Small Luxury Crossover Growth Far Outpacing Small Luxury Sedans
April 16th, 2013 11:06 AM
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The upcoming Shanghai auto show is expected to be similar to the Geneva Auto Salon in that crossovers, particularly those from premium brands, will be some of the most anticipated reveals at the show. Buyers in global markets can get enough of them, and that situation is no different at home, where the small premium SUV segment is growing much faster than the equivalent sedan segment.
The latest sales data from independent analyst Tim Cain shows just how quickly the entry-level luxury crossover segment is growing. In March 2013, sales of that segment were up by 46.5 percent year-to-date, while the small luxury sedan segment was up by just 0.5%. Overall volume was greater for sedans, with 38,859 units sold versus 32,209.
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I think the segment should be called large luxury hatchbacks.
After 17 years in a Buick Park Ave, my 69 year old mother in law bought a SRX, hey - this article may be on to something...
All SUVs beat all sedans and coupes for practicality. And compared to old sedans these new SUVs handle impressively. They are after all a jacked up small car.. The small SUV is just a socially acceptable way to get the practicality and honestly for non sporting maneuvers a high seating postition DOES make it easier to drive. Granted almost all cars are RIDICOUSLY easy to drive nowadays with the backup cameras and the automatic trannies. But the height does help.
This is the prime category for us. These are the station wagons of today folks. I welcome the extra ground clearance and AWD is a must for us. Hell, my RX got stuck in Vermont last weekend. Low ground clearance is not a benefit, nor is short suspension travel. My 328xi crashes through its whole suspension range on potholes and even some freaking manhole covers around here.