CL6

We have an 06 for sale and I got some people looking at the new C Class. Currently they drive a BMW 5 Series. Our poor RL never gets test driven so today I made a point to show them this car. It was kind of interesting because they had never heard of it before. Now here are what I would call prime RL demographic customers... well educated, affluent, BMW 5 Series owners looking at a Mercedes-Benz and they had never heard of an RL. They gave the car funny looks and asked if it had things like Bluetooth and whatnot. I gave my best pitch and even got them on a test drive. They described the RL as their 'back up plan' but had kind words for the car. They didn't buy anything today (from me anyway) but I think the car made an impression on them.

Now I don't know if a larger lesson can be drawn from these two people but the fact that the car had not even registered on their radar screens but the new C had (they came specifically to look at it) tells me that the RL isn't being pushed enough by Acura. I know, call me Einstein, but this explains it more than not having a V8 or the backseat size, etc...

NightRider

Being an Acura and MB lover, I have no bias here...

I think that the RL definitely is a cut above the C class and also edges out the 5 series...sans the 540/45 due to performance. I think H/A needs to have a much better marketing plan for the next G RL. They couldn't push this gen too hard because the RL was too similar to the TL, and as much as H/A wanted to push the RL as a flagship, it just didn't measure up as more than a niche flagship vehicle. Although I very much anticipate the next gen TL, I think the next gen RL will be something to behold if H/A does what they should do and turns the Rl into a true flagship. For $60k+, in comparison with the most budget minded luxury flagship (Lexus LS), the new RL could do a lot of damage if executed right at the right price. IMO there is no reason the next gen TL should be more than $40k MAX and the RL $60K MAX. I think $20K is quite a bit to work with and SHOULD provide a better vehicle overall with very little cross shopping with it's "lesser" companion. A I did like certain cosmetic things about the RL such as the tail lights and interior, but didn't much car for the overall bloated Accord look of it, which is probably the reason these customers had the look on their faces.

EDIT: With the drivetrain power loss of of AT Acuras overall, especially with SH AWD, H/A can hardly afford NOT to add a hefty power increase to both the new TL and RL. While I love Acuras and the J series engine, 3500 lb+ cars need more grunt than Acura has been giving them IMO.

123456SPEED

There is quite a bit of good info (and guesses) on the MMC RL at templeofvtec. Guess is it will be $55k. Substantial exterior redo, my guess is all panels are changing except the doors, CMBS as stand-alone option, no PAX, may have 19" wheels, probably all seats heated and cooled, Navi and other electronic upgrades. 3.7L engine. Not sure if the SHAWD gets more torque to the rear wheels like the new TL will have.
Said to be the most extensive and expensive model 'refresh' ever done by Honda.

neuronbob

Two comments:

a) Acura needs you back, man! Wish they paid more to you.
b) As I've said many times before, Acura needs to take a long look at the way they market their cars. I personally think this is the biggest reason they didn't sell--absolutely no attempt to create buzz after the first few months. OK, I'm off my soapbox.

CL6

I did see a two page RL ad in the Robb Report.

geronimomoe

IMHO, the C-Class is a car for people who want to say they have a MB. I sat in and rode in two and sorry but it just doesn't impress me.

CL6

Hey, this thread isn't about that, but that's ok. Plenty of other people love the car and there are selling like hotcakes. We can't keep them in stock.

http://www.emercedesbenz.com/Jan08/2...urite_Car.html
http://www.emercedesbenz.com/Jan08/2...ear_Award.html
http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2007/12/04/3141379.htm

The new C also helped MB to post their best year ever:

http://www.emercedesbenz.com/Jan08/0...s_History.html

neuronbob

You're joking? I'm shocked to hear that. Don't tell me it was the CTO ad?

CL6

WHOOPS!

MDX ad...

TampaRLX-SH

Buyer: I'd like to buy a car today, an Acura RL....

Dealer: Can I get you into a MDX?

Buyer: No, I said I want an Acura RL!

Dealer: I can get you a great deal on this Chevy Cobalt...

Buyer: I want the RL. THAT one over there, write it up, NOW!

Dealer: Since you are a smart shopper, I bet a 66 month lease on this Kia Optima would be right up your alley...

And the saga continues.....

CL6

Buyer: Do you have a Meteor Silver?

Dealer: No that's been discontinued.

Buyer: Any special new colors?

Dealer: We do have a limited edition Sundance Gold RL.

Buyer: Wow let me see that!

Dealer: Say... you're TampaRL aren't you?

TampaRLX-SH

After claying, polishing and sealing my OBP today (no football), that Sundance Gold is looking a helluva a lot easier to maintain!

CL6

I sold one of those cars to somebody on Halloween and I remember the last thing I said to them before they left was: "Enjoy your new orange car!!"

TampaRLX-SH

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!

Now that was a triumph of a sale.

I pray Acura never releases a metallic purple...Graple Pearl.