Everyone Is All In With The Luxury Crossover Segment - Is There Any End In Sight?

With no retreat in the luxury market's shift to crossovers and SUVs, the two biggest luxury players are adding more light-truck models, and this year they expect cars to account for less than half of their U.S. sales for the first time.

That tipping point to trucks for Mercedes-Benz and BMW has been a long time coming. While the overall U.S. light-vehicle market went majority-truck in 2002, luxury brands — anchored by flagship sedans — were dominated by cars for much longer. The luxury segment finally crossed over to truck dominance in 2016, but the top German brands continued to rely more on cars.

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carloslassiter - 2/12/2018 10:05:36 AM

+1 Boost

I'm not sure why, but I have this strong urge to give that X2 a big kiss on the lips.

MDarringer - 2/12/2018 10:17:32 AM

-4 Boost

Probably safer for you than your girlfriend's reaction.

MDarringer - 2/12/2018 10:11:53 AM

-1 Boost

I love how the article calls crossovers "trucks" when they are literally sedans with station wagon bodies on stilts.

PUGPROUD - 2/12/2018 3:48:30 PM

+1 Boost

Buyers like their utility and comfort and manufacturers like their profit margins. My wife just bought a new BMW 6GT for herself...nothing I would pick for myself but damn the thing is huge inside, comfortable and has all the latest techno gadgets. I find myself taking the keys more often than I ever thought I would. Go figure.

TomM - 2/13/2018 7:15:13 AM

+1 Boost

I have been calling CUVs raised 4x4 station wagons for year -and they sell well in segments for people who want the overall utility of a truck - along with the upright seating and room - but do not actually want a truck. It is essentially the swiss army knife of vehicles. The fact is - the Mini-Van supplies that need far better - but its stigma today is hard to overcome.

However - in the Ultra Luxury Class - it is again ALL a matter of exclusivity - and what you want to be seen driving. At this level - people can actually buy the truck for utility - and have a car - AND have a Crossover for that weekend trip to the antique store.

And the biggest news in the sector of high end - is that Mercedes sells 10% of its S-class cars as MAYBACH level. There is still room in the Sedan sector at the high end - for cars people actually want - which only underscores why people do not want BMW of AUdi. THe simply do not project the image of Ultra Luxury - and while the S-class may be ubiquitous - it is the Ultra Luxury "MAYBACH" label that separates the haves from the have more.

Along with Denali - and now Avenir - we now have three High Trim Levels that sell extremely well - and they will lead to more vehicle Brands with a Luxury level name with that trim.