRX, you won't like the new Cadillac sedans. Love it or hate it, however, the styling is bold and unabashedly American. You will stand out in a crowd.

We like it. We think it looks good from most angles, though the upper rear corner looks a little awkward when viewed from the side.

Cadillac considers the SRX as a medium-size luxury utility. Like many of the latest crossover utility vehicles that are based on cars, the SRX looks and feels more like a station wagon than a traditional truck-based sport utility. Indeed, American automakers (and many buyers) think station wagon is a dirty word while European automakers sell lots of station wagons. Some buyers think station wagons are more sophisticated than sport utilities. Probably because they are. The SRX fits this description. It's much more sophisticated than a truck-based SUV.

Cadillac marketers say the SRX competes against the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz M-Class, along with the Acura MDX, Lexus RX 330 and Volvo XC90. A high-end Chrysler Pacifica may be a contender as well."

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