Three Row Lexus RX to Debut at LA Auto Show

I can't help it, I've always liked how that van looks. It really embraces being a van in a way few other vehicles do.

In hindsight it does look a bit like the shipping crate the GM Dustbusters came in though :)

The FWD Dustbusters, though weird-looking (and with the top of the dash the size of an aircraft-carrier LOL) actually drove a lot better than those old Toyota/Nissan/Mitsubshi vans with the RWD and short-wheelbase. Besides better road-manners, like the 1Gen Saturns, they also had the advantage of plastic body panels that warded off rust, corrosion, dents, and dings.

Back to the three-row RX, there are conflicting reports if we will actually see one at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Show. I don't want to post anything that might not turn out to be true...but keep your fingers crossed. ;)

After going back and forth between the LX and RX the RX just feels cramped and not sure how this 3rd row will work out. They really sacrificed space for really aggressive styling. The Highlander is more upright and the 3rd row is awful.

Very curious to see how this pans out.....

mikeavelli

After going back and forth between the LX and RX the RX just feels cramped and not sure how this 3rd row will work out. They really sacrificed space for really aggressive styling. The Highlander is more upright and the 3rd row is awful.

Very curious to see how this pans out.....

The RX-L is more for the Asian market, it's way too small for the U.S. Seven Asians can actually fit comfortably in the Highlander.

The vehicle can't grow any larger because of tiny parking spots, and it's quite common to see tensome people squeezed in a seven seater here.

ssun30

The vehicle can't grow any larger because of tiny parking spots, and it's quite common to see tensome people squeezed in a seven seater here.

TEN people in an RX? :confused: I know that some Asians can be small in stature, but that's really pushing it. Besides, if they are doing that, they are probably violating seat-belt laws (assuming those laws are in effect where you are).

ssun30

The RX-L is more for the Asian market, it's way too small for the U.S. Seven Asians can actually fit comfortably in the Highlander.

The vehicle can't grow any larger because of tiny parking spots, and it's quite common to see tensome people squeezed in a seven seater here.

RX-L is certainly for US market, I am sure there will be some good sales in China and GCC, but it is mostly US.

spwolf

RX-L is certainly for US market, I am sure there will be some good sales in China and GCC, but it is mostly US.

Then it would be Lexus tripping itself to accomodate the asian market. The ES is more cramped than most of its competitors because it has to fit on narrow japanese roads.

ssun30

Then it would be Lexus tripping itself to accomodate the asian market. The ES is more cramped than most of its competitors because it has to fit on narrow japanese roads.

Lexus doesn't even sell the ES line in Japan... http://lexus.jp/#lineup

Trexus

Lexus doesn't even sell the ES line in Japan... http://lexus.jp/#lineup

Maybe he meant to type RX?

ssun30

Then it would be Lexus tripping itself to accomodate the asian market. The ES is more cramped than most of its competitors because it has to fit on narrow japanese roads.

it is certainly due to their heritage (narrow platforms) but I think thats substantially changed with new TNGA vehicles.

RX by far sells the best in the US, it sold 110k last year in the US alone.

In general, i find it very interesting that US, China, Russia and GCC countries are very similar in their luxury vehicle tastest.

Trexus

Lexus doesn't even sell the ES line in Japan... http://lexus.jp/#lineup

Not yet.

The Power of Three: All-new 3-row Lexus RXL to Debut at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 15, 2017 – How can the top-selling Lexus RX get even better? Make more of it. The all-new 2018 RX 350L, now featuring three rows, will make its World Premiere at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show. The hybrid model, the RX 450hL, will also be announced. The RX that paved the way for the luxury crossover segment 20 years ago will retain its stylish figure while also providing more flexibility for passengers.

The RX 350L will be revealed at the Lexus Press Conference taking place on November 29, 2017 at 10:00 am PST in the South Hall at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

http://pressroom.lexus.com/releases...w+3+row+lexus+rxl+debut+2017+la+auto+show.htm

krew

Lexus confirms the rumors with a teaser image and a press release.

View the original article post

No brainer finally arrives. I'm very very curious to see how this impacts the market, including GX cannibalization.

The moment of the truth

mikeavelli

No brainer finally arrives. I'm very very curious to see how this impacts the market, including GX cannibalization.

I think this will steal sales from not only the GX, but from MDX buyers too.

ThePenguin

I think this will steal sales from not only the GX, but from MDX buyers too.

Quite frankly, I think this thing is going to slaughter the MDX and QX60... if they price it within reason.

Gecko

Quite frankly, I think this thing is going to slaughter the MDX and QX60... if they price it within reason.

My expectation is about a 3K USD price increase like for like equipped.

As for monthly sales, RX should easily hit 12K units but mostly at the expense of the competition (MDX and QX60), and not so much the GX since it's a different buyer (crossover car-like buyer vs rugged body-on-frame SUV).

mikeavelli

No brainer finally arrives. I'm very very curious to see how this impacts the market, including GX cannibalization.

I agree it's a no-brainer, but, compared to the GX, it's still apples and oranges. The GX's truck-based frame can do more heavy work (such as towing boats) than the crossover RX. But, of course, the SUV market has clearly been shifting in the direction of crossovers for some years now.

corradoMR2

My expectation is about a 3K USD price increase like for like equipped.

As for monthly sales, RX should easily hit 12K units but mostly at the expense of the competition (MDX and QX60), and not so much the GX since it's a different buyer (crossover car-like buyer vs rugged body-on-frame SUV).

Agreed. I know many people myself who absolutely love the GX, but are very neutral or lukewarm with the RX. Likewise, I also know plenty of RX owners who don't really care for the GX. So yeah, I'd say two fairly different buyers.

Also as a data point, many worried the NX would cannibalize RX sales. No such thing happened.

mmcartalk

I agree it's a no-brainer, but, compared to the GX, it's still apples and oranges. The GX's truck-based frame can do more heavy work (such as towing boats) than the crossover RX. But, of course, the SUV market has clearly been shifting in the direction of crossovers for some years now.

Yes and no. As the old saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats. While the market has mostly been shifting to crossovers, pickup trucks are also doing extremely well, as are many body-on-frame SUVs. Some BOF SUVs like the 4Runner are seeing exceptional sales. This is just the current market trend where almost all utility vehicles are selling well. The 4Runner this year could quite possibly set an all time historic annual sales record. This is how good some body-on-frame SUVs are doing.

krew

The hybrid powertrain shares the spotlight.

View the original article post

Would've made more sense to show the C and D-Pillar, since those are the only parts that will look different.

CIF

Yes and no. As the old saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats. While the market has mostly been shifting to crossovers, pickup trucks are also doing extremely well, as are many body-on-frame SUVs. Some BOF SUVs like the 4Runner are seeing exceptional sales. This is just the current market trend where almost all utility vehicles are selling well. The 4Runner this year could quite possibly set an all time historic annual sales record. This is how good some body-on-frame SUVs are doing.

Good point on the 4Runner. Yes, it definitely sells. So do the large BOF SUVs from GM, Ford, and the much smaller Jeep Wrangler. But the bulk of the SUV market is clearly shifting to the crossovers.

I spent some time over the last few weeks helping a coworker shop for "something nice that can fit both of my kids comfortably and costs around $50-55k." That pretty quickly came down to RX, MDX, QX60 and... Highlander.

I won't go into all of the details, but I really don't understand how the Acura brand is still in business. We drove the RDX, TLX and MDX and I know Acura's entire model range is a bit long in the tooth right now, but I was kind of shocked by the general downmarket feel of each of them. That certain quirky Honda-ness shines through and I understand some people like that, but the RDX and TLX were pretty quickly eliminated because of size. The MDX was eliminated because of the interior and dashboard. The interiors of all three have tons of plastic, minimal wood and generally didn't feel "premium" with regard to fit and finish. The current CR-V and Accord are much more impressive, but I don't care for all of the shiny black plastic inside the Pilot. Overall, the Acuras felt no better than Hondas, Toyotas, Fords, etc.

Infiniti QX60 was pretty nice inside but she didn't like the CVT transmission and it was a bit out of her price range. They tried to sell her on a CPO model.... but...

... then we went to the Toyota dealership and drove a Highlander Platinum Hybrid. I can't believe I'm saying this, but the Highlander handily trounces the MDX and QX60 without a second thought. Neither holds a candle to the Toyota. The only case I can make for buying either of those is if you absolutely have to have a premium badge. Highlander drives better, handles better, feels much more solid on the road, has nicer interior amenities, is more powerful, gets better MPG and costs $10-15k less. Im really baffled about how Acura or Infiniti are selling any of these in comparison to a Highlander.

We also spent some time at the Lexus dealer driving ES and RX, and she really, really loved the RX. "ES is nice but looks like a boat" was the exact phrase from my friend. With options comparable to a Highlander, the RX quickly creeps beyond $55k and the interior is a lot smaller. Ultimately, the Highlander won out because of versatility, extra space and price, but my point in telling you all of this is that when Lexus unleashes the RX L, it will be a very, very hard time for Acura and Infiniti dealers. The interior of the RX feels 2 classes above the MDX and at least one above the QX60. The RX also outshines both on the road with passenger comfort, smoothness and powertrain refinement. The MDX drives kind of hard and while it handles decently, it doesn't give you the same feeling of quality and solidarity that an RX does. QX60 felt slow and unresponsive because of the CVT.

If the RX L has a decently usable third row, it's going to be a bloodbath for the other two.... probably for some other competitors as well. Overall, I was reminded why the RX is so popular - it's so comfortable, beautifully built, has all the right tech options, has an interior that's pleasing to the eye and fingers, feels solid and composed on the road and feels a little more expensive than what it really costs. It ticks all the boxes. Honestly, so does the Highlander just with fewer amenities, but this is going to be a great, GREAT addition for Lexus dealers. Can't wait to see the execution.

mmcartalk

Good point on the 4Runner. Yes, it definitely sells. So do the large BOF SUVs from GM, Ford, and the much smaller Jeep Wrangler. But the bulk of the SUV market is clearly shifting to the crossovers.

The shift to crossovers comes from BOF SUVs/Trucks but mostly from hatches, sedans, wagons and vans.

Autoweek's rendering of what the RX L could look like:

Joaquin Ruhi

Autoweek's rendering of what the RX L could look like:

Let's hope it doesn't look like that because that rear end looks awkward.

Gecko

Ultimately, the Highlander won out because of versatility, extra space and price, but my point in telling you all of this is that when Lexus unleashes the RX L, it will be a very, very hard time for Acura and Infiniti dealers. The interior of the RX feels 2 classes above the MDX and at least one above the QX60. The RX also outshines both on the road with passenger comfort, smoothness and powertrain refinement. The MDX drives kind of hard and while it handles decently, it doesn't give you the same feeling of quality and solidarity that an RX does. QX60 felt slow and unresponsive because of the CVT.

I mean this is pretty much a given. Honda/Nissan has basically given up their premium effort so it shouldn't really be a surprise Lexus' bread-and-butter model crush competitor's abandonded child comfortably. The RX-L will be extremely hard to beat and I doubt anyone will even bother trying to compete against it.

ssun30

I mean this is pretty much a given. Honda/Nissan has basically given up their premium effort so it shouldn't really be a surprise Lexus' bread-and-butter models crush competitor's abandonded child comfortably. The RX-L will be extremely hard to beat and I doubt anyone will even bother trying to compete against it.

Nissan has certainly not abandoned Infiniti, but they cant wave a magic wand to introduce 10 new models they need...