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Luxury Performance Sedans

10338 messages,  Last post on May 01, 2013 at 3:12 PM

You are in the Sedans Forum.

What is this discussion about? Lexus GS 430, Acura RL, BMW 5 Series, Volvo S80, Audi A6, Infiniti M35, Infiniti M45, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Cadillac STS, Sedan

Messages Page 260 of 1035

#2585 of 10338 rich545, jimbres by lexusguy

Jun 09, 2005 (10:18 am)

"Why do you think MB or BMW would be bad if she wanted NAV?"
 
Because this woman is a technophobe, and you have to use COMAND or iDrive in order to actually use the Nav systems in BMW or MB cars. You cant tell me that these complex, multi-button systems are easier to use than a Lexus or Acura touch screen.
 
"In truth, the current ES is reputedly even more of a yawn than the previous generation (1997-2001) & I'd rather not get one."
 
Have you taken one for a drive? It actually isnt. I've driven both at length (my Lexus dealer uses ES loaner cars). The new one is quite an improvement, especially if you order the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) option. The '97-'01 car is one of the most boring cars I can ever remember driving. The current one really isnt all that bad. Don't dismiss it without at least giving it a try. It received a freshening for '05 with a bunch of new equipment. The press release for the '05 ES330 can be found here: http://www.lexus.com/about/press_releases/popups/2004/pr_08_06_a.html

#2586 of 10338 Re: M45 Sport vs. 545i Sport [hpowders] by SergeyM

Jun 09, 2005 (11:05 am)

Replying to: hpowders (Jun 09, 2005 9:47 am)
Overall it is a better car than a 2002 540i Sport I had before. I love engine power, active steering and contrary to the public opinion the I-drive. AS is not perfect but I cannot imagine driving a car w/out it anymore. The same can be said about the I-drive. When the number of choice/buttons exceeds the certain level the direct access does not work anymore. You need some kind of indexed access and that what the I-drive is and I like it very much. Mileage is not as good as I expected. It is about 17mpg (70% city/30% highway) and 26mph on the highway.

#2587 of 10338 Re: M45 Sport vs. 545i Sport [SergeyM] by hpowders

Jun 09, 2005 (12:01 pm)

Replying to: SergeyM (Jun 09, 2005 11:05 am)
Sounds like much better mileage than the M45. I've read claims of only 13 and 15 mpg from some M owners.

#2588 of 10338 Lexusguy by jimbres

Jun 09, 2005 (12:15 pm)

"Have you taken one for a drive? It actually isnt. I've driven both at length (my Lexus dealer uses ES loaner cars). The new one is quite an improvement, especially if you order the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) option."
 
Thanks for the tip. As you can probably guess, I haven't driven a newer ES & I'll suggest to my wife that she test-drive one. When it comes to interior amenities, no other car in the entry-level luxury class touches it. (But I'd still rather see her buy the M or the RL.)

#2589 of 10338 Re: M45 Sport vs. 545i Sport [SergeyM] by hpowders

Jun 09, 2005 (12:31 pm)

Replying to: SergeyM (Jun 09, 2005 11:05 am)
So tell me, no annoying computer glitches? No iDrive items that refuse to be inputted?

#2590 of 10338 Re: M45 Sport vs. 545i Sport [hpowders] by SergeyM

Jun 09, 2005 (1:58 pm)

Replying to: hpowders (Jun 09, 2005 12:31 pm)
Not easy questions to answer. Steptronic transmission does behave strange sometimes but it may be by design. E.g. On the highway as soon as I move the lever to the sport mode the tranny downshifts to a gear that would result in 3,500 RPM (max torque?). When coming to a full stop unless you slow down gradually and smoothly the tranny will hold the starting gear (3rd I think) till 3,500-4,000 RPM when accelerating from the stop. It also downshifts when going downhill and braking. I used to own a 2002 Acura TLS that would downshift on braking so I was not surprised but had to adjust to such behavior by releasing the brake pedal slightly. As to the I-Drive I had no problems setting lighting preferences, speed limit and a couple of other settings. I heard that some "parked car vent settings" do not work but I've never tried to use them. On the move I most of the time talk to the car to bring the screen I need up, e.g. "Vent settings" and then adjust the settings.

#2591 of 10338 M45 NEW Powerhouse by bobcatman

Jun 09, 2005 (6:14 pm)

The Germans build the best cars for sitting in repair shop and dropping trannies at 30K miles like no one else does. They are yesterdays news, washed up quality wise. INFERIOR to ASIA's best. 2nd rate products priced like Tiffanys. Too bad their getting steam rolled by Japan Inc. like the domestics currently are AGAIN...
  
The next LS will send them back to the drawing board like the original article did and leave them chasin their tales. COUNT ON IT.

#2592 of 10338 Re: M45 NEW Powerhouse [bobcatman] by kdshapiro

Jun 09, 2005 (6:31 pm)

Replying to: bobcatman (Jun 09, 2005 6:14 pm)
Nothing like a great big generalization with a bit of hubris thrown in to intellectually stimulate a discussion.

#2593 of 10338 Re: M45 NEW Powerhouse [bobcatman] by SergeyM

Jun 09, 2005 (6:36 pm)

Replying to: bobcatman (Jun 09, 2005 6:14 pm)
You've forgotten about 469bhp E55 and 500bhp M5 not to mention 604bhp S/SL 65 and German horses are bigger.

#2594 of 10338 Re: M45 NEW Powerhouse [kdshapiro] by jjacura

Jun 09, 2005 (6:53 pm)

Replying to: kdshapiro (Jun 09, 2005 6:31 pm)
yes every so often we see these little bombs dropped off...and the author runs. Reminds me of my pet dog when she was a puppy. (Bite and Run!)

Messages Page 260 of 1035

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