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:
Lexus remained strong among the luxury brands even under the massive Toyota recall that’s currently going on and MB is a very close second. As for BMW… after the “supposed-to-take-over-as-number-one” year in 2009, the question now is where is it headed with all the niche products like the X6M, X5M and the 5-series GT.
Few interesting facts worth to point out…
1. The HS sales still isn’t as well as Lexus had predicted, maybe some “spice” is missing for this car?
2. The LS sales went up compare to last year… facelift and the addition of the sports model are working?
3. BMW sold 5,418 3-series in january… this thing usually goes for 8,000 – 9,000 units per month just not that long ago. BMW losing its magic or people are getting smarter?
4. Acura sold 1,986 TLs, considering that the previous generation was challenging the 3-series for the top entry luxury sedan spot this is just plain PATHETIC. Still think the beak and ugliness isn’t hurting Acura?
Following is the complete sales number break down for all luxury brands:
Well… we’ve seen this for the last several years already, that cars from the same manufacture have similar looking interiors. Personally I think that’s reasonable because all manufactures share parts bin among models in their lineup in order to reduce cost. However, I think recently Audi and BMW have taken this “laziness” or cost-cutting into an entire level altogether. In the following 3 pictures you can see the interiors for popular Audi models and BMW’s newest addition to their lineup, the F01 7-series and F10 5-series, as well as the current 3-series and 5-series.
From a quick glance it’s almost impossible to indentify which interior is for which model. All Audis have the up-right standup center stack that’s molded into the gauge cluster and angles toward the driver; the major controls, vents and navigation screens are all in the same region, they all have the trim pieces (whether it’s wood or metal) in front of the passenger seat on top of the glove box. Also, all Audis have similar looking gauge clusters.
If you think that’s bad then let’s take a look at BMW’s masterpiece… Can you even tell that those are two different interiors from two TOTALLY DIFFERENT cars? Just for giggles, take a look at the A/C vents for both interiors… Yup! They are the same, EXACTLY the same. As for the current 5-series and 3-series? I’ll let the picture do all the talking.
Oh, and don’t forget to compare the steering wheels too…
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.
One month to go and BMW is down by more than 11,000 units… The race has turned into let’s see who is going to capture the second spot, can MB pull out a miracle and steal it away from BMW?
Few interesting facts worth to point out…
1. Looks like Lexus will have no trouble to sell 200,000 units again this year in a down market despite all the naysayers have been predicted earlier this year.
2. TL is fading fast, once sold for 7,000 units a month now can barely pass 2,000. For those of you still think that Acura doesn’t have a problem? Wake up…
3. What’s up with Infiniti? They in deeper doo-doo than Acura and if you are doing worse than Acura that means you really suck a**.
4. RX is going strong as usual and outsold the entire Infiniti and Audi brand in the month of November.
5. Audi A4’s sales are lackluster, I am sure this is not what they had in mind with the new and improved (or the lack of in terms of interior) A4. Still think Audi doesn’t have a problem with their pricing strategy here in the US? Stop drinking the kool-aids…
Following is the complete sales number break down for all luxury brands:
There are a lot of praises around the web after BMW unveiled the 2011 5-series, people are saying BMW has finally put Chris Bengle behind them and finally come out with a good looking and exciting design…
Well, sorry to rain on their parades but there is nothing “exciting” about the F10 (code name for the new 5-series), it is handsome at best, so is the current Lexus GS and just about everyone else in the same segment.
I’ll be the first to admit that I was one of the haters when the E60 first showed up, but I’ve warmed up to it over the years, especially after the face-lift with the updated tail lamp. Compare to the F10 it is more stylish, has more characters in design and in all honesty it is probably the most successful model under Bengle’s reign.
All in all, BMW puts out a “safe” design for the new 5er, it is inoffensive, handsome, straight forward but lacking the spice that its predecessor has.
Also, what’s up with BMW designers? Did they hang out with their Audi counterparts too much lately or what? The new 5-series is just shockingly similar as the 7er, which is really not a good trend imo (never the Audi S-M-L type of design fan). Say whatever you want about Lexus’ designs but at least Lexus designers actually put in effort to create four different looking sedans unlike their lazy European counterparts.
BMW is fading fast, by leading over 8,000 units with two more months go Lexus appears to have the 2009 luxury crown in the bag… MB had a solid month but is probably a little too late to challenge BMW for the number two spot.
Few interesting facts worth to point out…
1. Lexus again sold more than 8,000 RX (8,316 to be exact), which makes it best selling luxury vehicle second month in a roll. The RX also single handily outsold the entire Audi, Infiniti line and the BMW 3-series.
2. Acura only send 2,512 TLs out the lots in the month of October, which is over 40% drop from last year… Still thinking the new TL isn’t a flop? Think again…
Following is the complete sales number break down for all luxury brands:
Now, stop reading for a second, look at the test results again and try to come up with a winner OBJECTIVELY. when you are ready, read on.
Okay, so the BMW is cheaper (by 10 grands according the as-test price and good luck on finding a S4 that’s below $50k on the lot), handles equally well, is lighter, has better steering feel and is only a tad slower than the S4… But the Audi S4 still ends up as the winner? I mean, seriously, WTF?
No, I haven’t been in the new S4 yet but based on my experienced in the new A4 Quattro, countless times in the 335i and this sentence from the comparo write-up:
“We still prefer the more natural feel of the BMW’s steering to the S4’s responsive but slightly over-boosted setup.”
I would think the 335i would end up as the winner, by a narrow margin nevertheless but still… I mean the only strong suit of the S4 seems to be more “confident” due to the AWD setup, but what happen to that “true driver’s car” banner the automotive editors always like to wave? What about that thrill that only the RWD cars can provide? So is InsideLine openly admitting here that technology > the enthusiasts? Aren’t all the automotive editors should be enthusiasts? Isn’t that the reason they always knock on the Lexus because it’s not always about the numbers, it’s about the “feel”?
Seriously, Edmunds IL, WHAT ARE YOU SMOKING?
Oh and by the way… Audi, what are you thinking when you priced the S4? Who the heck is going to pay for a $60k S4 when anyone can special order a M3 for $56k? GEEZ!
It puzzles me everytime when people say Passat is the “driver’s car” of family sedans and other aren’t… I mean, all the sedans are products of compromise, some are compromised more than others, that’s it, to say that the Passat is a “drive’s car” while others aren’t is just ridiculous in my humble opinion.
I understand that most of us can only afford one car so we want the best balance of comfort, practicality and performance (I am in the same boat). Then my question is, if that’s the case, why would I want to get a VW? There are true RWD sports sedans out there that costs less than a comparable VW and performs better, for example:
VW CC VR6 Sport FWD: $39,015
VW CC VR6 4Motion AWD: $40,115
(I picked VR6 because that’s the only model that comes with the V6, VW doesn’t offer V6 for Passat anymore)
Then there are those who just want a comfortable and yet reliable A-to-B commuter. Based on the simple comparison I did they have even less reasons to pick VW over the other family sedans:
VW Passat: $27,600
Toyota Camry SE: $25,840
Honda Accord EX: $26,805
Nissan Altima 3.5 SE: $25,680
Mazda MAZDA6 S Sport: $24,330
(I picked the V6 models to compare with the turbo-charge 4 banger Passat just for giggles, we all know that the I4 models cost even less than the prices shown above…)
The lead that Lexus had over BMW has more than doubled from 2,000 in August to over 5,000 in September, seems to me that BMW’s chance to overtake Lexus in 2009 is all about to be over… With trailing Lexus by over 10,000 units MB is edging closer and closer to be eliminated from the battle.
Few interesting facts worth to point out…
1. Lexus sold 8,228 RX, which makes it the best selling luxury vehicle in September. The RX also single handily outsold the entire Acura, Audi or Infiniti brand.
2. Cadillac’s sales jumped over 4,000 units from August, impressive!
3. BMW 3-series dropped about 3,000 units from last month, don’t exactly know what is going on there but that is not a good sign for BMW.
Following is the complete sales number break down for all luxury brands:
In all respect to Longo Lexus there event was great as I heard but I would rather go to a real race track like Willow Springs, Button Willow, even Laguna Seca but 1/8 mile drag is a real joke, you couldn’t find a 1/4 mile drag track.
Now MFEST……..
Mfest3 had a great track day at Spring Mountain Motorsports and that is something we all should look up to and do in the Lexus World, not this bull$hi7 of 1/8 mile, I’m talking about taking your car, from a ES300 – IS-F and testing your skills and car on a true race track.
CLUB LEXUS needs to learn from MFEST, Luxury4play (Gold Rush Rally), ModBall, etc
about what the car community and what a high performance car is about, 1/8 mile was an insult.
For the Moderators – Yes, If you delete my post, I know WHY?
You guys need to stop being the illuminati of Clublexus and let a real discussion happen for once
For some fellow Club Lexus members- Stop being snotty, respect other brands, I have never seen so much hate for others that I have seen on Clublexus and that is factual.
Thank You
I have been gone from Club Lexus for awhile but this is my return message, see you at the next meet!
Above was a post on the Club Lexus Forums, the poster was previously a Lexus owner whom recently moved to a BMW. He decided to go to a FREE Lexus-oriented event sponsored by a Lexus dealership and organized by Lexus owners/enthusiasts with his BMW buddies in their Bimmers. The event was hosted at a local track which registered Lexus owners get to track their cars FOR FREE and the organizers also provided free food. The BMW owners were welcomed by the event organizers and were provided with free food just like any other Lexus owners but they were nicely turned down when they requested to track their Bimmers.
Since it was stated ahead of the event that only Lexus owners are allowed to track their Lexus vehicles I really don’t know what’s there to argue. Also, given that this is a 100% FREE event I really don’t see how should there be anything to complain about. Sure you might get a better track experience when you pay $150 for a track day but again, THIS EVENT IS FREE. I am sure the organizers and sponsors have put a lot of time into this to make it as enjoyable as possible for everyone so for you BMW spoiled brats:
If you can’t learn to appreciate others’ effort and hard work then the best you can do is SHUT THE HELL UP!
ffpower says: This Aston Martin is kind of interesting, from some angles it looks like one of the best looking 4-door coupe, if not the best, up to date but from other angles it looks down right weird… Don’t know what to think about it just yet but one thing for sure is: The more of these 4-door coupes the merrier.
BMW X1
ffpower says: Another BMW product that answered the question nobody asked… I’ll just take the 3-series wagon and call it a day.
Mazda MX-5 Superlight
ffpower says: Mazda just turned a great track car into an ultimate track car, where can I sign up?
Lexus LF-Ch
ffpower says: This is one aggressive compact hatchback, especially coming from a conservative company such as Lexus but I am sure the production model will be tone down a bit. This will provide Lexus the much needed boost in the European market and hopefully it’ll find its way to the other side of the pond.
Audi A5 Sportback
ffpower says: A handsome car but damn it Audi, all your cars look alike, this is getting bored fast…
ffpower says: The SLS AMG just look more beautiful each time I stare at it, it’s one of those cars you have to open yours eyes and mind to appreciate what the designers are trying to accomplish. The future comparisons between it and the Lexus LF-A should be some excellent reads.
Lamborghini Reventon Roadster
ffpower says: Not the biggest of the Lamborghini Reventon but this roadster version is simply sex on wheels.
BMW Vision Dynamics Concept
ffpower says: BMW deserves an “A” for promoting fuel efficient sports cars but gets a “F” for taking other manufacturer’s idea and make it look like they are the original…
Ferrari 458 Italia
ffpower says: The F430 replacement is cleaner than its predecessor, however, it is also not as exciting to look at… But I am sure it’ll drive like a Ferrari, as always.
BMW has released the Vision Efficientdynamics Concept ahead of the Frankfurt Auto Show which is powered by 3 power sources: a 1.5L turbo diesel that makes 163 hp with peak torque of 214 pound feet, a compact electric motor that delivers 51 hp and 214 lb ft of torque, and a second electric motor that provides 162 lb ft of torque, continuous output of 80 hp, with short bursts of up to 139 hp which drives the front wheels. BMW also gave this car a very dramatic exterior design by utilizing lively color combinations, busy lines and uneven surfaces.
Combining the great fuel economy (BMW acclaimed 63 mpg on the combined EU test cycle) and impressive performance (0 60 sprint in less than 4.8 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 155 mph) all of the sudden BMW has put itself into the elite group of being the innovator for “green performance”.
But NOT SO FAST, BMW fanboys and wagon jumpers! Have you forgot about the Toyota FT HS concept?
Sure, if you just look at the skin deep the two are nothing alike, the Bimmer has two electric motors with a 1.5L turbo diesel and the exterior design is way busier than the FT HS. Also Not to mention the colorful combination in order to throw people off thinking that this “concept” is originated by BMW and BMW alone.
However, if you are able to get past the skin deep level and look at the bigger picture, what is this BMW “Vision Efficientdynamics” concept all about? Ultimately it is about a fuel efficient hybrid vehicle that’s also a highly capable sports car with a futuristic design inside and out. Toyota has demonstrated all these aspects with their FT HS concept back in 2007 at the NAIAS. Granted the FT HS has a much cleaner design for the exterior than the Bimmer but in my opinion the ideas are the same for both cars.
Not to take anything away from BMW for coming out with a clean, fuel efficient and yet sporty car (EXCELLENT combination) but I wouldn’t go as far as to say that it is “original” just because it has a busy color combination while Toyota has already came up with a very similar concept almost 3 years ago.
Last month Lexus was still trailing BMW by about 1,500 units and one month is all it takes for Lexus to regain the lead by over 2,000 (Lexus outsold BMW in August by 3,660 units). With the HS250h on sale now and rumor has it that the new GX will go on sale at end of the year I just don’t see how BMW can regain the lead from this point on.
By the way, it also amazes me month after month that Acura is able to stay as a solid distant fourth even with its whole new uglified lineup…
Following is the complete sales number break down for all luxury brands:
After posting the Mini E – A $50,000 Useless POS article I’ve gotten into several more discussion about the Mini E last week. To summarize, the majority of the supporters like the idea about the Mini E due to two reasons:
It’s a great commuter car to commute within the city
Who needs the Mini E for road trips, there is always the second car or rental for that purpose
Here comes my counter points…
Yes, this is a perfect commuter car if you live in the city, work in the city, don’t go far out of the city, and don’t have a life out of city… As for who needs the Mini E for road trips, let’s see… The Mini E costs about $1,000/month to lease so I can tell you right now that based on my current salary if I get a Mini E it will be my only car. As for getting a rental car for road trips, does anyone volunteer to pay for my rental car next time when I am going to Napa Valley?
…
Yeah, that’s what I thought.
Don’t get me wrong here, I really don’t hate the Mini E or EV in general. As matter of fact, I am totally on board if the Mini E costs 1/5 of its current cost which means either $10,000 or $200/month to lease. Because in that case a middle class family can easily afford other cars for longer trip purpose.
However this thing is at $50,000 or almost $1,000/month if you lease…
So now that leads us to the root and ask the most basic question:
What does BMW want to achieve for releasing these Mini Es at a price that will cost the customers almost $1,000/months?
According to Autoblog, BMW is coming out with a hybrid version of the X6 which features with twin electric motors and 4.4-liter V8 engine that will put out 478 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque :
According to what appear to be leaked specs from BMW, the X6 Hybrid will scoot to 60 in about 5.5 seconds while returning a 20-percent fuel mileage improvement over the standard X6 with its twin-turbo V8. To set the hybrid apart from its standard sibling, BMW will bestow the new fuel-saver with a power dome hood (musclecar elements on a hybrid – HA!) and a bespoke metallic blue hue.
Faster yet will be the upcoming 7 Series Hybrid, which will reportedly be able to cover the run to 60 in under five seconds flat via the 459 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque provided by its V8-based hybrid powertrain combination. BMW predicts an X6 Hybrid-matching 20-percent increase in fuel efficiency from its 7 Series Hybrid.
Well, let’s see…
The the X6 xDrive 50i has a combine FE of 15 MPG and 750Li is at 17 MPG, according to my little own calculation with 20% better that’ll put them at at 18 and 20.5 MPG, respectively. Just for comparison purpose, the LS600hL returns a combine FE of 21 mpg and the acceleration is on part with the X6 hybrid at 5.5 seconds.
So Here’s the question to the German fanboys who have been claiming the LS600hL is pointless because it doesn’t offer extreme gas saving and doesn’t perform any better than the regular LS:
What do you say now when your beloved BMW also came out with not just one but TWO pointless vehicles?
Before I get to my explanation on why the Mini E is an useless POS let me share with you some of the fact first:
The Gross Capitalized Cost of the electric Mini is $50,713.64, in order to be Mini’s lab mice for a year the cost is $928.63 per month (tax included).
It takes more than 30 hours to get a full battery charge from a 110-volt outlet and still 2.5 hours of recharging with a high-voltage device.
The range is 100 miles, which means if you want to get out of Metro Los Angeles, you are in trouble…
This is strictly a two-person car, the back seat is occupied by the batteries.
Some people argue that the Mini E is perfect for a “city commuter” for those who live in the city and don’t get out much. Well, first of all let me say that I feel sorry for those folks, you guys are really missing out; second, there are too many better ways to spend $50k on a “commuter” than on this POS Mini E. Do you know what $50k means? It means I can get a Prius as my “commuter” and sill have enough cash left to get me a pretty fun weekend car like Genesis Coupe, Miata, used E46 M3 and guess what, a REGULAR AND MORE FUN TO DRIVE Mini Cooper S!!!
After failed to solidify that argument the same people will come teach you about how the stupid high cost is all legit because that is an early-adopter/prototype price, not an inherent flaw with an electric car. Well guess what, I say let the Hollywood tree-huggers to spend their “hard earned” money on that; after all, hey want to save the world right?
However, the funny part is electric vehicles are actually less complicated than the ICE vehicles, there is nothing special about it except the batteries. The reason that the current EVs are not feasible is due to the range and cost, and the reason for that is simply because the BATTERIES AREN’T READY!! Given that’s the case there is no need to “prototype” the batteries on a car, they can run that all day long in a lab or any simulated environment.
The Mini E is just a big publicity stunt so Mini (or rather BMW) can say “Hey look at me, I got something green too”. It’s funny and also sad that some people actually bought into that hype and trying to lecture people this is the price to pay in order to have a feasible EV.
The bottom line is that if you can justify paying $50k for a 100-mile-range two-seater with no back seat to only “commute” within the city then I guess more power to you. Other than that this Mini E is simply a $50,000 useless POS.
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
There are a lot of praises around the web after BMW unveiled the 2011 5-series, people are saying BMW has finally put Chris Bengle behind them and finally come out with a good looking and exciting design…
Also, what’s up with BMW designers? Did they hang out with their Audi counterparts too much lately or what? The new 5-series is just shockingly similar as the 7er, which is really not a good trend imo (never the Audi S-M-L type of design fan). Say whatever you want about Lexus’ designs but at least Lexus designers actually put in effort to create four different looking sedans unlike their lazy European counterparts.
According to the 
It puzzles me everytime when people say Passat is the “driver’s car” of family sedans and other aren’t… I mean, all the sedans are products of compromise, some are compromised more than others, that’s it, to say that the Passat is a “drive’s car” while others aren’t is just ridiculous in my humble opinion.
BMW has released the Vision Efficientdynamics Concept ahead of the Frankfurt Auto Show which is powered by 3 power sources: a 1.5L turbo diesel that makes 163 hp with peak torque of 214 pound feet, a compact electric motor that delivers 51 hp and 214 lb ft of torque, and a second electric motor that provides 162 lb ft of torque, continuous output of 80 hp, with short bursts of up to 139 hp which drives the front wheels. BMW also gave this car a very dramatic exterior design by utilizing lively color combinations, busy lines and uneven surfaces.
But NOT SO FAST, BMW fanboys and wagon jumpers! Have you forgot about the Toyota FT HS concept?
