[mojo]

For Lexus lightning does strike twice. Following far in the wake of the wildly successful RX, the NX is behaving just like its big brother...

May 2015 was the 6 month old NX's best month ever, combined the NX200t and NX300h added 4,104 U.S sales to Lexus tally.Although the RX saw its sales decline 5% in May, crossovers and SUV's still account for some 49% of all Lexus volume in the USA, up from 43% this time last year. To put how successful the NX has been to date in perspective, the only 2 cars in segment that have moved in higher volumes are the Acura RDX and the Audi Q5.

While the NX and RX have manged to co-exist to date I'm almost half wondering if that wasn't because of incentives on the outgoing RX as we know a new one is on its way shortly and with styling pulling the NX and RX much closer together visually then before could the NX be in for some of the RX's venerable volume?

 

[mister]

I think this is about as good as Lexus could have possibly hoped for with the NX. It has a bit more interesting styling than both the RDX and the Q5 so I'm not sure it has the potential to surpass them. Still, it's success is remarkable.

 

[David]

Upcoming RX could indeed be trouble for the NX and i'm sure that's what Lexus saw, they HAD to position the two models like they are right at this moment to give the NX the initial boost it need, successfully setting that foundation.

 

[mister]

Upcoming RX could indeed be trouble for the NX and i'm sure that's what Lexus saw, they HAD to position the two models like they are right at this moment to give the NX the initial boost it need, successfully setting that foundation.

I see what you mean. The upcoming RX is growing a slight bit to separate itself more from the NX, isn't that right?

 

[Kennedy]

I see what you mean. The upcoming RX is growing a slight bit to separate itself more from the NX, isn't that right?

That it is.

RX is going slightly up-segment in size, a good move considering Lexus needed this for some time already, with the way the market is growing, it will position them well.

 

[mister]

Growing in size? Does that mean that it is also going to grow in price quite a bit?

I'm just figuring that they have to separate the NX and RX more so that people don't just figure they spend a little more and get the RX instead. Its good to up-sell but not if that means that way less people buy the NX.

 

[David]

RX going up in size also filled a gap Lexus had to eventually to better position the brand.

Well played.

 

[avocado]

Growing in size? Does that mean that it is also going to grow in price quite a bit?

I'm just figuring that they have to separate the NX and RX more so that people don't just figure they spend a little more and get the RX instead. Its good to up-sell but not if that means that way less people buy the NX.

The base price difference between the two is about $6000. I would not be surprised if the new RX base price is upped $200 to $500?

 

[Kennedy]

Although price difference is that much, it shouldn't be a problem for someone who really sees the RX doing a better job at serving there needs.

Plus this a buying decision that you'll live with for a few years at the least, better to get it right.

 

[mister]

$6,000 spread out over a number of years doesn't actually make your payments too much more. I'm sure that there are plenty of people who are completely willing to bite that bullet.

 

[Kennedy]

If you really need it, for what more it offers you will matter most, completely making the price difference irrelevant.

 

[mister]

I think the thing that people worry about the most with these relatively small CUVs is that they aren't big enough. I've heard people complain its not big enough, but I don't understand why they complain. Just go buy a bigger vehicle then.

 

[Kennedy]

If they're not big enough then, those folks are looking in the wrong place.
Nothing to really do to improve it on a regular basis, don't see someone always running around with a roof top carrier.
Getting the RX is the next best move.

 

[Timbre]

I think Lexus did exactly the right thing with introducing the NX. It is more edgy and sporty, whereas the RX is more conventional and more luxurious. Even the interior of the RX is more soccer-mom, whereas the NX is more sporty. They are two different, distinct vehicles that cater to different age demographics. When the NX is noticed by the public more, I'm afraid that there will be so many bought that they might set records for CUV's. I think it is the best looking CUV made to date on the street! Had I noticed it, I would have bought mine six months ago.

 

[Kennedy]

I think Lexus did exactly the right thing with introducing the NX. It is more edgy and sporty, whereas the RX is more conventional and more luxurious. Even the interior of the RX is more soccer-mom, whereas the NX is more sporty. They are two different, distinct vehicles that cater to different age demographics. When the NX is noticed by the public more, I'm afraid that there will be so many bought that they might set records for CUV's. I think it is the best looking CUV made to date on the street! Had I noticed it, I would have bought mine six months ago.

They just had to slot in to the CUV range somehow and the NX was the perfect way to do it, along with that... move the RX up in size. Great play.

 

[mister]

They just had to slot in to the CUV range somehow and the NX was the perfect way to do it, along with that... move the RX up in size. Great play.

I think that it definitely turns heads. Its not for everyone but it doesn't have to be. I just appreciate that it looks different from the rest. I'm tired of 5 different versions of the exact same thing.