© Toyota Motor Sales, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz USA, American Honda Motor Company
Luxury SUV Sales Increase
Luxury SUV sales continued to increase in the first quarter of 2016 with 249,203 vehicles sold, besting luxury car sales by 54,855 units. Compared to last year, luxury SUV sales increased 17 percent while luxury car sales fell a similar 17 percent during the same time period. A year ago luxury cars outsold luxury SUVs by 22,441 units, but the market has clearly shifted as consumer interest turns to crossover SUVs and new luxury SUV models.
© Mercedes-Benz USA, Toyota Motor Sales, General Motors, American Honda Motor Company
Best-Selling Luxury SUVs . . . So Far
Midsize models accounted for 51 percent of the sales in the luxury SUV segment for the first quarter of 2016 with large, small and compact models combining for the other 49 percent. The majority of growth came from small and compact models, posting 28 percent and 44 percent increases, respectively, while midsize sales increased by nearly 14 percent and large luxury SUV sales dropped by 5 percent. With luxury SUV sales on the rise, we take a look at the top-selling models for the first three months of 2016, according to sales numbers compiled from individual auto manufacturers’ sales reports and goodcarbadcar.net.
© Ford Motor Company
20. Lincoln MKC
YTD Sales: 5,138
Vs. 2015: -1.8%
Lincoln’s first small utility vehicle, the MKC remains in the top 20 luxury SUVs despite a slight drop in first quarter sales compared to last year when it finished 18th. The MKC debuted as a 2015 model based on the same platform as the redesigned 2013 Ford Escape. For 2016 the MKC is powered by either a 240-horsepower 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine or a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive comes standard, with all-wheel drive available for the 2.0-liter EcoBoost and standard with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost. The 2016 MKC is the first Lincoln to offer a SYNC 3 voice-recognition communication and entertainment system.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
19. Lexus GX460
YTD Sales: 5,219
Vs. 2015: -4.8%
Many of today’s utility vehicles, such as the Lexus RX, are crossovers based on car platforms, but the Lexus GX460 is a highly-capable off-road vehicle based on the same platform as the Toyota 4Runner. Utilizing trucklike body-on-frame construction, the GX460 gets power from a 4.6-liter V8 engine that produces 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque with a full-time 4-wheel-drive system, advanced dynamic control systems and a 6,500-pound towing capacity. Despite exceptional off-road capability, the GX460 features luxurious amenities inside while the standard Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System delivers a smooth, comfortable ride outside.
© Jaguar Land Rover North America
18. Land Rover Range Rover Sport
YTD Sales: 5,552
Vs. 2015: -10.8%
Since it comes from a company synonymous with off-road capability, Land Rover’s sophisticated Range Rover Sport is designed to maximize on-road performance while retaining off-road prowess. Range Rover Sport sales are off by about 10 percent for the first quarter of 2016 but still remain in the top 20. The Range Rover Sport SVR is a new offering for 2016 — the first performance model from Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations — powered by a 550-horsepower supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine with a new active exhaust system, revised transmission shifting and suspension updates for enhanced on-road performance.
© BMW of North America
17. BMW X1
YTD Sales: 6,500
Vs. 2015: 135%
The revised second-generation BMW X1 came to market last fall and sales more than doubled for the first quarter of 2016 compared to last year. The smallest of BMW’s three crossovers dubbed Sport Activity Vehicles, the new design bears a strong resemblance to the larger models while offering more cargo capacity and interior room. For the U.S. market the X1 is offered exclusively with a 228-horsepower version of BMW’s turbocharged 2.0-liter engine combined with an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
16. Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
YTD Sales: 6,843
Vs. 2015: 20.7%
The smallest model of the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup, the GLA debuted as a 2015 model aimed directly at the BMW X1, and sales have continued to increase for the first quarter of 2016. The GLA250 derives power from a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, combined with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive available. The high-performance AMG GLA45 is powered by a hand-built 2.0-liter AMG engine that produces 375 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, combined with an AMG Speedshift 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and standard AMG 4Matic all-wheel drive.
© Audi of America
15. Audi Q7
YTD Sales: 6,993
Vs. 2015: 103%
Audi Q7 sales are up for the first quarter of 2016 as the redesigned second-generation 2017 Q7 reaches the market. Audi’s first SUV, the Q7 debuted as a 2007 model with 7-passenger seating and a distinctively smooth, rounded design that endured for nine model years. The all-new 2017 design is much more crisp and angular, with legendary Audi interior refinements and all the latest high-tech driver-assistance technologies. The new Q7 is powered by Audi’s supercharged 3.0-liter TFSI V6 engine producing 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, combined with an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive with a self-locking center differential. An available Audi virtual cockpit features a 12.3-inch display with vibrant colors.
© Ford Motor Company
14. Lincoln MKX
YTD Sales: 7,198
Vs. 2015: 81.4%
Redesigned for 2016, Lincoln’s midsize SUV sales are up more than 80 percent for the first quarter, moving MKX into the top 20 at number 14. The new MKX features an elegant design, a quiet ride and it is the first Lincoln to offer Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection. A new 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged Ti-VCT EcoBoost V6 engine produces 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque; it’s the quietest EcoBoost V6 ever. The standard engine is the 303-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 with standard front-wheel drive and available Intelligent AWD. Two new Black Label themes are offered: The Muse, inspired by the fashion, lifestyle and art scene of 1920s Paris; and Thoroughbred, inspired by the excitement, passion and pageantry of high-stakes horse racing.
© Volvo Cars of North Americ
13. Volvo XC90
YTD Sales: 7,198
Vs. 2015: 6969%
The Volvo XC90 returns to the market for 2016 with a complete redesign after a 12-year run for the original XC90. Since there was no 2015 model, year-over-year sales don’t offer much insight, but the new XC90 has garnered numerous awards and 2016 first-quarter sales place it near the top 10 best-selling luxury SUVs. The XC90 is powered by a state-of-the-art 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that is both supercharged and turbocharged to produce 316 horsepower and a stout 295 lb-ft of torque between 2200 rpm and 4500 rpm. All XC90s feature Volvo’s electronically-controlled All-Wheel Drive with Instant Traction.
© General Motors
12. Cadillac Escalade / Escalade ESV
YTD Sales: 8,107
Vs. 2015: 2.6%
The only full-size SUV in the top 20 best-selling luxury SUVs, the Cadillac Escalade is also the second-best-selling Cadillac model behind the midsize SRX — both SUVs outsell all Cadillac car models. Over time the Escalade has carved out a unique position as a signature luxury SUV, building on its bold styling with a smart redesign for 2015. The current generation features a large highly-detailed chrome grille and signature full-length LED taillights. The luxurious interior details include wood trim, cut-and-sewn materials and suede accents.
© Audi of America
11. Audi Q5
YTD Sales: 8,840
Vs. 2015: -5.5%
Audi’s second SUV, the Q5 followed the Q7 in the lineup for the 2009 model year. Now in its eighth year without a significant redesign, sales are off slightly year-over-year, but the Q5 remains a good-looking vehicle. Five different versions are offered based on engine choice: the 2.0T with a 220-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter; the 3.0T with a 272-horsepower supercharged V6; the TDI diesel with a 3.0-liter diesel that produces 240 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque; a gasoline-electric hybrid; and the SQ5, powered by a 354-horse supercharged 3.0-liter V6.
© Infiniti North America, Inc.
10. Infiniti QX60
YTD Sales: 9,007
Vs. 2015: 2.3%
The QX60 is Infiniti’s family-friendly 3-row crossover that debuted for 2013 as the JX35 and was renamed QX60 for the 2014 model year. For 2016 the QX60 has revised exterior styling that reflects Infiniti’s new design language, including a new signature grille, headlights, turn signals and new wheel designs. Inside, QX60 adds new graphite weave interior accents, a stitched upper dashboard and a new shift lever. The QX60 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, mated to a continuously-variable transmission. The QX60 Hybrid has an advanced drivetrain that combines a supercharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and an electric motor powered by a compact Lithium-ion battery pack rated at 250 net system horsepower. Both the standard QX60 and the QX60 Hybrid are available with front-wheel drive or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive.
© BMW of North America
9. BMW X5
YTD Sales: 10,043
Vs. 2015: -14.5%
As BMW’s first Sport Activity Vehicle, the X5 debuted for the 2000 model year and has evolved over the last decade into one of the most popular luxury SUVs in North America. First quarter sales of the third-generation X5 are down 14.5 percent this year, dropping it out of the top five. For 2016 the high-performance X5 M returns to the lineup, powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine that produces 567 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, combined with an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission, xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive and Dynamic Performance Control, which facilitates continuous torque distribution between the rear wheels.
© BMW of North America
8. BMW X3
YTD Sales: 10,211
Vs. 2015: 70%
BMW’s compact SUV, the X3 saw a sales increase of 70 percent for the first three months of 2016, moving it past the larger X5 on the sales list. Becoming the second BMW Sport Activity Vehicle when it joined the X5 in BMW’s lineup for the 2003 model year, the second-generation X3 arrived as a 2011 model. BMW has sold more than one million X3s worldwide. The X3 received exterior and interior styling updates for 2015, as well as a new xDrive28d advanced diesel alongside the xDrive28i and xDrive35i versions. The rear-wheel drive sDrive28i is also offered.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
7. Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class / GLK-Class
YTD Sales: 10,998
Vs. 2015: 94.4%
As Mercedes-Benz’s compact luxury SUV, the GLC (previously known as the GLK) is redesigned for 2016; it was renamed GLC to align with the new M-B SUV nomenclature. Going forward, Mercedes-Benz SUV names begin with GL and end with the same letter as the corresponding model in the sedan lineup, although the iconic G-Class name stands alone at the top. Larger and lighter than the GLK it replaces, the 2016 GLC is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter that produces 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The high-performance Mercedes-AMG GLC43 is powered by a 362-horsepower bi-turbo V6 with AMG 4Matic all-wheel drive. The GLC Coupe will be added for 2017.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
6. Lexus NX
YTD Sales: 11,375
Vs. 2015: 24.8%
The newest addition in Toyota’s luxury-brand lineup, the NX is the first compact luxury crossover for Lexus. Added for the 2015 model year, NX sales are up almost 25 percent for the first quarter of 2016, and NX is already the third-best-selling Lexus model. The NX 200t is powered by the first-ever turbocharged engine in a Lexus — a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that produces 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, combined with a new sequential 6-speed automatic transmission and available Dynamic Torque Control AWD system. The NX 300h Hybrid has a 2.5-liter gasoline engine combined with an electric motor along with a new automatic transmission that has a kick-down feature. The 300h Hybrid is available with E-Four AWD, which utilizes an electric motor to drive the rear axle when needed and can vary torque distribution between the rear wheels.
© American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
5. Acura MDX
YTD Sales: 11,956
Vs. 2015: -17.2%
One year ago the popular 3-row Acura MDX crossover was the second-best-selling luxury SUV for the first quarter, but this year sales are down in anticipation of the redesigned 2017 MDX which is scheduled to go on sale in summer 2016. Later in the year, the 2017 MDX will be available with a Sport Hybrid SH-AWD that combines a 3.0-liter V6 engine with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and an integrated electric motor that powers the front wheels; a Twin Motor Unit with two electric motors delivers power to the rear wheels. The Sport Hybrid system adds 35 horsepower and is expected to improve city fuel economy by up to 7 mpg.
© American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
4. Acura RDX
YTD Sales: 12,212
Vs. 2015: 7.7%
The Acura RDX receives a mid-cycle refresh with design and performance upgrades for the 2016 model year, and sales have increased by 7.7 percent for the first quarter of this year. The RDX debuted as a 2007 model joining the larger MDX, and the second-generation RDX arrived as a 2013 model. Design updates for 2016 include a new three-dimensional grille treatment, Acura signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, LED taillights with light-pipe design and more aggressive lower front and rear fascias. Inside, the RDX receives a new look with high-contrast silver and black trim and additional standard equipment including heated front seats, second-row air-conditioning vents, power liftgate and Multi-View Rearview Camera. Available AcuraWatch driver assistance technologies include Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Warning.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
3. Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class / M-Class
YTD Sales: 12,341
Vs. 2015: 17.7%
One of the first luxury SUVS when it debuted as a 1998 model, this 5-passenger midsize SUV is renamed GLE-Class for 2016 to align with the other Mercedes-Benz SUV model names. The overall shape of the revised model is familiar, but the 2016 GLE receives new headlights, front fenders, front bumper, rear bumper, full LED taillights, new wheel designs and a redesigned interior with new color and trim options. The GLE350 is powered by a 302-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine with rear-wheel drive or 4Matic all-wheel drive. The GLE400 receives a 329-horsepower bi-turbo V6 and the high-performance Mercedes-AMG GLE63 is powered by a 550-horsepower bi-turbo 5.5-liter V8. Also offered is the GLE300d 4Matic with a turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel that produces 201 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, and the GLE550e 4Matic plug-in hybrid.
© General Motors
2. Cadillac SRX
YTD Sales: 12,866
Vs. 2015: 4.7%
Cadillac SRX sales continued their strong pace in the first quarter of 2016, even as the all-new 2017 Cadillac XT5 crossover arrives on the market this spring to replace the SRX in the Cadillac lineup. The 5-passenger midsize SRX is powered by a 308-horsepower direct-injection 3.6-lier V6 engine combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive. SRX is offered in base, Luxury, Performance and Premium trim levels.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
1. Lexus RX
YTD Sales: 23,796
Vs. 2015: 7.0%
Redesigned for the 2016 model year, the popular Lexus RX continues as the top-selling luxury SUV, outselling the second-best seller nearly two to one. The Lexus RX was one of the first luxury crossovers when it debuted as a 1998 model, combining the utility of an SUV with the ride and comfort of a luxury sedan. Today the RX is the top-selling Lexus model overall, outselling the ES Sedan for the first quarter of 2016 by more than 10,000 units. The Lexus RX design has always been elegant and sophisticated but conservative, although that changes with the new 2016 design, which is much bolder. Up front is an aggressive spindle grille with chrome surround. Overall the design features more sharp angles and the blacked-out C-pillars create a floating roof effect. Inside, the RX is optimized for five passengers and the rear seating position is lowered to be more comparable to the flagship LS sedan. Additional interior trim options are available.
