The Spies Want To Know: Which Would You Have? Audi Q5, Lexus RX, MB GLK?

With the release of plenty of new, small SUV models, it seems the battle of small, femme fighters is relatively hot with three luxury brands churning market share..

Source: Mercedes-Benz North America

Mercedes-Benz’s GLK-class is doing extremely well year-to-date with sales, as of May, hitting 9,444 units. Known for its angular design, inside and out, the GLK seems to be a relatively adaptable design, which can be made more manly with wise options and packaging. Seemingly a direct X3 competitor, it is arguably the most interesting new offering brought to this market.

Source: rp

The perennial safe bet and favorite in the small SUV realm is the Lexus RX. Although it has been revamped inside and out, the average consumer will not be able to tell the difference from a 2009 on the road. YTD sales, for 2010 models, have tacked on an impressive 6,997 units slotting just under Benz’s. While you gain reliability and easy-to-use ergonomics, you lose some soul.

Source: Audi of America

Audi’s sporty and squat Q5 is the latest newcomer to the game. After battling the competition with brutal advertising that hammers away at Lexus’ RX, it has made some progress. YTD sales for the newbie registered in at a respectable 4,377 units. Taking a surprising first place in Car and Driver’s battle, it is clear the Q5 has brought its “A” game.

Looking around the New York City metro area, it has become evident that the Q5 is beginning to make a strong presence. I nearly see a new, dealer temp tag Q5 daily.

So, my question is which would you have? Discuss.

rp

Lexus Overload! More Thoughts On The IS C

For years, Lexus has been renowned as a luxury brand that focused on refinement and class. With cars like the legendary, game-changing LS sedan and the performance-focused IS, it is known for undercutting the competition by price while amping up standard features.

Source: rp

Following the hard-top convertible experience gained by their SC430, Lexus has produced the IS convertible in an effort to bank upon the success of the wildly successful sedan. Give the IS 20 seconds and headroom becomes infinite. But, the SC suffered from the design of a misshaped egg. Would Lexus do it again?

Read more here.

rp

Lexus' IS C Drops The Top And Heats Things Up

In the evolving market of convertibles, competition has been heating up. With the introduction of BMW’s 335 convertible and Infiniti’s new G convertible, Lexus had to have a strong answer. The new IS convertible is the dish Lexus has served.

Source: rp

Although Lexus has produced the current generation SC with a folding hard-top since the early 2000s, that was a car that seemed unattainable to the mainstream audience. With limited rear seat legroom and a rather blasé design, it was not a mind blowing success. However, the payoff out of that venture was the brand gained tremendous experience with hard-top convertibles and could apply what was learned to future products.

Now, armed with a design based off the relatively aggressive looking IS with room for four presents an attainable and practical offering, which is Lexus’ forte. So, when we heard that Lexus was hosting an event, the spies knew we had to be there.

Read more here.

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First Drive: 2010 Lexus RX

For automakers, the introduction of a new product is usually an exciting time. New cars are meant to innovate upon a brand's technology and capture the consumer's attention. Lexus, this time around, is not any different; however, the stakes are much bigger with the new RX.

Source: rp

The Lexus RX has been an iconic vehicle to the brand since its introduction in 1998. Back then, a mid-size luxury sport utility vehicle was not as common place as it is today. Over the years, sales of the RX have blossomed into a major component of the company's U.S. success with "more than 780,000 RX units in operation," according to Mark Templin, Lexus Group vice president and general manager.

Source: rp

With this knowledge, Lexus' engineers were faced with a dilemma. How do you improve a crucial vehicle in a brand's lineup while up against an economic contraction, concerns over alienating loyal customers and innovative competitors? Easy, stick to what you do best. Lexus has done just that.

Read more here.

rp

Lexus IS-F: Ready to Rumble

Published this week, on Monday, was my first auto review.

Essentially, it details the experience of having an IS-F for several days. Thankfully, I was able to tack on an extra 500 miles onto its odometer while gaining further insight into the latest technology coming out of Japan.


Take a look and I am sure you will walk away with a different perspective on Japanese autos and their future in the United States.

rp