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Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

16087 messages,  Last post on May 09, 2013 at 9:32 AM

You are in the Sedans Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G37, Acura TL, Lexus IS 350, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Cadillac CTS, Volvo S60, Audi A4, Acura TSX, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 1340 of 1609

#13387 of 16087 Back in the segment: observations from 3 test drives by mkahn21

Mar 12, 2012 (6:32 am)

I haven't researched this class since 2006, when I bought a TL. Still love that car: >95K miles and going strong.
 
We're replacing our other car (a crossover), and I want another entry lux sport sedan. Price limit: low $40s. Must have AWD, and at least a tendency toward the aggressive/handling rather than the comfort/luxury end of the spectrum. Finally, the nav and controls must be highly intuitive.
 
I test drove 3 cars this weekend: G37x, S60 T6, and A4 quattro. All had similar "premium" packages and navigation. I ruled out the new TL, my dad has one and I don't like the interface and am "meh" on the styling. Plus it feels too big. Heck, I think I even like my previous generation TL better.
 
Impressions:
 
G37x: Awesome drive, great interior. I left the lot trying to think of something I didn't like about the car. Trunk space isn't huge ... that's about it. I couldn't find a compromise anywhere. Really a standard bearer, even 4 model years into its generational life.
 
S60 T6: I didn't expect to love this car, but I did. I thought its handling and power were up there with the Infiniti. Plus the seats are amazingly comfortable, and the exterior styling really appeals to me. The only drawback is the nav system/computer - I thought the buttons were too small and the whole interactive experience was less easy than it could be. Still, a great car and a welcome surprise.
 
A4 quattro: Outside and in, this car is gorgeous, beautiful, luxurious, well-appointed, pick the adjective. It's just a pleasure to look at, sit in, and touch. Even the nav/multiscreen monitor was pleasant to look at. The handling is superb and it's probably the most athletic of the 3 around corners. The word "taut" readily comes to mind. I just wish it were quicker off the line. The A4 didn't leave me breathless the way the other 2 did.
 
For value (which I define as how much power and goodies you get for your money), I think the G37x is a star: $2K-$3K less than the others comparably equipped, and $7K less than the BMW 335i xDrive, which I'd buy if money were no object.
 
This class really is impressive with a lot of smart, good choices. I'll be buying my G37x shortly and will hopefully get many years of pleasure from it ...
 
... Unless anyone suggests I check out another option I've missed?

#13388 of 16087 Re: Having Just Ridden. . . [sweendogy] by cdnpinhead

Mar 12, 2012 (6:44 am)

Replying to: sweendogy (Mar 11, 2012 6:56 pm)
. . .agree the pissing by "him" stinks . . .
 
Now, that's funny.

#13389 of 16087 Re: Back in the segment: observations from 3 test drives [mkahn21] by sweendogy

Mar 12, 2012 (7:39 am)

Replying to: mkahn21 (Mar 12, 2012 6:32 am)
Good luck man- Don't know if you are up east but alot of competition with dealers you should get a good deal.

#13390 of 16087 Re: Let's add the m3 to this convo [m6user] by flightnurse

Mar 12, 2012 (8:05 am)

Replying to: m6user (Mar 11, 2012 12:44 pm)
If you haven't driven a CC give one a try, the feel, the touch of the interior is very much luxury, the fit and finish is that of Audi and BMW. Just because it says VW and not Audi doesn't mean it shouldn't be listed. Again, the new 300 is a far cry from the previous Gen... Just wish the engineers didn't program the tranny to upshift so fast and allow the engine to go into ECO mode so quick. Other then that, the fit and finish is first rate, the power is better then most car listed as ELLPS.

#13391 of 16087 Re: And in case anybody was wondering [sweendogy] by flightnurse

Mar 12, 2012 (8:38 am)

Replying to: sweendogy (Mar 11, 2012 10:59 am)
Again why would you lower yourself in buying a BMW, with the amount of time you wasted telling myself and others that BMW are not good values, it comes out that you have secretly been lusting for one, jealously isn't a good thing Sweeny. So with all of your rants and jabs you really wanted a BMW...

#13392 of 16087 Re: And in case anybody was wondering [flightnurse] by sweendogy

Mar 12, 2012 (9:50 am)

Replying to: flightnurse (Mar 12, 2012 8:38 am)
Do you read posts ?

#13393 of 16087 Inside Line Tests by nyccarguy

Mar 12, 2012 (11:30 am)

2012 BMW 328i vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 vs. 2012 Audi A4 2.0T Quattro

#13394 of 16087 Re: Inside Line Tests [nyccarguy] by stickguy

Mar 12, 2012 (11:49 am)

Replying to: nyccarguy (Mar 12, 2012 11:30 am)
why aren't you out shopping?

#13395 of 16087 Re: Let's add the m3 to this convo [m6user] by robbieg

Mar 12, 2012 (12:39 pm)

Replying to: m6user (Mar 11, 2012 12:44 pm)
Have you sat in a Toureg? Those things are awesome. Just because a car company makes a car that sells for 16000 doesn't mean it can't make a luxury car. A loaded up CC is as nice inside as a Toureg.
 
Does Lexus even sell any IS 350s? The TSX is for buyers that can't or won't pay 40,000 for a sports sedan. Isn't a manual transmission G a sportier car than a BMW 328 with a slushbox?

#13396 of 16087 Re: Inside Line Tests [stickguy] by nyccarguy

Mar 12, 2012 (12:49 pm)

Replying to: stickguy (Mar 12, 2012 11:49 am)
I'm working. Going tomorrow to have the TSX appraised by Wide World BMW. Trying not to put too many miles on it.
 
Since it is gorgeous out today, I took the Prelude to work. Kept it at 65 mph on the way in.

Messages Page 1340 of 1609

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