Target vehicles are MDX and Ody.

The Bloomberg article talks about the diesel being a 3.5 L V6. Probably no market for a RL diesel or turbo diesel, but it is kind of an interesting way to expand the line like Mercedes and BMW does. Right now there is a paucity of RL models, but given the sales figures, it would be insane to offer variations on models like BMW does (e.g., 528i, 528xi, 535i, 535xi, 550i and the wagon.) But a kick in the pants turbo diesel with 400 lbs ft torque could be an interesting platform. The BMW 123d I-4 allegedly puts out 200 hp and does 0-60 in 7 secs with something like 45 mpg.

Other articles suggest that the new Honda diesel system is supposed to be free of the urea packs, unlike the Mercedes Bluetec, which apparently has also been licensed to BMW and Audi. I have not yet heard that the urea pack Bluetecs have been approved for use in the US in the five states that have CARB emissions standards.

You wonder, with the greening of America, whether this kind of approach would work for Acura?

I think they have to get the luxury segment part right first, if that is where they want to play.


http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?p...eY&refer=japan

http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_f...tent_id=128129

 

For us "urban cowboys" I want to see the MDX brought up a notch to at least the level of the RL -- keyless entry, adaptive cruise, etc. I'm starting to hunt for a new SUV but the MDX is just falling flat for me. Eventhough it's a kick as# value it's not wowing me like the RL did/does. I looked at the MB GL450 (which also comes in a diesel). It's definitely got all the goodies I mentioned but it's MSRP of $70k makes it overpriced (as usual for MB).

 

And if you like electronics, Mikey, you'd be SOOOO disappointed in the M-B. My buddy got one a few weeks ago and the Nav is just flat embarrassing. And he found out he has to buy a separate $400 module to be able to use his BT phone. And voice commands? What voice commands? Backup cam? Huh? There's not one?

He looks at my MDX (which I got a week after he got the GL) and I can see the jealousy in his eyes. LOL. Sure, his M-B is classier, and more expensive, and more exclusive, but I know he wonders why in the hell my Acura does so many things his high-dollar Merc doesn't.

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I know, I know. You're preaching to the choir on that one for sure I was only half serious when I went and looked at the GL. It's over priced and falls short on the tech for sure. The M350 only seats 5. That's not an option for me.

By the way, you can get all the goodies you want if you can find one equiped that way. I want the ACC, NAV, entertainment package, and keyless entry. The MSRP was $75k Doesn't really matter because there aren't any in FLorida. In fact there are only 3 in the U.S. All were on the west coast. But, they said they'd bring it here for no extra charge. No extra charge? For $75k they should also give me a chauffeur for 3 years!

It's funny, everytime I've ever looked at MB's, BMW's, etc. They dealers never seem to have any loaded ones available. Kind of supports my hunch that most of the people driving these high priced (over priced) vehicles really can't afford them and are driving around in "shells" just to impress everyone. Probably driving to work in their GL and "brown bagging" their lunch

Maybe I'll wait another 6 months and see what happens to the 08 MDX's and GX's. Maybe they'll step them up and offer the ACC. By the way, the only reason I'm so insistent on that feature is because I have a bad right leg. It's a GREAT feature that makes driving a lot easier. I've had it on my last 3 cars. Won't buy one anymore without it.

 

The 2008 C Class does voice commands, takes PC cards for music and, check this out... you copy your Outlook names, addresses, and phone numbers onto the PC card, pop it into the dash of your C Class and it downloads all that to your phonebook and Nav system like that! Plus if you have Nav you can watch DVD movies on the screen out of the box! That's pretty trick. And if you have your iPod hooked up it displays the title, group, etc on the dash.

The module is because you can have either Bluetooth or a plug-in module so you have to choose. That's not a deal killer.

This technology is more advanced than what Acura has in many ways. It is trickling down the MB line-up.

Speaking of diesels the Ridgeline is getting one and the MDX in 2 years I heard.

 

Yeah, one of my buddies is an M-B "Sales Associate", and when I jabbed him about the extra $400 for BT in a $65,000 car, he quickly pointed out they do that because Mercedes offers a choice of either BT or a wired-in phone (for about $1,000). When I said, "Right. How many people these days want a phone anchored to their car?", he kinda looked sheepish and admitted it's probably more a European thing. Few people here want dedicated car phones.

In fact, everyone here has cellphones and Blackberries and iPhones and whatever, and why M-B doesn't just integrate BT into the car like the Japanese is beyond me. I think it's like cupholders ... they're just slow coming around to the idea of it.

The C class is looking pretty good on paper, and I hope to go drive one soon as it's available. I figure it's too small for me, but I'm a car guy and want to know about it.

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I can't wait for some Acura Diesels. Hopefully in the 2009 model year for the SUV lineup. Having a MDX Diesel is a no brainer, better gas mileage and torque..


Acura is very tech oriented and some minor tweaks would be nice, Better iPod display, more music options like ports for removeable flash drives, more phone book options...

I am sure they have noticed the competition and will adapt. The NAV is still the best out there...hands down.

 

The wired phones will be going away eventually and it will all be wireless Bluetooth. I think MB HQ is starting to get religion about listening to what the customers want, although they lag behind the Japanese. Each side can learn something from one another. A MB and an Acura may end up doing the same things but I think the Acura will allow the driver to do those things with less hassle.

 

Yep, I think you're right.

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ditto... and if you read
http://www.mercedes-benz-usa.com/ (i think www.lemonmb.com is offline) you will find out exactly why people should not buy MB... I never had one, but I know plenty people that got those in the past few years.

Who knows maybe starting 2008 the quality will get better, but then again, why would anyone want to pay 70+K to find out?

 

MB went from 25th to 5th in JD Power so they know what they have to do. Their cars are much more complex and will always cost more to repair.

 

My sister has a 2004 MB S class. She's had a few issues with it but nothing too major. MB doesn't measure well against Toyota or Honda for reliability but it's definitely not all that bad. My biggest turnoff with MB is value. I've looked at their products in the past but always end up walking away because of poor value.