Rlx awd $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
#1
Rlx awd $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
RLX with Advance Package $60,450!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! not including AWD. My wife's 2013 MB E350 4Matic with a similar package topped at $62,000. How is Acura going to sell this second generation RL look-a-like at something probably close to $65,000?
I'm a big RL fan but I don't see it competing with MB, BMW, Lexus or Infiniti at this price level. You can laugh but if Hyundai added AWD to the Genesis the RLX would die.
I'm a big RL fan but I don't see it competing with MB, BMW, Lexus or Infiniti at this price level. You can laugh but if Hyundai added AWD to the Genesis the RLX would die.
Last edited by buzzmag; 03-07-2013 at 09:40 AM.
#2
This has been heavily discussed back and forth in this thread:
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-rlx-2013-412/%2A%2Aofficial-rlx-thread%2A%2A-update-p-14-prod-car-debut-la-11-28-a-852173/
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-rlx-2013-412/%2A%2Aofficial-rlx-thread%2A%2A-update-p-14-prod-car-debut-la-11-28-a-852173/
#4
RLX with Advance Package $60,450!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! not including AWD. My wife's 2013 MB E350 4Matic with a similar package topped at $62,000. How is Acura going to sell this second generation RL look-a-like at something probably close to $65,000?
I'm a big RL fan but I don't see it competing with MB, BMW, Lexus or Infiniti at this price level. You can laugh but if Hyundai added AWD to the Genesis the RLX would die.
I'm a big RL fan but I don't see it competing with MB, BMW, Lexus or Infiniti at this price level. You can laugh but if Hyundai added AWD to the Genesis the RLX would die.
#5
RLX with Advance Package $60,450!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! not including AWD. My wife's 2013 MB E350 4Matic with a similar package topped at $62,000. How is Acura going to sell this second generation RL look-a-like at something probably close to $65,000?
I'm a big RL fan but I don't see it competing with MB, BMW, Lexus or Infiniti at this price level. You can laugh but if Hyundai added AWD to the Genesis the RLX would die.
I'm a big RL fan but I don't see it competing with MB, BMW, Lexus or Infiniti at this price level. You can laugh but if Hyundai added AWD to the Genesis the RLX would die.
#6
You'll Never Walk Alone
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 9,522
Likes: 846
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Yea if you actually go to MB website and price out a E350 4matic and have it equipped like the RLX Advance, you are looking at $70k.
MSRP (Standard Features)$51,000*
Exterior: Diamond White Metallic $1,515
18-inch split 5-spoke alloy wheels $0
Interior: Natural Beige / Black Leather $1,620
Trim: Burl Walnut Wood Trim $0$8,700
Sport Styling Package $0
Premium 2 Package $6,450
19-inch twin 5-spoke wheels $2,250
Premium 1 Package Included with package
Heated & Active Ventilated Front Seats $450
Power Tilt/Sliding Panorama Sunroof $1,090
KEYLESS GO Included
Driver Assistance Package $2,950
PARKTRONIC with Advanced Parking Guidance $970
Rear Side-Impact Airbags $420
Transportation Charge $905
4matic is an additional $2500, and all it is is a basic AWD system, nothing else. It's there to enhance traction.
The AWD system in the RLX however, is a lot more involved. It's an AWD system, it can do torque vectoring, it can provide negative torque to the inside wheel, it's a hybrid system that adds extra power while saving you fuel, it not only improves traction, but it also enhances handling. I don't think it's fair to simply compare the AWD RLX to a E350 AWD. You will need to be comparing the RLX AWD to at least the 329hp E400 hybrid, or even the 402hp E550 4matic. Those start at $56k and $60k respectively. Even then, those don't come close to the EPA ratings of the RLX AWD.
MSRP (Standard Features)$51,000*
Exterior: Diamond White Metallic $1,515
18-inch split 5-spoke alloy wheels $0
Interior: Natural Beige / Black Leather $1,620
Trim: Burl Walnut Wood Trim $0$8,700
Sport Styling Package $0
Premium 2 Package $6,450
19-inch twin 5-spoke wheels $2,250
Premium 1 Package Included with package
Heated & Active Ventilated Front Seats $450
Power Tilt/Sliding Panorama Sunroof $1,090
KEYLESS GO Included
Driver Assistance Package $2,950
PARKTRONIC with Advanced Parking Guidance $970
Rear Side-Impact Airbags $420
Transportation Charge $905
4matic is an additional $2500, and all it is is a basic AWD system, nothing else. It's there to enhance traction.
The AWD system in the RLX however, is a lot more involved. It's an AWD system, it can do torque vectoring, it can provide negative torque to the inside wheel, it's a hybrid system that adds extra power while saving you fuel, it not only improves traction, but it also enhances handling. I don't think it's fair to simply compare the AWD RLX to a E350 AWD. You will need to be comparing the RLX AWD to at least the 329hp E400 hybrid, or even the 402hp E550 4matic. Those start at $56k and $60k respectively. Even then, those don't come close to the EPA ratings of the RLX AWD.
#7
RLX with Advance Package $60,450!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! not including AWD. My wife's 2013 MB E350 4Matic with a similar package topped at $62,000. How is Acura going to sell this second generation RL look-a-like at something probably close to $65,000?
I'm a big RL fan but I don't see it competing with MB, BMW, Lexus or Infiniti at this price level. You can laugh but if Hyundai added AWD to the Genesis the RLX would die.
I'm a big RL fan but I don't see it competing with MB, BMW, Lexus or Infiniti at this price level. You can laugh but if Hyundai added AWD to the Genesis the RLX would die.
But your wife did not get reliability. Probobly she will be stuck on higways shoulder in a year or two. For my family only Lexus-Toyota or Acura-Honda.
Last MB was build to last in 1993
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#8
Yea if you actually go to MB website and price out a E350 4matic and have it equipped like the RLX Advance, you are looking at $70k.
MSRP (Standard Features)$51,000*
Exterior: Diamond White Metallic $1,515
18-inch split 5-spoke alloy wheels $0
Interior: Natural Beige / Black Leather $1,620
Trim: Burl Walnut Wood Trim $0$8,700
Sport Styling Package $0
Premium 2 Package $6,450
19-inch twin 5-spoke wheels $2,250
Premium 1 Package Included with package
Heated & Active Ventilated Front Seats $450
Power Tilt/Sliding Panorama Sunroof $1,090
KEYLESS GO Included
Driver Assistance Package $2,950
PARKTRONIC with Advanced Parking Guidance $970
Rear Side-Impact Airbags $420
Transportation Charge $905
4matic is an additional $2500, and all it is is a basic AWD system, nothing else. It's there to enhance traction.
The AWD system in the RLX however, is a lot more involved. It's an AWD system, it can do torque vectoring, it can provide negative torque to the inside wheel, it's a hybrid system that adds extra power while saving you fuel, it not only improves traction, but it also enhances handling. I don't think it's fair to simply compare the AWD RLX to a E350 AWD. You will need to be comparing the RLX AWD to at least the 329hp E400 hybrid, or even the 402hp E550 4matic. Those start at $56k and $60k respectively. Even then, those don't come close to the EPA ratings of the RLX AWD.
MSRP (Standard Features)$51,000*
Exterior: Diamond White Metallic $1,515
18-inch split 5-spoke alloy wheels $0
Interior: Natural Beige / Black Leather $1,620
Trim: Burl Walnut Wood Trim $0$8,700
Sport Styling Package $0
Premium 2 Package $6,450
19-inch twin 5-spoke wheels $2,250
Premium 1 Package Included with package
Heated & Active Ventilated Front Seats $450
Power Tilt/Sliding Panorama Sunroof $1,090
KEYLESS GO Included
Driver Assistance Package $2,950
PARKTRONIC with Advanced Parking Guidance $970
Rear Side-Impact Airbags $420
Transportation Charge $905
4matic is an additional $2500, and all it is is a basic AWD system, nothing else. It's there to enhance traction.
The AWD system in the RLX however, is a lot more involved. It's an AWD system, it can do torque vectoring, it can provide negative torque to the inside wheel, it's a hybrid system that adds extra power while saving you fuel, it not only improves traction, but it also enhances handling. I don't think it's fair to simply compare the AWD RLX to a E350 AWD. You will need to be comparing the RLX AWD to at least the 329hp E400 hybrid, or even the 402hp E550 4matic. Those start at $56k and $60k respectively. Even then, those don't come close to the EPA ratings of the RLX AWD.
#9
The following users liked this post:
nore03 (03-08-2013)
#11
#13
#14
It is true that with the same options, an Audi/BMW/MB is $5K+ higher than the fully-loaded RLX. But the fact is that not many luxury car buyers arm their new cars to the teeth with options. Some want a base car with AWD, others want navi but not high-end sound system, and others want sport suspension but not AWD, etc., etc.
This is what Acura is losing out here : the lack of individual custom order options.
Vehicle options cost money, why force car buyers to pay extra money for some fancy options, that must be bundled together inside a package trim, they don't want/need in the 1st place ? It usually ends up with unhappy buyers, and also drives up the vehicle price tag unnecessarily.
In the end, a custom optioned Audi/BMW/MB will end up to be a couple thousand $ cheaper than the fully-loaded RLX, and as a result, the more expensive RLX will become less attractive to the luxury car buyers.
The reason I said this is because I had been through this vehicle option dilemma many years back. When the 2G RL first came out, it was available in one trim option, either fully-loaded or no car. I didn't want navi, sunroof, nor high-power sound system, but I wanted AWD, HID headlights, backup sensors, etc.
I bought a C6 A6 instead, because it ended up that my custom optioned A6 Quattro was almost $3K Cdn cheaper than the fully-loaded RL.
Thus, the lesson is that for apple to apple, the RLX may seems much cheaper. But in the reality, the RLX may actually cost more than those custom optioned A6/5/E's that are equipped with options buyers really need/want.
#15
One thing nice about buying German luxury vehicles is that buyers can custom order the various options they really want on their new luxury cars.
It is true that with the same options, an Audi/BMW/MB is $5K+ higher than the fully-loaded RLX. But the fact is that not many luxury car buyers arm their new cars to the teeth with options. Some want a base car with AWD, others want navi but not high-end sound system, and others want sport suspension but not AWD, etc., etc.
This is what Acura is losing out here : the lack of individual custom order options.
Vehicle options cost money, why force car buyers to pay extra money for some fancy options, that must be bundled together inside a package trim, they don't want/need in the 1st place ? It usually ends up with unhappy buyers, and also drives up the vehicle price tag unnecessarily.
In the end, a custom optioned Audi/BMW/MB will end up to be a couple thousand $ cheaper than the fully-loaded RLX, and as a result, the more expensive RLX will become less attractive to the luxury car buyers.
The reason I said this is because I had been through this vehicle option dilemma many years back. When the 2G RL first came out, it was available in one trim option, either fully-loaded or no car. I didn't want navi, sunroof, nor high-power sound system, but I wanted AWD, HID headlights, backup sensors, etc.
I bought a C6 A6 instead, because it ended up that my custom optioned A6 Quattro was almost $3K Cdn cheaper than the fully-loaded RL.
Thus, the lesson is that for apple to apple, the RLX may seems much cheaper. But in the reality, the RLX may actually cost more than those custom optioned A6/5/E's that are equipped with options buyers really need/want.
It is true that with the same options, an Audi/BMW/MB is $5K+ higher than the fully-loaded RLX. But the fact is that not many luxury car buyers arm their new cars to the teeth with options. Some want a base car with AWD, others want navi but not high-end sound system, and others want sport suspension but not AWD, etc., etc.
This is what Acura is losing out here : the lack of individual custom order options.
Vehicle options cost money, why force car buyers to pay extra money for some fancy options, that must be bundled together inside a package trim, they don't want/need in the 1st place ? It usually ends up with unhappy buyers, and also drives up the vehicle price tag unnecessarily.
In the end, a custom optioned Audi/BMW/MB will end up to be a couple thousand $ cheaper than the fully-loaded RLX, and as a result, the more expensive RLX will become less attractive to the luxury car buyers.
The reason I said this is because I had been through this vehicle option dilemma many years back. When the 2G RL first came out, it was available in one trim option, either fully-loaded or no car. I didn't want navi, sunroof, nor high-power sound system, but I wanted AWD, HID headlights, backup sensors, etc.
I bought a C6 A6 instead, because it ended up that my custom optioned A6 Quattro was almost $3K Cdn cheaper than the fully-loaded RL.
Thus, the lesson is that for apple to apple, the RLX may seems much cheaper. But in the reality, the RLX may actually cost more than those custom optioned A6/5/E's that are equipped with options buyers really need/want.
Last edited by Shotgun; 03-08-2013 at 01:53 AM. Reason: Formating
#16
One thing nice about buying German luxury vehicles is that buyers can custom order the various options they really want on their new luxury cars.
It is true that with the same options, an Audi/BMW/MB is $5K+ higher than the fully-loaded RLX. But the fact is that not many luxury car buyers arm their new cars to the teeth with options. Some want a base car with AWD, others want navi but not high-end sound system, and others want sport suspension but not AWD, etc., etc.
Thus, the lesson is that for apple to apple, the RLX may seems much cheaper. But in the reality, the RLX may actually cost more than those custom optioned A6/5/E's that are equipped with options buyers really need/want.
It is true that with the same options, an Audi/BMW/MB is $5K+ higher than the fully-loaded RLX. But the fact is that not many luxury car buyers arm their new cars to the teeth with options. Some want a base car with AWD, others want navi but not high-end sound system, and others want sport suspension but not AWD, etc., etc.
Thus, the lesson is that for apple to apple, the RLX may seems much cheaper. But in the reality, the RLX may actually cost more than those custom optioned A6/5/E's that are equipped with options buyers really need/want.
#17
Interesting. I maybe one of the few but I do not see buying a luxury car and have it optioned like a Ford Focus. A luxury car should have as many luxury items as price and technology can provide. I was attracted by the 05 RL because it had NO options and subsequent years cheapened the image by offering no Nav and plood etc.
As has been previously stated, there are plenty of BMW's out there without the luxury features that make it a luxury car but people drive it because it is perceived as one. If you really want a luxury car then get Advance, if you only want people to think that you have a luxury car then there are plenty of options.
I think that RL owners, in general, are enthusiasts who have done there homework and do not buy for the name but buy because of the car.
I think that the TL is for the group of people who want the features but do not appreciate the quality of the RL.
There are many who do not agree with my POV but that only helps make the RL a rarer car which is one of the reasons that I bought one. If there was one on every street corner then Acura would be happy but not one of them would be mine.
As has been previously stated, there are plenty of BMW's out there without the luxury features that make it a luxury car but people drive it because it is perceived as one. If you really want a luxury car then get Advance, if you only want people to think that you have a luxury car then there are plenty of options.
I think that RL owners, in general, are enthusiasts who have done there homework and do not buy for the name but buy because of the car.
I think that the TL is for the group of people who want the features but do not appreciate the quality of the RL.
There are many who do not agree with my POV but that only helps make the RL a rarer car which is one of the reasons that I bought one. If there was one on every street corner then Acura would be happy but not one of them would be mine.
#18
#19
While some may find the experience of ordering a car tailored to their specific tastes to be a luxury experience, I suspect that the majority of buyers, especially in our current culture of instant gratification, are looking for something that a dealer will have in inventory. Many buyers will use the lack of certain features or options or the presence of extraneous features or options as a bargaining chip when negotiating the price of the car. My guess is that there is a very limited number of mid-size or even full-size luxury car owner spending less that $100k on a car that are custom ordering their vehicles.
#20
So a base 5 series with no options is a German luxury vehicle? If yes then it must be the badge, if no then it must be the options.
#21
So in your thinking the rlx with leatherette is a badge buy also?
Can you define a badge buyer without sounding condescending or jealous?
#22
Yes - a badge buyer puts his ego before his brain and jealousy could only be considered if the RLX was for sale or if I even wanted a BMW.
Most people who bought an RL new, probably considered the BMW but moved in the Acura direction mainly because you get more luxury for less money and you can drive it instead of look at it in the shop. Initial cost is higher and reliability of a BMW is lower but the badge impresses. The only people who would buy a BMW are either buying it for the badge or (2%) buying it because of its driving attributes.
#23
Yes - an RLX without luxury amenities is not a luxury car nor is a BMW.
Yes - a badge buyer puts his ego before his brain and jealousy could only be considered if the RLX was for sale or if I even wanted a BMW.
Most people who bought an RL new, probably considered the BMW but moved in the Acura direction mainly because you get more luxury for less money and you can drive it instead of look at it in the shop. Initial cost is higher and reliability of a BMW is lower but the badge impresses. The only people who would buy a BMW are either buying it for the badge or (2%) buying it because of its driving attributes.
Yes - a badge buyer puts his ego before his brain and jealousy could only be considered if the RLX was for sale or if I even wanted a BMW.
Most people who bought an RL new, probably considered the BMW but moved in the Acura direction mainly because you get more luxury for less money and you can drive it instead of look at it in the shop. Initial cost is higher and reliability of a BMW is lower but the badge impresses. The only people who would buy a BMW are either buying it for the badge or (2%) buying it because of its driving attributes.
#24
You'll Never Walk Alone
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 9,522
Likes: 846
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
And you all assume I paid sticker price for the MB. Get real. It did list for$66,500 but I got it for $62,000. Again, I'm an RL booster and driver but I think Acura's prices will scare away people who are not familiar with the car and only compare it to the high end guys.
With that said, IMO, I don't really see the point of comparing prices after incentives. After all, depending on how well the RLX does, Acura dealers can also offer discounts.
One thing nice about buying German luxury vehicles is that buyers can custom order the various options they really want on their new luxury cars.
It is true that with the same options, an Audi/BMW/MB is $5K+ higher than the fully-loaded RLX. But the fact is that not many luxury car buyers arm their new cars to the teeth with options. Some want a base car with AWD, others want navi but not high-end sound system, and others want sport suspension but not AWD, etc., etc.
This is what Acura is losing out here : the lack of individual custom order options.
Vehicle options cost money, why force car buyers to pay extra money for some fancy options, that must be bundled together inside a package trim, they don't want/need in the 1st place ? It usually ends up with unhappy buyers, and also drives up the vehicle price tag unnecessarily.
In the end, a custom optioned Audi/BMW/MB will end up to be a couple thousand $ cheaper than the fully-loaded RLX, and as a result, the more expensive RLX will become less attractive to the luxury car buyers.
The reason I said this is because I had been through this vehicle option dilemma many years back. When the 2G RL first came out, it was available in one trim option, either fully-loaded or no car. I didn't want navi, sunroof, nor high-power sound system, but I wanted AWD, HID headlights, backup sensors, etc.
I bought a C6 A6 instead, because it ended up that my custom optioned A6 Quattro was almost $3K Cdn cheaper than the fully-loaded RL.
Thus, the lesson is that for apple to apple, the RLX may seems much cheaper. But in the reality, the RLX may actually cost more than those custom optioned A6/5/E's that are equipped with options buyers really need/want.
It is true that with the same options, an Audi/BMW/MB is $5K+ higher than the fully-loaded RLX. But the fact is that not many luxury car buyers arm their new cars to the teeth with options. Some want a base car with AWD, others want navi but not high-end sound system, and others want sport suspension but not AWD, etc., etc.
This is what Acura is losing out here : the lack of individual custom order options.
Vehicle options cost money, why force car buyers to pay extra money for some fancy options, that must be bundled together inside a package trim, they don't want/need in the 1st place ? It usually ends up with unhappy buyers, and also drives up the vehicle price tag unnecessarily.
In the end, a custom optioned Audi/BMW/MB will end up to be a couple thousand $ cheaper than the fully-loaded RLX, and as a result, the more expensive RLX will become less attractive to the luxury car buyers.
The reason I said this is because I had been through this vehicle option dilemma many years back. When the 2G RL first came out, it was available in one trim option, either fully-loaded or no car. I didn't want navi, sunroof, nor high-power sound system, but I wanted AWD, HID headlights, backup sensors, etc.
I bought a C6 A6 instead, because it ended up that my custom optioned A6 Quattro was almost $3K Cdn cheaper than the fully-loaded RL.
Thus, the lesson is that for apple to apple, the RLX may seems much cheaper. But in the reality, the RLX may actually cost more than those custom optioned A6/5/E's that are equipped with options buyers really need/want.
#26
Interesting. I maybe one of the few but I do not see buying a luxury car and have it optioned like a Ford Focus. A luxury car should have as many luxury items as price and technology can provide. I was attracted by the 05 RL because it had NO options and subsequent years cheapened the image by offering no Nav and plood etc.
As has been previously stated, there are plenty of BMW's out there without the luxury features that make it a luxury car but people drive it because it is perceived as one. If you really want a luxury car then get Advance, if you only want people to think that you have a luxury car then there are plenty of options.
I think that RL owners, in general, are enthusiasts who have done there homework and do not buy for the name but buy because of the car.
I think that the TL is for the group of people who want the features but do not appreciate the quality of the RL.
There are many who do not agree with my POV but that only helps make the RL a rarer car which is one of the reasons that I bought one. If there was one on every street corner then Acura would be happy but not one of them would be mine.
As has been previously stated, there are plenty of BMW's out there without the luxury features that make it a luxury car but people drive it because it is perceived as one. If you really want a luxury car then get Advance, if you only want people to think that you have a luxury car then there are plenty of options.
I think that RL owners, in general, are enthusiasts who have done there homework and do not buy for the name but buy because of the car.
I think that the TL is for the group of people who want the features but do not appreciate the quality of the RL.
There are many who do not agree with my POV but that only helps make the RL a rarer car which is one of the reasons that I bought one. If there was one on every street corner then Acura would be happy but not one of them would be mine.
#27
MOTORWORLD ACURA (570)829-3500 KC1F5EKNW KA BV/SC
SMAIL ACURA (724)834-1160 KC1F5EKNW KA BV/SC
SUSSMAN ACURA (215)887-1800 KC1F5EKNW KA BV/SC
PIAZZA ACURA OF READING (610)796-1900 KC1F5EKNW KA BV/SC
SPITZER ACURA (724)941-9800 KC1F5EKNW KA BV/SC
BOBBY RAHAL ACURA (717)790-6000 KC1F5EKNW KA BX/GS
ACURA OF ERIE (814)868-8622 KC1F5EKNW KA BX/GS
APPLE ACURA (717)854-1800 KC1F5EKNW KA BX/GS
JONES ACURA (717)394-0711 KC1F5EKNW KA BX/GS
ACURA OF LIMERICK (610)495-5888 KC1F5EKNW KA SA/EN
LEHIGH VALLEY ACURA (610)967-6500 KC1F5EKNW KA SA/EN
PIAZZA ACURA OF READING (610)796-1900 KC1F5EKNW KA SA/EN
SPITZER ACURA (724)941-9800 KC1F5EKNW KA SB/GS
SMAIL ACURA (724)834-1160 KC1F5EKNW KA SB/GS
MOTORWORLD ACURA (570)829-3500 KC1F5EKNW KA SB/GS
SUSSMAN ACURA (215)887-1800 KC1F5EKNW KA SB/GS
JONES ACURA (717)394-0711 KC1F5EKNW KA WH/EN
MONTGOMERYVILLE ACURA (215)661-1880 KC1F5EKNW KA WH/EN
APPLE ACURA (717)854-1800 KC1F5EKNW KA WX/SC
ACURA OF ERIE (814)868-8622 KC1F5EKNW KA WX/SC
These dealers have Advance Package
MONTGOMERYVILLE ACURA (215)661-1880 KC1F9EKNW KA BV/SC
PIAZZA ACURA OF WEST CHESTER (610)399-9500 KC1F9EKNW KA SA/EN
PIAZZA ACURA OF ARDMORE (610)896-8600 KC1F9EKNW KA SA/EN
BAIERL ACURA (724)935-8100 KC1F9EKNW KA WX/SC
DAVIS ACURA (215)943-7000 KC1F9EKNW KA WX/SC
Hope this helps
#28
Yes - an RLX without luxury amenities is not a luxury car nor is a BMW.
Yes - a badge buyer puts his ego before his brain and jealousy could only be considered if the RLX was for sale or if I even wanted a BMW.
Most people who bought an RL new, probably considered the BMW but moved in the Acura direction mainly because you get more luxury for less money and you can drive it instead of look at it in the shop. Initial cost is higher and reliability of a BMW is lower but the badge impresses. The only people who would buy a BMW are either buying it for the badge or (2%) buying it because of its driving attributes.
Yes - a badge buyer puts his ego before his brain and jealousy could only be considered if the RLX was for sale or if I even wanted a BMW.
Most people who bought an RL new, probably considered the BMW but moved in the Acura direction mainly because you get more luxury for less money and you can drive it instead of look at it in the shop. Initial cost is higher and reliability of a BMW is lower but the badge impresses. The only people who would buy a BMW are either buying it for the badge or (2%) buying it because of its driving attributes.
Someone who buys a stripper RLX rather than a loaded TL is feeding their ego because the badge impresses? The only people who would buy a stripper RLX is for the badge or the (2%) are buying it because of it's driving attributes.
Interesting thought process. I guess that is why BMW is doing extremely well. They have cornered the market on ego stroking buyers. Ok then. Maybe Acura needs to learn that fine art.
#29
True, those that don;t want many things will not like the Honda/Acura trim levels, but unless you want to order a car and wait a few months trying to ever find a MB/BMW optioned to your exact liking is usually tough. I looked several times and MB and BMW and every time I spent hours either on dealers web site or walking a lot and could never find a car equipped near what I want. Problem here is some basic things are single line items, Bluetooth, heated seats, HID lights, Sat Radio and on and on. Many people will "impulse" buy which is not to say they will not be rational, but to say when they want a car they want it, so they do not want to wait 2-4 months for an ordered car. Pretty much my issue right now. I was considering getting another M37 if I could find an M37 Sport with Technology, but they are rare and I do not want to order so I just postponed the purchase and will look at maybe an Audi or SH-AWD 4G (since they are such deals right now).
This is also partly what drives up their costs as well. By limiting options to specific trim levels, you get greater efficiency from workers because they do not need to review an order sheet multiple times to confirm that they are installing only the ordered equipment on a particular vehicle as it goes down the assembly line. Instead, they will know that for a certain batch of vehicles, every vehicle is going to have exactly the same equipment installed.
While some may find the experience of ordering a car tailored to their specific tastes to be a luxury experience, I suspect that the majority of buyers, especially in our current culture of instant gratification, are looking for something that a dealer will have in inventory. Many buyers will use the lack of certain features or options or the presence of extraneous features or options as a bargaining chip when negotiating the price of the car. My guess is that there is a very limited number of mid-size or even full-size luxury car owner spending less that $100k on a car that are custom ordering their vehicles.
While some may find the experience of ordering a car tailored to their specific tastes to be a luxury experience, I suspect that the majority of buyers, especially in our current culture of instant gratification, are looking for something that a dealer will have in inventory. Many buyers will use the lack of certain features or options or the presence of extraneous features or options as a bargaining chip when negotiating the price of the car. My guess is that there is a very limited number of mid-size or even full-size luxury car owner spending less that $100k on a car that are custom ordering their vehicles.
I know a guy who's a manager in an Audi dealership. He has told me a dirty secret. He said Audi dealers tend to order nothing but fully-loaded new vehicles from the factory. This way, he would reap maximum profits from those "money no objective" buyers who must drive away an Audi the same day they came into the dealership.
However, he added, most smart buyers would do custom ordering and wait 2-3 months for their vehicles equipped with only the options they desire and for thousands of $ less.
So what will happen to all those leftover fully-loaded dealer-ordered vehicles ? They will be heavily discounted at the end of the model year. For those who are interest, this is the right time to buy bargain, fully-loaded German vehicles.
Just for the record. I placed my order for my Alabaster Silver 2012 TL back in March of 2011, and the car finally arrived in Sept of 2011. I waited a full six month for a standard-factory-trim car !!!
#30
Most buyers will build their base vehicles up with accessories and options that they desire and that they don't mind paying for.
But whether it is the badge or the options that constitute a luxury vehicle, it doesn't matter. What matters is that the base-5-series-with-custom-options is a luxury-branded sedan with buyer-picked luxury options, that costs thousands of $ less than other fully-loaded competitors.
What matters is that luxury vehicle buyers aren't forced to have unnecessary/unwanted options being stuffed inside their mouths, and also aren't forced to pay extra and unnecessary money for them.
It is obvious that the fully-loaded RLX is cheaper that way. But most buyers don't custom-order their German luxury sedans in the same configuration as the fully-loaded RLX.
So when one starts comparing a custom-order German luxury sedan, that is built with more realistically picked options, with the fully-loaded RLX, the RLX will end up costing thousands of $ more.
#31
#32
I know a guy who's a manager in an Audi dealership. He has told me a dirty secret. He said Audi dealers tend to order nothing but fully-loaded new vehicles from the factory. This way, he would reap maximum profits from those "money no objective" buyers who must drive away an Audi the same day they came into the dealership.
#33
If it's decent it will steal sales. The question is how many. There is enough tech in the Genesis to satisfy most customers and it's gotten decent enough reviews. Although a loaded AWD Genesis for $45K might even make me give it a serious look.
#35
But don't Acura buyers buy Acuras precisely because they have lots of gadgets at a relatively cheaper price? I remember back in 2005 when I bought my current car. The 5-Series BMW charged extra for a sunroof, leather, etc. I was annoyed that BMW would dare charge extra for features that were standard in every Acura.
Not many luxury car buyers arm their custom-optioned vehicles to the teeth with options. Similarly, not many luxury car buyers buy bare-bone base vehicles either.
Most buyers will build their base vehicles up with accessories and options that they desire and that they don't mind paying for.
But whether it is the badge or the options that constitute a luxury vehicle, it doesn't matter. What matters is that the base-5-series-with-custom-options is a luxury-branded sedan with buyer-picked luxury options, that costs thousands of $ less than other fully-loaded competitors.
What matters is that luxury vehicle buyers aren't forced to have unnecessary/unwanted options being stuffed inside their mouths, and also aren't forced to pay extra and unnecessary money for them.
I fully understand Acura's standard-factory-trim product strategy. The point I want to make is that it doesn't seem fair when people start comparing the fully-loaded RLX with a custom-order equivalent-loaded German luxury sedan.
It is obvious that the fully-loaded RLX is cheaper that way. But most buyers don't custom-order their German luxury sedans in the same configuration as the fully-loaded RLX.
So when one starts comparing a custom-order German luxury sedan, that is built with more realistically picked options, with the fully-loaded RLX, the RLX will end up costing thousands of $ more.
Most buyers will build their base vehicles up with accessories and options that they desire and that they don't mind paying for.
But whether it is the badge or the options that constitute a luxury vehicle, it doesn't matter. What matters is that the base-5-series-with-custom-options is a luxury-branded sedan with buyer-picked luxury options, that costs thousands of $ less than other fully-loaded competitors.
What matters is that luxury vehicle buyers aren't forced to have unnecessary/unwanted options being stuffed inside their mouths, and also aren't forced to pay extra and unnecessary money for them.
I fully understand Acura's standard-factory-trim product strategy. The point I want to make is that it doesn't seem fair when people start comparing the fully-loaded RLX with a custom-order equivalent-loaded German luxury sedan.
It is obvious that the fully-loaded RLX is cheaper that way. But most buyers don't custom-order their German luxury sedans in the same configuration as the fully-loaded RLX.
So when one starts comparing a custom-order German luxury sedan, that is built with more realistically picked options, with the fully-loaded RLX, the RLX will end up costing thousands of $ more.
#36
But don't Acura buyers buy Acuras precisely because they have lots of gadgets at a relatively cheaper price? I remember back in 2005 when I bought my current car. The 5-Series BMW charged extra for a sunroof, leather, etc. I was annoyed that BMW would dare charge extra for features that were standard in every Acura.
#37
^^ I agree....That being said, there is also a premium for the "name". Before you pay for a single item in a car, there is already a cost for owning a BMW, a Rolls Royce or Mercedes (as there is for an Acura). The more prestige is associated with the name, the more the premium will be
#38
^^ I agree....That being said, there is also a premium for the "name". Before you pay for a single item in a car, there is already a cost for owning a BMW, a Rolls Royce or Mercedes (as there is for an Acura). The more prestige is associated with the name, the more the premium will be
#39
And....2016 might be the year of a 10 speed transmission and a V6 turbo...game on.