2007 Cadillac SRX; Redone Interior, Facelift (Large Photos)

[YSSMAN]

New photos of the updated SRX are up, and it is looking quite nice inside and out...!

The 2007 Cadillac SRX crossover, launching in August, features an all-new interior designed to bring "elegant Cadillac tradition into the modern world of the crossover vehicle." Coverings for components such as the instrument panel, center console and door trim are cut, sewn and wrapped mostly by hand. This enables details such as decorative French stitching, and the near elimination of gaps and seams for a tailored appearance. This is the same painstaking process applied to Cadillac's limited-production STS-V and XLR-V models.

"The SRX is the latest and most complete example of our new approach to interiors, blending advanced technology with the hand craftsmanship that was once, and is again becoming, a Cadillac trademark," said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. "This new interior adds to SRX's compelling package of design, performance, luxury and value, within the practicality of a crossover vehicle."

The 2007 SRX's redesigned cabin is more inviting and luxurious, with softer surfaces, new flush mounted switches and controls, and enhanced storage. The streamlined new design features a clever "hidden" storage compartment on the passenger side of the instrument panel. The wood trim on the passenger side deploys to reveal a surprisingly wide added storage bin above the existing glove box.

Another example of the detailed execution of SRX interior is also found on the passenger side of the instrument panel. The now-universal use of front air bags on new vehicles normally requires a visible "door" or opening in the dash. The hand assembly of SRX's instrument panel enables the passenger front air bag to be invisibly concealed. Craftsmen use a technique called "skiving" to carve tiny perforations into the reverse side of the material, through which the air bag can deploy. This eliminates the conventional plastic cover and the corresponding gaps seen on nearly all other vehicles.

The wood trim on SRX envelops the cockpit, starting on the rear doors and continuing to the front doors and through the instrument panel. The optional trim uses a particularly rich authentic wood called Sapele Pommele. Sapele (sa-pell-i) is an exotic wood from East Africa , rarely used on luxury cars, more often favored by makers of fine home furnishings and high-end acoustic guitars.

SRX's in-vehicle electronics and entertainment also receive a major enhancement for 2007. The renowned Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround digital audio system is available as an option for the first time on SRX. The previous Bose system that had been optional now becomes standard. Also, SRX will offer a "theater" package consisting of Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround , DVD navigation and rear seat DVD entertainment. The audio system now also features an auxiliary port for connecting MP3 devices such as an iPod.

Looks like Cadillac is looking to seal up the Sport Luxury SUV market in Car and Driver's 5-best Trucks list!

 

[Tornado]

It's such a nice station wagon. Too bad Cadillac ruined it by calling it an SUV. They are really nice vehicles, and possibly even the best Caddy you can buy today. It's too bad the base model, with it's anemic engine, is pointless.

 

[Keef]

That's a very nice interior when viewed alone, but the design clashes with the exterior. The interior looks more classic--like the Sixteen's--while the exterior still has the sharp-edged (sorta) modern look.

 

[JCE]

The SRX IS the best Cadillac you can buy. Great looking exterior and interior...except for one thing. The HIDEOUS FAKE WOOD. Either put real wood in there or just don't bother. Now make a SRX-V with the LS2 and make me happy. NOW!

 

[YSSMAN]

Ummm, the wood IS real in the new SRX JCE300GT...

And about the V6: It isn't that bad. My Uncle Ed just bought a 2006 SRX with the 3.6L DOHC V6, and although it doesn't pack the high-power punch of the 4.6L DOHC Northstar V8, the performance differences are minimal (about half a second in most cases), and with the added fuel economy, I can see why he went with the V6.

 

[Eric.]

Lookin' nice! I personally HATE wood of any kind in a car though, so give me some brushed aluminum or carbon fiber instead please.

 

[JCE]

Ummm, the wood IS real in the new SRX JCE300GT...

It looks cheap though...but anyway if it's real then that makes the interior that much more classy. Great job GM for not hacking up the SRX. Just wish it had more drivetrain choices...

 

[YSSMAN]

The only engine option I would say the SRX is lacking is maybe a diesel one, but were about two years away before GM starts sending in the diesels full-swing, and I doubt that Cadillac would recieve them.

I'd say the 3.6L and 4.6L options work out just fine in that vehicle, and I'm sure that the updated 3.6L with DI will be going into the SRX sooner or later.

 

[JCE]

The only engine option I would say the SRX is lacking is maybe a diesel one, but were about two years away before GM starts sending in the diesels full-swing, and I doubt that Cadillac would recieve them.

I'd say the 3.6L and 4.6L options work out just fine in that vehicle, and I'm sure that the updated 3.6L with DI will be going into the SRX sooner or later.

Oh I completely agree with you on the diesel. America needs clean diesel so we can start getting the GOOD stuff from Europe--and more diesel models here in the "colonies". I do also think there needs to be a COMPLETE V-series--as in EVERY model has a V trim. I mean think about it; Audi has S (most models), BMW has M, and Merc has AMG. What's to stop Cadillac from doing the same thing? If GM wants to compete with Germany they need to go full in and not half assed. I think an SRX-V would just be brilliant and I'd be the first one defending it against BMW's X-series. Anything to take sales away from BMW's hideous X-series is a good thing.

 

[Pebb]

Talk about bad plastic and plastic wood.

 

[JCE]

Talk about bad plastic and plastic wood.

Well first off YSSMAN has said that it is indeed real wood--even though it does not look like it. And secondly you can't really say it's bad plastic if you've never actually sat in one to feel it. 👍

 

[Ghost C]

A beautiful interior ruined with hideous wood trim - It reminds me of the fake plastic crap in my grandfather's Solara. Cadillac should either stick to the plastic stuff, or go back to the beautiful real wood trims they used to offer.

Yeah, I just talked smack on a Cadillac. It happens.

 

[Onikaze]

Odd, I like the interior, and the wood.

I prefer darker interiors though.

Yes, the more sales this steals from full size SUV's the better.

Glad they didn't tell the truth, that it's just a tall wagon, as it wouldn't sell at all.

 

[Omnis]

Could that seatbelt design possibly compress your spine god forbid you get into an accident?

 

[Jim Prower]

LOVING the blacked-out grille. the Chrome wheels? notsomuch.

 

[YSSMAN]

Could that seatbelt design possibly compress your spine god forbid you get into an accident?

I'm not sure what you mean there, but they seem like you would be fine given the similar system used in our Avalanche...

 

[GT4_Rule]

Okay everybody, that wood trim is REAL! Read the article, it says it uses a rare wood from Africa.

I like it a lot. Cadillac is really improving their cars.