Absolutely agree.

It's the "snob" attitude that some people have that don't consider anything not German.

 

With my S550 I'm on the mbworld forum as well and following the X167 thread in my research of the GLS. The issues, including the 48v battery, is why I made the comment about production stabilizing later in the year. The battery issue doesn't seem to be showing up as much lately, so maybe it has been resolved.

 

If that's what they plan, it's a long very long shot IMO. We usually cross brand when there's something interests us. If Acura wants people to leave X5 to buy this type S, what are the attractions? It's all opinion and I hope they can achieve what they plan. But...
1. Like HK, wireless tray, fog light.. air suspension has not been available for awhile now due to shortage. Certain item started as far as almost a year or so. Things are put back on when they have more stocks.
2. You made a comment on X5 so I would think you meant all. In any case, you probably know that 45e and 40i are almost identical. That 600lb does not seem to affect how the car drives/handles. They've both been tested sub 5.0s. That's a whooping 1s compared to this Type S with bigger engine if 0-60 is a performance measure. IMO air suspension is only a significant improvement when one runs 22". If air suspension is the deal breaker, why not 45e? One will pay a bit more (800 to be exact), but will get free air suspension, higher MPG and tax credit. Seems like a no brainer for those who really want air suspension. And with the way gas is going, 45e makes even a better choice now.
Looks are subjective, but man how can we argue MDX is a better choice than .

 

It's a 6 and that doesn't matter since it's faster and drives way better

 

It's a underpowered SUV, that also wont ever be as comfortable as a true SUV or handle/drive nearly as well as a car. I really fail to see the point of this at this price

 

This, if you position a product in the same size class and price it will be cross shopped to some extent. Most people shop by what it is they want (SUV, truck, two door, ETC) THEN price as the next major factor with the goal of maximizing what they get in their key metrics for a given price. Some people want MPG, sheer size, seating comfort, performance, brand on the hood etc and they usually want the most they can get for a given max price and will balance decisions accordingly. The issue I see with this car is it just doesn't give you anything exceptional or even competitive for the money, the Germans are faster, drive better and have prestige, the full size SUVs absolutely destroy these on comfort and are close enough in MPG it doesn't matter, and nearly any car will outhandle and outdrive this.

 

Motorola claimed the MDX S is a direct competitor among the X5 base. If you agree with that,I am happy for you. I just don’t agree. The Acura as a brand certainty does not compare with the Mercedes Benz.

 

I think it's more what you think, then they think. Those who are willing to pay this much know or their spouse does. Certain things can do same things or are grouped in the same category but that doesn't make them comparable. You should drive them yourselves to see the differences. Or lurk over other forums to see what they say. Or they must not be enthusiasts. Actually you don't need to lurk onto other forums. I'm sure you read numerous number of Steve's posts about how much he loved his Lexus and LS. And how he feels about his S now. Same with GLS/X7 vs. LX. They are in the same category (full size luxury) but what they offer and how they drive are totally different.
While some may, I think this is a very wrong assumption. It's not "snob" and people don't just consider anything but German. Many cross over German after a long history with Japanese cars. And vice versa. They know what each brand excels or lacks. They choose one over the other for their own reasons. Same with Tesla owners. Most don't just go buy a Tesla. They did their researches. They owned other cars before. And most would say they would not drive anything else. When some say certain German cars are different from Japanese versions it is pretty much the same as what you would tell me why you bought your Tesla. I wouldn't know most what you say because I have not experienced myself. But I don't call them a special name.

 

Reason why I used the word snob is because I know a lot of folks that would never buy any other car other than a MB, BMW or Porsche simply because of the badge. No other reason. To me , that is being a snob. That is my interpretation. Value for money, reliability, features all take a backseat to the badge.

I wasn't implying everyone that buys German is a snob. I was specifically referring to the comment regarding nobody would cross shop Acura against MB. That is a snobbish attitude as far as I'm concerned.

I bought a Tesla for a couple of very simple reasons - the EV drivetrain (IMO) kicks any ICE cars in terms of linear power delivery, buttery smooth right now torque and acceleration, minimal maintenance and fuel (electricity) costs, beautiful design. That's it - it has nothing to with the actual brand or country of origin. If Lexus had an equivalent EV 3 years ago when I was looking for an EV, I would have bought a Lexus.

 

1. We aren't talking about what is available in the past or future, but now. Now, the MDX Type S has air suspension while the 6-cylinder X5 doesn't.
2. 600 more pounds definitely affects how a car rides and handles, it's not just about 0-60 times. That aside, the base X5 continues to be the volume seller and not the hybrid, and as I already mentioned those who look at the MDX Type S aren't interested in hybrids.

And yes I agree, it is a totally long shot, the MDX Type S is quite forgettable compared to the competition, and gives little incentive over even the standard MDX. Acura should have just offered the air suspension in the standard MDX and called it a day. I can only see the Type S being bought by hardcore Acura enthusiasts with families.

It is absolutely a direct competitor. Just not a very good one.

 

100% - I test drove RDX, MDX, X5, Volvo XC90, even Subaru Outback before getting X3 M40i.
Most people at least give other automakers a chance to impress them before pulling the trigger on a purchase.

There are some ppl that only buy a certain brand but that’s usually the exception rather than the rule.

 

What, the internet price is higher....

 

Sounds like a lot of Tesla owners that think every other EV is crap unless its a Tesla.
Not to mention Tesla owners are kings of vanity plates and look down on all the “simple” people that drive ICE.

 

Name one really good EV that existed 3 years ago, before you pass judgement on me.

 

I was not talking about you but don’t go calling German car owners “snobs” when most Tesla owners are the biggest snobs in automotive universe.