looks like the RLX did not make the cut for this story

https://autos.yahoo.com/news/6-luxur...181140062.html

 

That's what happens when you tease and then don't release product, or explain why there is a delay until almost 18 months in. The automotive media forget about you.

 

I think the SH RLX had potential to better define not only luxury hybrids but as intended introduce the Sport Hybrid tack into the market (and pave the way for the NSX as a hybrid supercar).

Acura blew it. In a colossal manner.

Once again competitors not only beat them to market and drew away the media spot light (Although a $120K Lexus LSh seems ridiculous). I think the BMW i8 will be the defining product of luxury/sport hybrids now.

Acura will not get credit or recognition (as in the past with SHAWD, earlier hybrids), and any attempt to clarify why the SH RLX could have been that defining product will only reveal how much Acura blew it.

This time I feel Acura deserves it.

 

Although a $120K Lexus LSh seems ridiculous

No kidding - can't see that selling either. You can get top end Tesla for that

 

The Lexus GS450H has been in the market for a number of years, and it is has been marketed as a sport hybrid. The GS450H is a faster car then now discontinued V8 GS460. The GS450H did great in a recent magazine test between the Panamera and M37-Hybrid.

It is reasonable priced and near equivalent to the RLX Hybrid. Only advantage the RLX has is the AWD system combined with the Hybrid.

I personally feel Acura needs to cut the FWD RLX, and make the RLX Hybrid SH-AWD the default selection. The brand needs to showcase the Hybrid system as its flagship and eliminate numerous variants of this model. The FWD version dilutes the model, and will be the known reference point for consumer cross shopping.

 

There's a big difference in the build quality and reliability of a Lexus LS and a Tesla S, in favor of the Lexus.

It's also much easier to live with a Lexus long term, and the Lexus is going to offer so much more for that 120,000 that you're not going to see much need to shop in the 250,000 range.

I like Tesla and the idea behind it, but I've been impressed with the value represented by the LS for quite some time, when compared to vehicles that cost quite a bit more.

 

and you are judging quality and reliability of the Tesla how?

 

Tesla is a festival of insecurities, frequented by sociopaths.

(sorry)

 

What?

 

^$100k car after 8 years $0 re-sale value. What do you call that?

 

Quality, personal experience.

Reliability a combination of Northern Virginia, DC, Maryland users who work near me, together with Consumer Reports issues like the Giant iPad going black, the door handles not working for no evident reason, things like that.

Don't trust me...get in one and poke around, drive it around, and compare it with your Acuras.

The seats don't move enough. The leather's not very good. The audio's nothing like the Krell.

There isn't enough headroom for tall Americans, and the back seats are inconvenient, and the third row virtually useless and of questionable safety.

Don't underestimate things like the seats. They just don't give you enough adjustment, especially if you're above average (like 6'4" to 6'6"), and the lumbar doesn't make any sense as a catchall position.

Tesla is a great idea. Very good performing vehicle, and it's got an awesome range for a full electric. Great idea...but we're always bitching about the RLX's design and the Tesla is much worse, IMHO.

But again, "What the hell do I know."

:-)

It's just one dumb old man's opinion.

 

I was waiting for a further explanation, too. :-)

Maybe he means the odd things like the huge iPad allowing you to navigate the Web while you are driving.

0_0

If that's not socio-pathological in a deliberate way, it is at least badly conceived.

 

The impression I get and I think I am not the only one, is that Tesla operates behind a lot of lies about their product. Covering a lot of misleading info with some sophisticated PR that targets those who think they bought something special.

It is not special. The technology is not there yet. You buy a Tesla now and in 8 years you'll be left with no resale value because the next owner will have to pony up $12k for a new battery.

So who buys them now? Environmentalists? I don't think so. Who buys them are sociopaths who want to show off they are different, but in effect are so dump that I can't even describe it. If and when the technology gets better, (yep, its coming and IBM is behind that) then the late-adopters are going to benefit. The early-adopters will be left with a brick they use to call a car.

Lets face it, the last days of the old technology are way better than the first days of the new technology. Those early-adopters are just ignorant and not very careful with their money. Plus, the are very reluctant to admit the issues the Tesla has, in denial galore.

I hope these points qualify my previous comment.

 

Now I get it.

Who'd actually BUY a Tesla anyway? I'd only lease a car like that with new tech, and I would bet that as with most luxury makes, most are leased. The RLX Sport Hybrid, frankly, falls into the same category. I'd only lease one.

 

That's something that I really worry about. :-(

 

Tesla doesn't offer leases. They do, however, provide a guaranteed buy back, which is 50% of the new car price after three years with no mileage limitation.
If you haven't done so, you should test drive one. Go for the model S P85 or P85+. Call them. They will bring it to your home.
Let us know what you think. I won't attempt to prejudice you with my impressions.

 

Tesla does offer a lease program for businesses. Were I to procure a Model S, it would be through my business. Same with an RLX.

Tesla Business Leasing | Blog | Tesla Motors

 

My brother in law is contemplating one and I went with him on the test drive. I was quite impressed with the technology, the handling and the overall comfort - but then one should be at $90k

The integration of Google maps with the nav is impressive and one ask oneself why other manufacturers haven't done that.

The turning radius is equally impressive and the handling is quite good, but interior build quality is a bit chintzy and I can see where some of the gee-whiz gimmicks like the door handles could be prone to failure.

If I were looking at a car in this price range then I might just give the Tesla some serious thought.

 

I forgot to mention, I'd consider a Model S more strongly if the Supercharger network were more complete. I road trip all my cars at least once every year or two during their lifetime with me, with the exception of my S2000, which I'm keeping relatively low mileage. Need a safety margin so I don't run out of juice on I-70 in Kansas, or on the back roads of Colorado.

 

Audi has had Google maps since 2012.