Edmunds praises Volvo XC60, pans Cadillac SRX in new entry-lux CUV comparo

Michael Harley — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Audi, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, Reviews

2010 Volvo XC60 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volvo's new XC60 sits at the top of the pack when it battles head-to-head against the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLK350, and Cadillac SRX, says Edmunds in its latest four-way comparison. The entrants, each new members of the expanding Compact Luxury Crossover segment, were all selected for the battle based on size and their less-than-$40,000 starting prices. Veterans such as the Acura RDX, BMW X3, and Infiniti EX35 were left home as they aren't rookies to the field.

With a resolutely last place finish, the Cadillac SRX was clobbered over its outward visibility, weight, lack of overall space (despite being the largest of the bunch), and cramped second-row seating. The fact that the Edmund's test car was a base FWD model didn't help either.

Tied for second place were the GLK350 and Q5, both praised for their power, ride, and handling. The Mercedes came up short in overall utility, while the Audi took some hits for its electric power steering.

According to the testers, the XC60 "won by a hair" thanks to its generous cargo capacity, second-row comfort, and "safety features galore." While the Swede offered plenty of power, it suffered from poor fuel economy and less-than-satisfying handling. So, how did a not-fun-to-drive Volvo CUV climb to the top of the comparison (one that Edmunds says, "none of our editors would personally choose")? You'll have to read their story to find out.

Gallery: 2010 Volvo XC60

[Source: Edmunds]

Edmunds praises Volvo XC60, pans Cadillac SRX in new entry-lux CUV comparo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Cadillac Volt coming to Detroit?

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Green, Crossover, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, Rumormill

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Cadillac Provoq Concept

Through some circumstantial evidence, "rumblings" and tea leave-reading, Autoweek has come to the conclusion that General Motors may unveil a new Cadillac model at the Detroit Auto Show powered by the Chevrolet Volt's range-extending hybrid powertrain.

Rumors of a Caddy-badged Volt have been circulated since earlier this year, with Bob Lutz and other GM execs hinting at the possibility of new hybrid model joining the Cadillac line-up. Lutz told reports back in September that "there's definitely room" for an eco-conscious Caddy and that "there's going to have to be some kind of dramatic environmental statement" from GM's luxury brand. So what form could it take?

Opel and Vauxhall versions of the Volt are already planned, but a Cadillac variant would likely be a small- to mid-size crossover. Just such a vehicle is slated to arrive in the second quarter of 2009 - the next generation SRX -- inspired by the Provoq concept unveiled earlier this year. While the Volt is supposed to carry a price tag of around $40,000, the range-extended, plug-in hybrid CUV from Cadillac would be priced significantly higher, and that could help GM recoup some of the costs associated with the Volt's advanced drivetrain development. We'll know for sure in a few weeks time.

Gallery: Cadillac Provoq Fuel Cell Concept

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Cadillac Provoq concept - Live Reveal

[Source: Autoweek]

Rumormill: Cadillac Volt coming to Detroit? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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