After putting something like the GLA on the market, they probably should have some concern. Anyhow, time will tell...we'll just have to wait and see.

 

I have lost interest in trying to figure out the naming structure of what is what for MB crossovers. I also think their exterior styling is a little weak…too rounded. Mercedes used to be trend setting…but their crossover are not doing that. I think the RX aside from the front spindle has some nice styling. Hate the NX. BMW X3 and X5 are good, can’t say the same for the X7. Never liked Audi crossovers. GV80 is pretty good and I think steals some of the thunder from the Germans design wise.

 

The CX50 would compete against the GLC, not GLA. If customers see it as GLA competitor, that's a major problem for Mazda if they want themselves to be taken seriously as legitimate German rivals.

 

Yes, you're probably correct on the GLC, but part of that will depend on the CX-50's price-structure.

 

Maybe. Or maybe potential GLA customers will think they can get a bigger car for their $$ in the CX-50. The number of potential GLC customers that would go with a CX-50 instead is likely to be negligible. If Mazda's plan is for the CX-50 to go head-to-head with the GLC, it is doomed.

 

Just found this screenshot I took someone had taken a picture of this Mazda prototype and tagged Jonny. Now, not sure if this is the next-gen CX-5 or the upcoming CX-50.

 

I doesn't look like a MB killer, that's for sure.

 

Don't know who Jonny is but I'd guess CX-50. There are a lot of design elements in the prototype that are also present on the CX-30, namely the headlights, taillights, liftgate and front bumper.

 

I think there's not going to end up being a difference. Just like they are retiring the CX-3 name, I am willing to bet they do the same thing across the lineup, even if there doesn't end up being a RWD inline 6 offering. Keeping a CX-5 and also a CX-50 side by side in the lineup is guaranteed to create confusion with customers.

 

To be fair the GLC isn't that much of a looker either.

 

But it's an MB. Mazda needs a 150% home run to get a potential MB buyer into a Mazda.

 

Maybe the only reason this new Mazda is being compared to a luxury marque is because traditionally, their competition in the midsize crossover segment is Acura/Honda, Nissan/Infiniti, and other FWD-based midsize crossovers. If this new Mazda is on a new RWD platform, it would make sense to compare it to other midsize crossovers on RWD-based platforms (like the GLB or GLC) since it will probably also be more expensive than the FWD-based CX-5.

A comment on the thread title - Mazda may be going hunting, but that doesn't mean they'll come back with anything to show for it

 

I think there will be a next-gen CX-5 to keep the lower end of price spectrum before they transition to full luxury and have the AWD (rwd-based?) CX-50 sold alongside as a more expensive luxury based model? IDK, we will see.

 

(moderator note: gor134, don't post a link without any explanation or comment, thank you)

https://www.carsales.com.au/editoria...t-sixes-130891

excerpt, more at link above:

Next Mazda CX-5 to debut new platform and straight sixes

Popular medium SUV in box seat for new rear/all-wheel drive architecture and mild-hybrid inline-six powertrains

The next-generation Mazda CX-5 due in 2022 is the odds-on favourite to introduce Mazda’s new rear/all-wheel drive large-car platform and longitudinal mild-hybrid inline six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.

Mazda Australia was keeping quiet on the subject at the launch of the new Mazda MX-30 Electric Astina, where marketing and product director Alastair Doak would not confirm whether the new CX-5 will be the first model on the new platform to launch in Australia, but he did hint that will be the case.

“We can't really answer specific model stuff, but I guess... what segment around the globe is the biggest? The answer would be 'SUV'...”

During his presentation to journalists, Mazda Australia MD Vinesh Bhindi also specifically named the CX-5 as one of the cars that would be underpinned by the new platform.

“Mazda continues to invest in high-efficiency combustion engines, with SKYACTIV-X, and the new generation straight-six engine family that will power our new-generation large-platform products, which is CX-5 and above.”

 

Lets see if Mazda will import upcoming 6 midsize sedan replacment.