Compact Luxury SUVs - Will the NX come out on top?
#76
Yup and honestly I can barely consider a "luxury" badged vehicle missing that many basic items as competition. The NX clearly steers far away from this vanilla offering, the NX is more in the Evoque style as I mentioned quite some time ago.
They are competitors maybe due to size and price but I expect the two at complete opposite ends of the spectrum in the class.
They are competitors maybe due to size and price but I expect the two at complete opposite ends of the spectrum in the class.
#77
Why should AWD be standard? RX, GLK and now X3 all offer 2WD versions. Here in So Cal, 2WD versions outsell AWD versions by a wide margin due to lower cost, lighter weight, better MPG, arguably better reliability and no need for extra traction in snow / ice. To me, RDX packaging makes a lot of sense - offer a base model in the low $30K range, fully loaded in the high $30K range. Hope NX will follow the same pricing model (but with more available stand-alone options instead of bundled packages).
#78
Why should AWD be standard? RX, GLK and now X3 all offer 2WD versions. Here in So Cal, 2WD versions outsell AWD versions by a wide margin due to lower cost, lighter weight, better MPG, arguably better reliability and no need for extra traction in snow / ice. To me, RDX packaging makes a lot of sense - offer a base model in the low $30K range, fully loaded in the high $30K range. Hope NX will follow the same pricing model (but with more available stand-alone options instead of bundled packages).
My gripe is that the RDX does not have SH-AWD and rather uses now some pleblian AWD system (1st RDX used SH-AWD) when Acura should be implementing SH-AWD as an option on all their cars similar to Audi does with Quattro.
#79
Acura sells a lot more RDXs with a cheaper AWD system than they did with a more complex SH-AWD in the prior generation. The current AWD does just fine when extra traction is needed. This is not a performance car, people buy it with AWD to get better snow traction, not to take on turns and curves faster. Sure SH-AWD is better, but in this segment its all about the value and function, and the extra cost and complexity does not yield the returns. I'm sure Acura did market studies before they decided on the final design, and the current sales prove they made the right call.
#80
Acura sells a lot more RDXs with a cheaper AWD system than they did with a more complex SH-AWD in the prior generation. The current AWD does just fine when extra traction is needed. This is not a performance car, people buy it with AWD to get better snow traction, not to take on turns and curves faster. Sure SH-AWD is better, but in this segment its all about the value and function, and the extra cost and complexity does not yield the returns. I'm sure Acura did market studies before they decided on the final design, and the current sales prove they made the right call.
Last edited by Hoovey689; 03-28-14 at 04:15 PM. Reason: spelling
#81
So, back to the original thread title, will the NX come out on top? Or, where will it fall in among X3, Q5, GLK, RDX etc.? My guess, and that's what we're doing here is that it will sell in equal numbers to the competition and not above. Big RX sales will keep a lot of the Lexus buyers.
#82
So, back to the original thread title, will the NX come out on top? Or, where will it fall in among X3, Q5, GLK, RDX etc.? My guess, and that's what we're doing here is that it will sell in equal numbers to the competition and not above. Big RX sales will keep a lot of the Lexus buyers.
Is it going to be GS or ES?
I would prefer it to be GS, and that sells a lot less than ES :-)
#83
So, back to the original thread title, will the NX come out on top? Or, where will it fall in among X3, Q5, GLK, RDX etc.? My guess, and that's what we're doing here is that it will sell in equal numbers to the competition and not above. Big RX sales will keep a lot of the Lexus buyers.
#84
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The X3, Q5 seem to be favorites in the class. The GLK will be redesigned soon. The NX again is going for the more personal and stylish goal of the Range Rover Evoque. I think if people respond and like the NX for its style, the NX offers a new class leading or at least near the top power train, high MPG, a fine interior with solid options all while driving sportiest in class then it will find its niche. I'm really curious to find out how it drives. The only small ute that seems to have nailed driving engagement is the Porsche Macon which is much more expensive.
If people are looking for the NX to sell in huge quantities it won't, that is not the goal. The RX is still the sales leader.
What value? The base car has nearly nothing it, not even fog lamps and halogen lights. Even with options its missing basic features on Fords, Kia's, Hyundais, Toyotas, even their own Honda Civic. Seriously no rear A/C vents? There is no value.
Sure the car sells well and its rather bland, sub-par, uninspiring and lacking features that one would expect of a "luxury" badge. Acura is only fooling themselves if they think success is selling more and taking out features and obviously being worst in class, if you even consider it to be in this class.
If people are looking for the NX to sell in huge quantities it won't, that is not the goal. The RX is still the sales leader.
Acura sells a lot more RDXs with a cheaper AWD system than they did with a more complex SH-AWD in the prior generation. The current AWD does just fine when extra traction is needed. This is not a performance car, people buy it with AWD to get better snow traction, not to take on turns and curves faster. Sure SH-AWD is better, but in this segment its all about the value and function, and the extra cost and complexity does not yield the returns. I'm sure Acura did market studies before they decided on the final design, and the current sales prove they made the right call.
Sure the car sells well and its rather bland, sub-par, uninspiring and lacking features that one would expect of a "luxury" badge. Acura is only fooling themselves if they think success is selling more and taking out features and obviously being worst in class, if you even consider it to be in this class.
#85
"Sure the car sells well and its rather bland, sub-par, uninspiring and lacking features that one would expect of a "luxury" badge. Acura is only fooling themselves if they think success is selling more and taking out features and obviously being worst in class, if you even consider it to be in this class. "
How can a bland sub par uninspiring and lacking features car sell so well? Acura clearly has done something right. Moreover, they are selling / leasing them without resorting to major lease incentives, at pretty standard unsubsidized money factors (unlike an RX that sometimes gets discounted by close to 20% with all the incentives and leases at a majorly subsidized money factor). I think this car is a really nice value proposition for most families - great engine, good MPG, nicely designed and executed interior and a premium brand with great reliability and resale value. The car has everything that most people demand when you add the optional package. All for marginally more than similar sized non-premium suvs and for much less than X3s or Q5s.
How can a bland sub par uninspiring and lacking features car sell so well? Acura clearly has done something right. Moreover, they are selling / leasing them without resorting to major lease incentives, at pretty standard unsubsidized money factors (unlike an RX that sometimes gets discounted by close to 20% with all the incentives and leases at a majorly subsidized money factor). I think this car is a really nice value proposition for most families - great engine, good MPG, nicely designed and executed interior and a premium brand with great reliability and resale value. The car has everything that most people demand when you add the optional package. All for marginally more than similar sized non-premium suvs and for much less than X3s or Q5s.
#86
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"Sure the car sells well and its rather bland, sub-par, uninspiring and lacking features that one would expect of a "luxury" badge. Acura is only fooling themselves if they think success is selling more and taking out features and obviously being worst in class, if you even consider it to be in this class. "
How can a bland sub par uninspiring and lacking features car sell so well? Acura clearly has done something right. Moreover, they are selling / leasing them without resorting to major lease incentives, at pretty standard unsubsidized money factors (unlike an RX that sometimes gets discounted by close to 20% with all the incentives and leases at a majorly subsidized money factor). I think this car is a really nice value proposition for most families - great engine, good MPG, nicely designed and executed interior and a premium brand with great reliability and resale value. The car has everything that most people demand when you add the optional package. All for marginally more than similar sized non-premium suvs and for much less than X3s or Q5s.
How can a bland sub par uninspiring and lacking features car sell so well? Acura clearly has done something right. Moreover, they are selling / leasing them without resorting to major lease incentives, at pretty standard unsubsidized money factors (unlike an RX that sometimes gets discounted by close to 20% with all the incentives and leases at a majorly subsidized money factor). I think this car is a really nice value proposition for most families - great engine, good MPG, nicely designed and executed interior and a premium brand with great reliability and resale value. The car has everything that most people demand when you add the optional package. All for marginally more than similar sized non-premium suvs and for much less than X3s or Q5s.
What is everything the RDX has since it offers nothin?. NAV? Optional HiDs? Acura aimed for low hanging fruit and hit a home run. Says a lot about the brand.
Being cheaper and offering less for less money isn't value. It's simply a lesser vehicle.
#87
comparing an rdx to an x3 or q5 is rather pointless wouldn't you say?
you're right, x3/q5 do not scream value, nor were they ever intended to. rdx got the 'makeover' (v6 only, dummer awd, few configs) to lower the price and give loyal acura owners something 'nice' - certainly nicer than the rough cramped 1st gen rdx with turbo engine.
again, since this thread is about compact luxury suvs (really cuvs), i don't think the rdx should even be discussed.
you're right, x3/q5 do not scream value, nor were they ever intended to. rdx got the 'makeover' (v6 only, dummer awd, few configs) to lower the price and give loyal acura owners something 'nice' - certainly nicer than the rough cramped 1st gen rdx with turbo engine.
again, since this thread is about compact luxury suvs (really cuvs), i don't think the rdx should even be discussed.
#88
comparing an rdx to an x3 or q5 is rather pointless wouldn't you say?
you're right, x3/q5 do not scream value, nor were they ever intended to. rdx got the 'makeover' (v6 only, dummer awd, few configs) to lower the price and give loyal acura owners something 'nice' - certainly nicer than the rough cramped 1st gen rdx with turbo engine.
again, since this thread is about compact luxury suvs (really cuvs), i don't think the rdx should even be discussed.
you're right, x3/q5 do not scream value, nor were they ever intended to. rdx got the 'makeover' (v6 only, dummer awd, few configs) to lower the price and give loyal acura owners something 'nice' - certainly nicer than the rough cramped 1st gen rdx with turbo engine.
again, since this thread is about compact luxury suvs (really cuvs), i don't think the rdx should even be discussed.
#89
#90
Not an RDX fan whatsoever as I agree it's seriously decontented and not "luxury-class" worthy. However, what it does really well on par with the best in class is in the NVH and ride comfort department. That counts for something towards scoring points in the luxury CUV category. We can expect in the NX a load of competitive features to be available such BSM, LDW, pre-collision, etc, but how well will it do regarding NVH with its new turbo four and ride comfort seeing Lexus has clearly shown its new sporty direction?