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High End Luxury Cars
24723 messages, Last post on Jan 28, 2013 at 6:55 PM
You are in the Sedans Forum.What is this discussion about? Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ-Series, Lexus LS 460, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Volkswagen Phaeton, Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, Sedan
Let's try to define this forum as being limited to luxury performance vehicles where the mainstream version in a typical configuration has an MSRP of at least $60k.
A luxury vehicle with a base price of $59k qualifies because it would typically be bought with some additional equipment, bringing the MSRP over $60k.
Vehicles like the E, 5, A6, M, or GS, even if available in certain versions over $60k, don't qualify because they are cars from companies that have higher end cars in their lineups.
#20722 of 24723 Lexus & Sport by maxhonda99
Nov 03, 2006 (7:31 pm)
Obviously more people in the U.S.A want luxury over sport, that is what makes Lexus soo successful. If handling, performance, steering feel, & a stiff ride were soo important to MOST luxury car buyers like some people make it seem on here, than BMW's would be the ONLY luxury car that would be alive and well in the US. But Lexus is the king honcho in the US because they build the attributes into the car that Americans MOST want which is Luxury FIRST. And who would have thought about this....LUXURY selling in the greatest numbers in the LUXURY segment. duh.On the topic of IS sales. The IS hasn't even hit full stride yet as 2008 should supposedly bring at least a IS coupe and possibly a convertible.
Also, I read a article on Wards recently that Lexus is mulling a crossover based on the IS series to take on the X3 and upcoming MB C-class based GLK.
#20723 of 24723 Re: Tag [syswei] by drfill
Nov 03, 2006 (7:37 pm)
Replying to: syswei (Nov 03, 2006 7:15 pm)
I'd argue that Lexus is bending more towards the US media's desire to have Lexus show more "Passion", and indeed live up to their new slogan, than to deal with anything BMW is doing, or "targeting". That's always been the knock, right? That they are great cars, just kinda boring?
My thought is, let your hair down with one car, the IS. If you want to be more measured with the rest, that's fine.
The $35k sports sedan class is not for the timid.
Lexus is always calculated and measured. I was hoping the IS would be the Maverick. Guess I was wrong.
A very fast sheep in wolf's clothing.
DrFill
#20724 of 24723 Max by drfill
Nov 03, 2006 (7:40 pm)
Also, I read a article on Wards recently that Lexus is mulling a crossover based on the IS series to take on the X3 and upcoming MB C-class based GLK.I must've missed a meeting on the demand for X3/RDX class. I've seen an X3 about once every other month!
Just because a new niche is formed, doesn't mean Lexus has to jump through that hoop. I vote no.
Plus, this would fly in the face of Lexus' hesitance with the MT 350, due to lack of demand.
Lexus shouldn't be focused on the down-market, even doh the RX leaves room for such a vehicle. And the redesigned RX will offer 3rd-row seating.
If they wanna make a new vehicle, make a HPX/FX SUV!
DrFill
#20725 of 24723 Re: Just Back [brightness04] by pearl
Nov 03, 2006 (8:14 pm)
Replying to: brightness04 (Nov 03, 2006 6:05 pm)
You are exactly right. To each his/her own. If this were a simple 1 through N ranking, it would be easy, but it is not. We all have our druthers re styling, handling, luxury, etc. Each car combines various parts of those (LPS, etc) and we make our choices. Cars are very emotional. What lights my fire may be blah to someone else and vice versa. This is not rocket science and is why lots of car companies remain in business and why people will argue endlessly on message boards like this one!
#20726 of 24723 Re: Tag [syswei] by tagman
Nov 03, 2006 (8:56 pm)
Replying to: syswei (Nov 03, 2006 7:15 pm)
The way I'd put it is that imo Lexus is targeting the BMW customer base. But most of their vehicles are simply not going to be as sporty as the equivalent BMW models, because that would, as you suggest, lose them some of their core audience. We're close here, but the BMW customer "base" as you put it, might not be the best target for Lexus.
This group consists of the BMW loyalists and die-hards. So, I do not think Lexus is aiming directly at them.
Lexus is more likely aiming at the segment's fringe . . . at least for now, given Lexus's performance limitations. That is where Lexus can make better headway and gain ground from BMW.
And you are right about Lexus moving carefully here as to not lose its own core customers, who don't necessarily want things all too different.
TagMan
- syswei (Nov 04, 2006 6:19 am)
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#20727 of 24723 Re: Tag [tagman] by lexusguy
Nov 03, 2006 (9:15 pm)
Replying to: tagman (Nov 03, 2006 6:39 pm)
Most all the original comps to Mercedes, when the SC appeared on the scene, were regarding the SL. True, but the SC is totally out of the SL's league. I think its actually much closer to a CLK550, although I'm not sure there have been any comparison tests between the two.
#20728 of 24723 Re: Max [drfill] by lexusguy
Nov 03, 2006 (9:18 pm)
Replying to: drfill (Nov 03, 2006 7:40 pm)
I must've missed a meeting on the demand for X3/RDX class. I've seen an X3 about once every other month! Just because a new niche is formed, doesn't mean Lexus has to jump through that hoop. I vote no.
How many SC430s or LX470s does Lexus sell a month? Should they just not do those vehicles as well? There's no way to tell how big the compact lux-ute market will get, as its only existed for a few years, and its currently a two car class. BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Acura, and Volvo seem to think there are sales to be made though, and it would make sense for Lexus to jump in as well.
#20729 of 24723 Re: Max [lexusguy] by tagman
Nov 03, 2006 (10:14 pm)
Replying to: lexusguy (Nov 03, 2006 9:18 pm)
There's no way to tell how big the compact lux-ute market will get, as its only existed for a few years, and its currently a two car class. BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Acura, and Volvo seem to think there are sales to be made though, and it would make sense for Lexus to jump in as well. Oh yeah, you are right that it makes sense for Lexus as well as the others. This segment will grow. Keep a watch out for the Land Rover LR2 (Spring '07) and the Mercedes MLK (at least a year away).
TagMan
#20730 of 24723 Re: Tag [tagman] by syswei
Nov 04, 2006 (6:19 am)
Replying to: tagman (Nov 03, 2006 8:56 pm)
Actually we are essentially in agreement. The BMW customer base is a spectrum of people and their wants/needs/desires. Some are easier pickings for Lexus than others. I never meant to suggest that Lexus could possibly succeed in getting all of the BMW customer base.
#20731 of 24723 Re: Max [lexusguy] by
Nov 04, 2006 (6:30 am)
Replying to: lexusguy (Nov 03, 2006 9:18 pm)
Apples and oranges, as the Sc and LX are much more expensive, and were much more popular in their prime. I maintain Lexus shouldn't look to increase the marque's volume, but work on the high-end of each market. A Merc GL competitor would be good.
DrFill
- lexusguy (Nov 04, 2006 9:35 am)
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