Lexus pioneered the so-called sport-utility vehicle-sedan segment with the introduction of the RX300 in the 1999 model year. , , While the rest of the industry laughed at a car-based sport-utility, Lexus got the last guffaw. The RX became the best-selling nameplate at Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, and helped propel it to No. 1 in luxury-car sales in the industry. , , The RX300 has prompted several imitators, such as the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz ML, Volvo XC90, Chrysler Pacifica and later this year the Cadillac SRX, as well as others expected soon, such as from Lincoln.