Looking past the twin exhausts and fancy rims, is it me or do the new Cayenne and Lexus RX have a bunch of similiarities?

** EDIT: Added the Q5 for comparison

 

I see the similarities, but honestly there's very few original designs nowdays. Consumers will see a car or two that they consider to look "modern" and so all designs start to move towards that design style. And the overall profile of the upscale smaller/sporty SUV is something that almost all companies making one damn near blatantly copy. That angled rear glass and long skewed D pillar out back has proliferated among anything wanting to look sporty/upscale in an SUV.

As an aside, the previous generation RX350 looked better IMO. I think I prefer the previous Cayenne too tbh.

 

I agree that there is a certain homogenization of design - It's hard to argue with success; however, I personally wish that the top tier manufacturers would set trends rather than follow. Say what you will about Bangle and his designs, at least BMW took the risk and made the statement, and for better or worse (many say the latter), Bangle's design language has now been incorporated by a number of manufacturers.

To be fair Porsche has not traditionally been known for avant guard design (Clarkson calls them lazy); however, I would argue that the Panamera is actually a gutsy design execution - Much more so than the new Cayenne. With it Porsche has clearly taken some risks and made some more "radical" design decisions. With those decisions naturally come more polarized viewpoints and a more visceral reaction - be it positive or negative. I predict that the Panamera will do extremely well and that its design elements will be emulated by other manufacturers over time.

At the end of the day, and for me personally, I would prefer a vehicle that makes a statement of personal choice rather than one which follows the pack.

 

I completely agree with that. I understand with something like the Chevy Equinox they're going to try to make it as similar to everything else on the market that sells as possible. But in a Porsche, you *want* it to stand out. I think that Porsche/VW became much more aware of the Cayenne's status as the "profit driver" and wanted to keep from alienating buyers and try to incorporate their new styling cues. With the negative press response to the original Cayenne (most every journalist said it was ugly, made no sense, etc.), I think Porsche was being cautious to not go out too far on a limb with the Cayenne. Especially given that they did that in a major way with the Panamera, which has the potential to be their other profit driver. Hopefully the Panamera sells well, while sales of the Cayenne slow slightly due to its less unique styling, and there's a mid cycle refresh that gives it its styling back.

For all the talk about how Bangle was so horrible by the press, it's hard to argue against BMWs numbers. They posted big sales numbers on Bangle cars. I neverpresonally found them unattractive, I like that they're different looking. Though I suppose that doesn't really fit in with BMWs ideology of past.

I think the Panamera looks fantastic. My favorite part is that it really looks like a 911 from behind. First time I saw one I was following what I thought was a 911 from 5 or so cars back. It turned into a development and i was shocked when it was much longer than expected and had 4 doors! I haven't been a big fan of this whole "sedan coupe" movement started by the CLS, but the Panamera just looks good.

 

Please don't even compare the 2!!!! I am driving an RX loaner while my DD, the infamous HS 250 gets repaired. I've only had the thing 5 months and it's already been recalled for the 'brake' issue and now, it sings like a tea kettle when I shut it off. They don't know what's wrong, so they charged the AC. Update tomorrow when they return it to me. PS. There was nothing wrong with the AC!!!!!!!!

 

LOL, Porsche is definitely not a Lexus for sure! But the rear end of the new Cayenne does have some of the same angles as the Lexus... The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced it is the darned tail lights.

I'm just going to have to see the Cayenne in person to know how I feel about it. From what I read/heard it looks better when you see it in real life vs photos

 

the back of the RX actually looks good. The front has a 'weird' angle. It's very comfortable to drive, but aren't all Lexus's?
You only have to wait about 10 more days to drive the new Cayenne or see one! What color did you order? Was it the blue???

 

I agree, it's the taillights. They should have kept them a little more rectangular.

 

Lexus' (Lexi?) are definitely comfortable to drive, but certainly no thrill. I ordered the blue TT w/black interior. I'm pretty sure I'm going to love the car!

 

I know you are!!! Personal question, are you going to lease or buy?

 

The front looks great, but I am not a fan of the new taillights.

 

Since I turn them over so often, I basically lease all my cars. I generally go for a 36 months lease and am itching to get out by month 30.

I also don't like owning cars outside warranty, and the sales tax benefits on paying for just the lease portion vs the whole vehicle (esp. since sales tax is 9.25% in CA) is nice.

 

cayenne still look much better

 

I like leasing as well and I will probably go that route this time. I do drive alot of miles, but plan on adding the next vehicle in 2 years, so that should cover the mileage.

BTW, keeping in tone with the thread theme, the Cayenne looks so much better than the RX! Also, you can pick color options on the Cayenne. The Lexus only lets you have certain exterior and interior color choices and there are the option packages, very little choice for individual options.

 

Does anyone agree a prev-gen Hyundai Tucson looks similar to a Cayenne on a front 3/4 view?