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I had an RX hybrid. It was anything but “sporty”, either as a driver’s car or as a competent off-reader. It was a nicer looking luxury minivan with less seating. I kept it a few years, then downstreamed it to my (adult) daughter as a kid carrier. It was replaced with a BMW 535 wagon, and now a MB E350 wagon. Both drive better and handle more cargo than the RX.
I guess that's entirely based on your definition of "sporty". The LX was just a Toyota Land Cruiser with a sprinkling of lux trimmings. By pretty much any traditional definition of what puts the Sport in SUV, the LX had it. Now if you're instead talking more about today's almost re-definition of "sport" in this vehicle class and how fast it can get around the ring, then yea sure, it wasn't very sporty in that regard. The RX for sure wasn't as "sporty" as the LX, but it had the lux element nailed down and you'd be silly to think that BMW built the X5 to sell to the tiny market that wants to be able to go camp in the Australian outback as opposed to the massive market that just wants to look like they go camping in the Australian outback while they instead drive to Whole Foods and soccer practice inside their luxury vehicle. The RX was a unibody, not like it matters. Maybe 5 people in all of history have ever asked the dealer salesman what kind of frame their SUV has.
No way you could say a ‘cruiser or any derivative is sporty. They’re trucks compared to an X5. You’re right about the Australian outback though (the ‘bush’ to we Aussies would say), anyone who suggested an X5 or even a Cayenne is meant to be used out there would be laughed at all the way across the Simpson. Landcruisers rule out there, have for decades and for good reason. Tough as nails, last forever, go anywhere, and parts available at any corner shop. They’ve just released the 300 series, but you can still buy the old 70 series at least in Oz.
I'd say Lexus started the trend before BMW. Both the LX and the RX were incredibly popular and years earlier than the X5.
Unfortunately for everyone who has to look at other cars on the road, BMW did create the trend of "coupe" SUVs. Well I guess Pontiac accidentally created that style with the Aztek, but BMW was able to make something that was just slightly less hideous from the exterior and looked nice inside. Pour one out for the Aztek. It was ahead of its time.
Aztek & X5 two of the most hideous looking cars since K cars.
11-25-2021, 06:39 PM
