Originally posted by LuckyDog
The X3 will enter with very little competitors. The MDX, QX4, RX300/330, and ML320/500 all feature more interior room than the X5. The X5's major detriment is the sloping rear hatch, which while privoding a sportier lookin inline with BMWs, cuts down on cargo room big time.
I've always thought two places where Acura could provide niche vehicles would be by offering versions of the CR-V and Odyssey. Chrysler makes a killing selling all those Town and Country's. I think Acura has considered the CR-V idea (hence the RDX concept). A minivan might not give it the best image, but I definately think it would sell.
Also, the X7 is supposedly being built on a legnthened X5 chasis, rather than the 7-Series chasis.
An Acura minivan would go against their sporty image. I mean the MDX is "sporty" for an SUV, but i doubt anyone can look at a minivan and think sporty.
As for the X7, i think you are right about it not being built on the 7 platform, but a stretched version of the X5's, just like the Range Rover is.