Lexus is a close second despite the massive Toyota recall fiasco (By the way, you can show your support to Toyota by signing the “I Support Toyota” petition). MB had a fabulous month which enabled them to take the lead, BMW remains at 3rd but still well within the striking distance. Seems like the Toyota recall is hurting Lexus but definitely not lethal, people are still buying Lexus products for their reliability, luxury and the legendary customer service.
Few interesting facts worth to point out…
1. Another bad month for the HS, a hybrid ES looks better than ever now?
2. The 7-series really took a charge in February, maybe the LS and S-class are showing their ages?
3. The Acura TL sales remain pathetic month after month, this might be the most epic fail in Honda’s history.
4. Audi’s sales number is steady but still isn’t where they want it to be with the big boys.
Following is the complete sales number break down for all luxury brands:
Let’s take a look at the 4 major luxury automakers’ flagship lineups:
Audi:
A8
A8L (long wheel-base)
S8 (performance)
BMW:
730d/Ld (not available in US)
740d (not available in US)
740i/Li (not available in US)
750i/Li
750i/Li xDrive (AWD)
760i/Li (V12)
ActiveHybrid7/ActiveHybrid7L (hybrid)
Lexus:
LS460/LS460L
LS460/LS460L AWD
LS460 Sport (sports tuned suspension)
LS600hL (hybrid)
From the model listing it seems like BMW and MB offer more engine choices than Lexus, however when we take a closer look we can see that Lexus offers more variety than the other two brands. The LS460 has both standard and long wheel-base, with AWD options are available for both and the sports-tuned suspension available for the standard wheel-base version. Also there is a range toping hybrid that offers V8 gas mileage and V12-like performance to compete with the other V12 flagships in the segment.
One can really make a case for either three brands of having the most complete flagship lineup in the segment (Audi is a non-factor in this discussion…) but let’s not forget that Lexus is only 20 years old so I think it’s incredible for them just to be able to be included in this discussion with the more established brands.
Beginning with September 2009 production, “BMW Individual Rear Badge” (XF1) will be added to the BMW Individual Package (ZI1) on the 7 Series. Every vehicle equipped with the package will have a “BMW Individual” insignia on the chrome strip across the trunk.
Also, BMW has announced the pricing for the 2010 X5 M and X6 M:
X5 M $85,400
X6 M $88,900
Following is the full release detail:
The new X5 M and X6 M models introduce many new M features to a new class of M products. Three M ‘firsts’ include turbocharged engines, BMW’s xDrive – all wheel drive system and M versions of the SAV concept.
The X5 M and X6 M are well equipped vehicles similar in the concept to the M5 and M6. Option packages include Active Seat Ventilation, Cold Weather, Drivers Assistance, Premium Sound, and Rear Climate. Combined with the available stand-alone options, the X5 M and X6 M can be equipped perfectly for the commute to work, the long weekend trip and a day at the track.
The equipment levels of the X5 M and X6 M are identical with the following exceptions:
• X6 M is a four seater, X5 M is a five seater
• X6 M has a moonroof, X5 M has a Panoramic moonroof
• X6 M has an automatic tailgate standard, X5 M automatic tailgate is optional
• X6 M has style 300M Double-spoke wheels, X5 M has style 299M V-spoke wheels standard
• X5 M offers High-gloss roof rails optional, X6 M does not offer roof rails
Many customers for these new models will own high performance cars like the M5 and M6 and will be looking for exhilarating performance and luxury from the SAV in their stable of vehicles. The performance of these vehicles will exceed their direct competitors, the Mercedes Benz ML63 AMG and Porsche Cayenne Turbo. The X5 M and X6 M will be important additions to the M family of high performance vehicles for demanding BMW customers.
The advertising launch campaign for these M vehicles will start in early September with advertising in targeted magazines. Enthusiast magazine stories based on initial media test drives should appear in the early fall.
The 2010 M3 models will be available at centers in October. These cars carry the same high level of equipment as the 2009 models with the only changes noted below:
• HD radio is now standards on all models
• Automatic High Beam will be a stand-alone option
On the top it’s the new BMW 7-series and at the bottom it’s the Lexus LS460, I don’t know about you people but to me the similarities are just striking.
By the way, the similarity didn’t just end there, the new 7-series also picked up the “fake” tailpipe design that’s on the LS460. Pretty much the “real” tailpipe exhaust was hidden behind the rear bumper and the holes on the bumper are strictly for cosmetic purpose. Lexus was knocked on hard for incorporating this kind of design first on the IS F but most people failed to realize that cars that cost several times more, like the Lamborghini Murcielago and Audi R8 also have this kind of design. Now it seems like the can-do-no-wrong BMW is also picking it up… Well, if those tailpipe exhausts are so lame then what does that make the BMW? The LAME follower?
Anyways, back to the 750i and LS460, the two cars are just so similar from the rear end I personally have mistaken a few new 7-series on the street as the Lexus flagship. Some people would say that’s because the new Lexus design language was heavily influenced by the Bangle philosophy but I beg to differ. Except for the Bangle butt, which everybody was copying, the new Lexus design has nothing in common with the Bangle design. Bangle is famous for his “flame surface” however the Lexus L-finesse emphasizes in the “cleanliness” with simple lines. Try to compare the side profiles between a 3-series and IS then you’ll realize it. Same goes for the LS and 7er here, the lines on the LS are much cleaner and simpler than the Bimmer, except for the rear end which clearly BMW got its idea from Lexus there is nothing alike between the two flagships.
On the side note, Lexus has always been accused as the copy cat dated all the way back to the LS400 (which looks nothing like the MB S-class when it was unveiled) and I do have to admit that Lexus did “borrow” a few design traits from MB back then, for example the GS headlights vs. E-class headlights. However, try to compare the new E-class headlights to the current GS headlights then one will quickly realize that MB just copied something from Lexus which it was copied originally from MB…
