Since nobody from within SoA has stepped forward to vehemently deny the suggestion that "BX9" is a temporary handle, I interpret that silence as some assurance that the unveiling in January will introduce to a new name, too.
Since nobody from within SoA has stepped forward to vehemently deny the suggestion that "BX9" is a temporary handle, I interpret that silence as some assurance that the unveiling in January will introduce to a new name, too.
That's interesting logic. I wonder how you interpret the similar fact that nobody from within SoA has ever stepped forward to vehemently deny that the B9X will use the V8 engine from the Corvette.
Subaru of America, Inc., today announced the name of its all-new crossover utility vehicle, the Subaru B9X ...
... As a model which has inherited this design theme, Subaru has named this vehicle the B9X.
I can see no competitive advantage to announcing a bogus name for the new seven seater. I can only see a downside because lying to the automotive press is never a good strategy.
So we spent about a year debating over supposed proposed names like, Halifax or Tribecca etc. for nothing. People were checking on Patent records for this stuff. And now we are stuck with B9X. LOL ;-)
This says the B9X is going to be around $40,000. I have to say that I am extremely disappointed if that's the case.
I am currently in the market for a 6 to 7 passenger vehicle for my family (four kids). I have been a loyal Subaru owner for ten years, owning three Legacy's and one Impreza. I hate to have to leave the brand, but there is no way I am going to spend that kind of money on a vehicle.
I can go buy a 2005 Ford Freestyle SEL for ~ $29K or a Chrysler Pacifica for ~30K. Have you seen the safety ratings on the Pacifica? BOTH of these vehicles offer AWD. Fine, not Subaru AWD, but I've test drove both and have to say, it's a fine line of distinction between the two.
I can not in good conscience spend $10,000 more for a car just because it's a Subaru. I have four kids to feed.
I think Subaru is making a mistake trying to hit the higher market. I know if that pricing is correct, they've just lost one loyal customer.
I hear you and totally understand how it's hard to resist competitors that have basically played the value card.
Freestyle came in priced lower than I expected. But I have previous bad experience with Ford and would hesitate, personally, for that reason.
Still, on paper, it seats 7 and comes well equipped for dirt cheap.
Pacifica I'm less impressed with. It's not as roomy and costs more, though they're coming out with a base model that's priced lower.
Go price a Rendezvous and they can be had for cheap, too. But the driving dynamics were really disappointing.
My thing is that since none of those 3 handles particularly well, I might just get a minivan instead of any of those.
Throw in the Pilot while you're at it, street prices have come down and you can now get them for $28k or so, EX even.
But Subaru isn't really targeting those, they want to be compared to the Acura MDX and Lexus RX300, and then play the value card in that class of vehicle, i.e. upscale mid-sizers.
$40k is doubtful. I bet base price is closer to the $31,800 another rumor mentioned. Maybe $33k for starters with the 3rd row. That could still put street prices at juuuust under $30k, or my target price.
What'll it have to do to earn my $30 grand?
Handle better, much better, than Freestyle, Pacifica, Rendezvous, or Pilot. Better AWD is a given, it has to be more fun (by far) than any of those.
If not I might end up in a Sienna, though. AWD optional.
is likely a top-end price. I dont think we have any substantial pricing evidence yet, but I would agree that a base or moderately equipped version at $40,000 would really hurt this vehicle's chances.
I think once the Benign hits the road, you'll be able to get a decently equipped one for right around the low 30s. Subaru is not going to become an uplevel marque by simply pricing vehicles too high.
~alpha
PS- If you have to, I would favor the Freestyle over the Pacifica. But why not look to Pilot or Highlander?
If you need some groudn clearance, forget the Rendez-Vous. I was following one the other day and it has a rigid reaer beam axle (pretty lame) and it looked like it was no more then 6" off the ground. So while the car is tall, it has no real ground clearance advantage over a minivan.
I rented one once too, and I thought it had horrible visibility because of that rear-end design.
Just a clarification to SLy's comment about the Rendezvous' rigid rear beam axle--
The Rendezvous actually has a modern 4 wheel independent suspension. That large plate you saw is actually adapted from GM's minivans and is a lightweight suspension support that allows many of the suspension components to be laid out horizontally rather than protruding vertically into the cargo areas. That design is what allows enough space to be freed to add a 3rd row. It is surprisingly similar, IIRC, to the design of the Pilot's rear suspension.
Hello all...I've been away for many months. My 2001 LLBean is now a young adult [68K miles] and still running flawlessly (except for the damn gosset noise near the tweeters!] Michelin Pilot A/S tires have 30K miles and look like they'll easily make it to 40K - so I'm buying them again.
Good to see Subaru has finally gotten their act together w/ a crossover! Too bad we couldn't wait any longer. We waited and waited for it... researching and test driving and researching and test driving the Pilot, FX35, MDX and Murano this year [note no European or American nameplates (you have to be insane) - and we hate Toyotas (even though I owned a 92Camry which got 161K miles and is still alive w/ 180K) after a test drive last year in which the Toyota salesman screamed at us to drive him back because we were wasting his time!].
Brought every dealer down below invoice and finally purchased a base MDX for $300. under invoice [$33K] at 4:50PM on Labor Day. So far, so good at 3K miles.
Of course, the MDX is a step up from the LLBean, but my wife and I don't mind getting either one to drive (we used to fight over who would drive the Bean and who got stuck with the Accord).
The Bean's AWD system is definitely better. You can feel how every wheel travels over every dip independently, whereas the MDX feels like a front wheel car. The Bean is better planted in rain - no snow yet to test the MDX but it's supposed to be good in snow.... I'm sure not as good as the Bean. The MDX handles and corners better than the soft-tuned, leaning Bean, but it freaks out on really rough pavement like a truck, whereas the Bean stays composed. The MDX is much more powerful and it gets around the same mileage so far - ~19 mpg highway/city.
I never got around to using my $25. 2005 Outback test drive coupon, so I can't compare it to the MDX, but I would have a hard time buying a 2005 VDC at list for more than the base MDX. I was always anti-SUV size, but I've learned to face facts...you need the size to go up against what's on the road today. Simple Physics 101...I don't care how good the 2005 Outback did IN ITS CLASS/WEIGHT SIZE on the Institute and Federal crash tests, I feel much safer (and smaller) in the MDX.
I think Subaru is right in going for a niche between the Highlander/Pilot/Murano and the RX330/MDX/FX35. The Murano tested that niche and it didn't sell well (they were going for $1500. under invoice when we bought the MDX). I think Subaru has better reliability than Nissan, but not sure the buying public knows that (or generally cares?). BTW, the Murano (FWD) and FX35 (RWD/AWD) ride VERY rough, while the Highlander/RX330 ride very soft. The Pilot/MDX is comfortably right in the middle, as I expect the B9X will be.
Anyway, I hope all the kinks are worked out of the 2nd generation B9X we'll be looking at in 2011.... :-)
Congrats Ralph, the MDX is a very nice car. I almost bought one myself but decided to go for something smaller then my previous car (Highlander) so I went for the OBXT.
I'm glad your MDX gives you a sense of safety, but you are only looking at one aspect of safety.
The best way to survive an accident is to not get into one in the first place. A good handling car with good brakes will always be vastly superior to a large SUV in that respect.
SUVs are much more prone to roll-overs then cars. 30% of SUV deaths are caused by rollover accidents.
The MDX handles better (crisper cornering, no lean, etc.) than the LLBean we own and has the same 4 star rollover rating. It's a crossover car, not an SUV truck...made for pavement, not off-road.
Yeah, in a snowstorm the Bean might be better in a fast manuever situation.
If I had the choice between being in the MDX or the LLBean in an accident, all else considered, I'd still take the MDX...especially in a side impact hit.
The MDX also has rollover sensors for the side curtain air bags to deploy...not sure if Subaru has that yet...
Anyway, I really hope the new B9X gives the MDX a run for its money. I always go for the underdog and there's something I just like about Subaru as an organization/business.
11th, good, I'll be back from Brazil so I won't miss out on the excitement.
Otis: welcome back, nice to hear from you again.
VDC would go for about $2500 less than your MDX, but I agree that many would step up. In fact the VDC is rare as hen's teeth, we can't seem to find enough to even tell people what price to expect to pay!
The new ones handle better, with 17" rims and stiffer springs, but they're not really comparable to the bigger/taller MDX anyway.
I am still hoping to be able to hold out on purchasing anything until the B9X is out. I want to see exactly where they are putting the price tag. If it's low $30's, I can handle that.
I really don't LIKE the Pacifica or the Freestyle. I LOVE my Boo Roos. But I have to also be realistic. I can't really bring myself to purchase a minivan though, and Buick just doesn't sit well with me.
We've test driven just about everything out there, except the MDX. Maybe I should look into a "slightly used" one of those?
My main problem with the MDX in 2001 was the wind noise and engine noise -- I hope they have fixed that by now. At the time, the 02 Bean was a lot quieter and smoother (H6 beats V6 any day). And I didn't like the useless roof rack either. Finally, it had that big car/minivan feel and I wasn't ready for that. Otherwise, a very nice vehicle!
Back when I was looking, there was a waiting list and MSRP+ prices. Now they are going for $300 under invoice, eh? That makes it a lot better value.
Hello juice and Craig! Just like to say thanks again for all the knowledge you guys (and other Subie crewers) have shared through the years. It's funny how well-known you guys are on other (even non-Edmunds) boards. "Those Subaru guys on Edmunds are crazy fanatics." You guys should get a discount on your next Subaru (Patti?)! :-o
The MDX is quieter than the Bean and the transmission is smoother, but I prefer the sound/feel of the H6 engine better. Also, no wind noise whatsoever in the MDX, but some tire noise comes up. We got the base MDX with no roof rack - we use the LLBean for that. Haven't floored it yet (3K miles), but I still love the airplane engine sound of the H6. I need to check in to having the computer re-flashed - I have the original H6 lag and fairly poor mileage. The senior Subaru mechanic at my dealer (who was great, but recently quit for more money :-( ) said he thought there was a 80K silent warranty on the re-flash?
The gosset leak in our Bean has become annoying...I'm probably going to re-visit Craig's Forester photos and pick up a new driver's side gosset and try a replace on an above-average temperature day. [That reminds me, I need to pull out my photos of the cabin filter replacement - it's overdue!]
It's good the B9X looks like it is going to have framed windows...just don't like the Murano-type blind spot (and hope the concept grill beats out that ugly mesh-covered hole in the production version). It's great how Subarus are starting to look better and better....finally starting to catch up to the same level as their engineering!
We waited as long as we could for the Subaru crossover! :-( Oh well...
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I test-drove a Honda Pilot at lunch today. It's the new number one pick as far as I'm concerned to meet my family's needs. So now it's down to the Pilot and the B9X (depending on price, design, etc.).
I wrote to Subaru this week (via email) regarding the possible $40K price tag on the B9X. This is their response:
"Thank you for contacting the Subaru Website.
At this time, Subaru has not announced any type of official pricing for this new vehicle. In fact, there is no information available. Therefore, I would ask you to check back with us later in January, as the B9X is supposed to be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show.
We appreciate you taking the time to contact us and we look forward to hearing back from you.
Sincerely,
Kelly Shinault
Subaru of America, Inc."
I'm still wondering what the big secret here is, but I can definitely wait until January to buy whatever it is I'm going to buy. I'd love to stay with Subaru, since I've had four and never had a complaint. And unless my local dealer can give me a GREAT trade value for my 2003 Legacy GT, I'm probably going to hold out at least until I sell that.
I am still looking hard at the new Pilot based Honda Ridegeline SUT coming out about the same time as the B9X. I am hoping that Subaru will turn out a Baja style B9X.
The Tribeca will be very well equipped for a base price around $37,000, with power front seats, leather, all manner of airbags, and a power moonroof. Available goodies include DVD entertainment and touch-screen navigation systems.
If that is truly the base model's price, IMO it is dead before it gets out of the gate. It doesn't matter that it's fully equipped, you need a price leader to get people in the door. Oops, it's a "premium" brand so nevermind. ;-)
Hopefully the rumors of a more basic, lower priced, model are true.
If that is the case, the car is out of my range. I would like to see what kind of miles the vehicle would get. I am looking for an SUV w/ good gas milage. Currently looking into the Murano or Highlander but can wait for the B9 if the price and milage is right.
I've finally seen what a real B9X looks like and I have to say that it's a fine looking car. Though the drawing is close...there are enough differences to possibly win over critics of the illustration released earlier.
Also, I haven't seen any photochops that really capture the right look. So you can pretty much ignore all of those you've seen so far. Reminds me most of a Porsche Cayenne at first glimpse.
Comments
Bob
Eric
-Brian
-juice
Since nobody from within SoA has stepped forward to vehemently deny the suggestion that "BX9" is a temporary handle, I interpret that silence as some assurance that the unveiling in January will introduce to a new name, too.
Mark
Perhaps B9 signifies the platform.
So B9X would be B9 crossover, that's what the X means in the Forester XS (Crossover Sport).
Or it could be B9X Tribeca, because that name was strongly rumored earlier.
Who knows at this point. Could even be B9 Surveyor.
-juice
SOA's only official pronouncement on the subject of the new seven seater's name seems unambiguous. From http://vocuspr.vocus.com/VocusPR30/DotNet/Newsroom/Query.aspx?Sit- - eName=Subaru&Entity=PRAsset&SF_PRAsset_PRAssetID_EQ=93708- - &XSL=PressRelease&Title=Releases&Cache=True: I can see no competitive advantage to announcing a bogus name for the new seven seater. I can only see a downside because lying to the automotive press is never a good strategy.
I can recall only a single instance in recent memory when SOA has "vehemently denied" a rumor, at http://www.subaru.com/content/newscm/article.jsp?article=26&c- - ategory=0
CRaig
Maybe for the Saab version, they could call it the BBB:
B platform
Big
Block
;-)
-juice
http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=7819
This says the B9X is going to be around $40,000. I have to say that I am extremely disappointed if that's the case.
I am currently in the market for a 6 to 7 passenger vehicle for my family (four kids). I have been a loyal Subaru owner for ten years, owning three Legacy's and one Impreza. I hate to have to leave the brand, but there is no way I am going to spend that kind of money on a vehicle.
I can go buy a 2005 Ford Freestyle SEL for ~ $29K or a Chrysler Pacifica for ~30K. Have you seen the safety ratings on the Pacifica? BOTH of these vehicles offer AWD. Fine, not Subaru AWD, but I've test drove both and have to say, it's a fine line of distinction between the two.
I can not in good conscience spend $10,000 more for a car just because it's a Subaru. I have four kids to feed.
I think Subaru is making a mistake trying to hit the higher market. I know if that pricing is correct, they've just lost one loyal customer.
Freestyle came in priced lower than I expected. But I have previous bad experience with Ford and would hesitate, personally, for that reason.
Still, on paper, it seats 7 and comes well equipped for dirt cheap.
Pacifica I'm less impressed with. It's not as roomy and costs more, though they're coming out with a base model that's priced lower.
Go price a Rendezvous and they can be had for cheap, too. But the driving dynamics were really disappointing.
My thing is that since none of those 3 handles particularly well, I might just get a minivan instead of any of those.
Throw in the Pilot while you're at it, street prices have come down and you can now get them for $28k or so, EX even.
But Subaru isn't really targeting those, they want to be compared to the Acura MDX and Lexus RX300, and then play the value card in that class of vehicle, i.e. upscale mid-sizers.
$40k is doubtful. I bet base price is closer to the $31,800 another rumor mentioned. Maybe $33k for starters with the 3rd row. That could still put street prices at juuuust under $30k, or my target price.
What'll it have to do to earn my $30 grand?
Handle better, much better, than Freestyle, Pacifica, Rendezvous, or Pilot. Better AWD is a given, it has to be more fun (by far) than any of those.
If not I might end up in a Sienna, though. AWD optional.
-juice
I think once the Benign hits the road, you'll be able to get a decently equipped one for right around the low 30s. Subaru is not going to become an uplevel marque by simply pricing vehicles too high.
~alpha
PS- If you have to, I would favor the Freestyle over the Pacifica. But why not look to Pilot or Highlander?
I rented one once too, and I thought it had horrible visibility because of that rear-end design.
SLy
$40 grand might be the full MSRP for a 7 seater Limited model with Nav and DVD entertainment and all the accessories. That's just my guess.
-juice
Bob
Are any here planning to be in attendance and post digipix?
~alpha
The Rendezvous actually has a modern 4 wheel independent suspension. That large plate you saw is actually adapted from GM's minivans and is a lightweight suspension support that allows many of the suspension components to be laid out horizontally rather than protruding vertically into the cargo areas. That design is what allows enough space to be freed to add a 3rd row. It is surprisingly similar, IIRC, to the design of the Pilot's rear suspension.
Craig
Good to see Subaru has finally gotten their act together w/ a crossover! Too bad we couldn't wait any longer. We waited and waited for it... researching and test driving and researching and test driving the Pilot, FX35, MDX and Murano this year [note no European or American nameplates (you have to be insane) - and we hate Toyotas (even though I owned a 92Camry which got 161K miles and is still alive w/ 180K) after a test drive last year in which the Toyota salesman screamed at us to drive him back because we were wasting his time!].
Brought every dealer down below invoice and finally purchased a base MDX for $300. under invoice [$33K] at 4:50PM on Labor Day. So far, so good at 3K miles.
Of course, the MDX is a step up from the LLBean, but my wife and I don't mind getting either one to drive (we used to fight over who would drive the Bean and who got stuck with the Accord).
The Bean's AWD system is definitely better. You can feel how every wheel travels over every dip independently, whereas the MDX feels like a front wheel car. The Bean is better planted in rain - no snow yet to test the MDX but it's supposed to be good in snow.... I'm sure not as good as the Bean. The MDX handles and corners better than the soft-tuned, leaning Bean, but it freaks out on really rough pavement like a truck, whereas the Bean stays composed. The MDX is much more powerful and it gets around the same mileage so far - ~19 mpg highway/city.
I never got around to using my $25. 2005 Outback test drive coupon, so I can't compare it to the MDX, but I would have a hard time buying a 2005 VDC at list for more than the base MDX. I was always anti-SUV size, but I've learned to face facts...you need the size to go up against what's on the road today. Simple Physics 101...I don't care how good the 2005 Outback did IN ITS CLASS/WEIGHT SIZE on the Institute and Federal crash tests, I feel much safer (and smaller) in the MDX.
I think Subaru is right in going for a niche between the Highlander/Pilot/Murano and the RX330/MDX/FX35. The Murano tested that niche and it didn't sell well (they were going for $1500. under invoice when we bought the MDX). I think Subaru has better reliability than Nissan, but not sure the buying public knows that (or generally cares?). BTW, the Murano (FWD) and FX35 (RWD/AWD) ride VERY rough, while the Highlander/RX330 ride very soft. The Pilot/MDX is comfortably right in the middle, as I expect the B9X will be.
Anyway, I hope all the kinks are worked out of the 2nd generation B9X we'll be looking at in 2011.... :-)
Ralph
But it still hangs very low and in a perfect position to be seriously harmed on a dirt road. That belongs on minivans, not SUVs!
Sly
I'm glad your MDX gives you a sense of safety, but you are only looking at one aspect of safety.
The best way to survive an accident is to not get into one in the first place. A good handling car with good brakes will always be vastly superior to a large SUV in that respect.
SUVs are much more prone to roll-overs then cars. 30% of SUV deaths are caused by rollover accidents.
Sly
Yeah, in a snowstorm the Bean might be better in a fast manuever situation.
If I had the choice between being in the MDX or the LLBean in an accident, all else considered, I'd still take the MDX...especially in a side impact hit.
The MDX also has rollover sensors for the side curtain air bags to deploy...not sure if Subaru has that yet...
Anyway, I really hope the new B9X gives the MDX a run for its money. I always go for the underdog and there's something I just like about Subaru as an organization/business.
Ralph
Otis: welcome back, nice to hear from you again.
VDC would go for about $2500 less than your MDX, but I agree that many would step up. In fact the VDC is rare as hen's teeth, we can't seem to find enough to even tell people what price to expect to pay!
The new ones handle better, with 17" rims and stiffer springs, but they're not really comparable to the bigger/taller MDX anyway.
B9X will be, though.
-juice
Bob
I really don't LIKE the Pacifica or the Freestyle. I LOVE my Boo Roos. But I have to also be realistic. I can't really bring myself to purchase a minivan though, and Buick just doesn't sit well with me.
We've test driven just about everything out there, except the MDX. Maybe I should look into a "slightly used" one of those?
-juice
Back when I was looking, there was a waiting list and MSRP+ prices. Now they are going for $300 under invoice, eh? That makes it a lot better value.
Craig
The MDX is quieter than the Bean and the transmission is smoother, but I prefer the sound/feel of the H6 engine better. Also, no wind noise whatsoever in the MDX, but some tire noise comes up. We got the base MDX with no roof rack - we use the LLBean for that. Haven't floored it yet (3K miles), but I still love the airplane engine sound of the H6. I need to check in to having the computer re-flashed - I have the original H6 lag and fairly poor mileage. The senior Subaru mechanic at my dealer (who was great, but recently quit for more money :-( ) said he thought there was a 80K silent warranty on the re-flash?
The gosset leak in our Bean has become annoying...I'm probably going to re-visit Craig's Forester photos and pick up a new driver's side gosset and try a replace on an above-average temperature day. [That reminds me, I need to pull out my photos of the cabin filter replacement - it's overdue!]
It's good the B9X looks like it is going to have framed windows...just don't like the Murano-type blind spot (and hope the concept grill beats out that ugly mesh-covered hole in the production version). It's great how Subarus are starting to look better and better....finally starting to catch up to the same level as their engineering!
We waited as long as we could for the Subaru crossover! :-( Oh well...
Ralph
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I wrote to Subaru this week (via email) regarding the possible $40K price tag on the B9X. This is their response:
"Thank you for contacting the Subaru Website.
At this time, Subaru has not announced any type of official pricing for this new vehicle. In fact, there is no information available. Therefore, I would ask you to check back with us later in January, as the B9X is supposed to be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show.
We appreciate you taking the time to contact us and we look forward to hearing back from you.
Sincerely,
Kelly Shinault
Subaru of America, Inc."
I'm still wondering what the big secret here is, but I can definitely wait until January to buy whatever it is I'm going to buy. I'd love to stay with Subaru, since I've had four and never had a complaint. And unless my local dealer can give me a GREAT trade value for my 2003 Legacy GT, I'm probably going to hold out at least until I sell that.
Know anybody in the market?
John
Bob
It all depends on how quickly my GT sells.
http://www.fhi.co.jp/english/news/press/2004/04_12_17e.pdf
http://www.fhi.co.jp/english/news/p...4/04_12_17e.pdf
and trademark applications in Canada...
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/SSG/1239/trdp123939400e.html
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/SSG/1206/trdp120625400e.html
This makes much more sense, especially down the road, when Subaru applies "B" names to existing models, such as the Forester, etc.
Bob
Sly
Bob
Names are irrelevant to me...only specs matter
Eric
Bob
Mark
• New suspension
• Center of gravity lower than BMW X5
http://automobilemag.com/auto_shows/naias_2005/0501_subaru_b9_tri- beca/
Bob
If that is truly the base model's price, IMO it is dead before it gets out of the gate. It doesn't matter that it's fully equipped, you need a price leader to get people in the door. Oops, it's a "premium" brand so nevermind. ;-)
Hopefully the rumors of a more basic, lower priced, model are true.
DaveM
Bob
Also, I haven't seen any photochops that really capture the right look. So you can pretty much ignore all of those you've seen so far. Reminds me most of a Porsche Cayenne at first glimpse.
DaveM
I'm so excited to know what it's really like!!
Can you tell us more...