[mojo]

Birds word has it that the RX is growing next year to the tune of three row seating. Question is, do we see the NX slip into the vacancy left by a larger RX? RX was already trying to straddle two segments...

http://youwheel.com/2014/07/01/report-next-generation-of-lexus-rx-may-has-three-row-seating/

 

[Kennedy]

that does make sense since the two do come close to each other. at least now acura will have a really tough japanese rival to it's MDX

 

[mister]

If they do make the RX into a three row SUV then they will just add in another SUV to go between the NX and the RX. That seems to be what every other company is doing, diversifying the line-up by adding more and more vehicles with less and less difference between them.

 

[Thai]

And what will happen to GX?

Maybe it is a good time to get my wife a GX at discount price? Hmmmm....

 

[mojo]

And what will happen to GX?

Maybe it is a good time to get my wife a GX at discount price? Hmmmm....

I think GX is relatively safe as a niche product. Its stilla big BOF SUV, Lexus Landcrusier. There is always room for those. Escalade, Navigator, QX80...

 

[Kennedy]

That's true, although the LX is also a landcruiser it is also really high in price, at least the GX acts like a cheaper version of it in a way.

 

[mojo]

That's true, although the LX is also a landcruiser it is also really high in price, at least the GX acts like a cheaper version of it in a way.

yes thats true, think of it like 4Runner and LAnd Cruiser for Lexus, because that's exactly what they are...(4Runner is just LC with a tummy tuck)

 

[Thai]

yes thats true, think of it like 4Runner and LAnd Cruiser for Lexus, because that's exactly what they are...(4Runner is just LC with a tummy tuck)

Well, LC is more than just a tummy tuck...frame, suspension, and even A-TRAC is much different (far in favor of LC)...and we're not even talking about build quality, interior refinement, etc..

 

[Thai]

I think GX is relatively safe as a niche product. Its stilla big BOF SUV, Lexus Landcrusier. There is always room for those. Escalade, Navigator, QX80...

To be honest, i am not sure that GX will survive the next round of Lexus SUVs. IF the RX will have an XL version (similar in size to Highlander), then there is really no need for GX. (Elsewhere, the Prado will be useful, but it would not be beneficial for Lexus to import something that does not sell.) I don't know the numbers, but i would guess that the LX570 outsells the GX460. Correct me if i am wrong.

Even the GX460 now is a "sissified" version of the 4runner because Lexus sees no need for it to be "rough & tough." No low range. No locker. All-wheel drive.

And with EPA beating down the doors on low mileage SUVs, i fear that the GX is on its last leg. Slow sales. 18mpg or so combined MPG with premium gas. Overweight for its purpose (note that BOF does not mean better crash scores either). Limited interior space for its size (3rd row is horrible!). High step in.

Caddy Escalades sell well because they attract certain population of our society. But look at its competitors of same type (ones you listed)...none sell well...and probably on verge of being axed by their respective company.

Toyota is committed to 4runner...but i am not sure that they are committed to GX460.

 

[mojo]

The segment will continue to exist. There will always be a market for a larger family vehicle with capability, but you may be right about Lexus. Large BOF luxury gas guzzlers are no longer THE luxury product/image. Luxury branding is becoming much more about hybridization/EV power, so if we see Lexus take up that mantle then its entirely possible we see GX as it is disappear. The RX XL is an intertesting idea, I see it similar to what Ford did with the Explorer. Explorer and Expedition shared a similar relationship as 4R/LC (GX/LX), Expedition has been kept as is, while Explorer became unibody.

So a roundabout way of saying I agree, there is precedence

as for the figures:

2013 US Sales

Escalade: 12,592
Navigator: 8,613
QX80: 13,148

GX: 12,136
LX: 4,625

However, do note that Lexus has moved 10,276 GXs in 2014 YTD. So either they are experiencing something of a renaissance or there is a ton of cash on those hoods...

 

[Thai]

Thx for figures! Lexus did lower the base price of GX for 2014. We are looking at GX in the near future...so hopefully it will stick around and prove me wrong.