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Luxury Performance Sedans

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

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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 933 of 1035

#9315 of 10338 BMW 5 series versus the Infiniti M35x by macct

May 10, 2007 (6:28 pm)

My lease on my 2005 530i will be expiring over the next few months and I find myself torn between the 5 series (528xi/535xi) and the Infiniti M35xi. While they are all really good choices, I think I remain partial to the BMWs, albeit I question their value.
 
In terms of the BMWs, I like the overall driving dynamics. IMO, they have such a nice balance between handling, ride, braking, etc. I just find the car comfortable and enjoyable. The 535xi was treat to drive and it would be my choice if value was not part of the equation. In terms of leasing, it carries a huge premium over the Infiniti (& 528xi) which I am not sure I can justify.
 
In terms of the 528xi, I like most everything about the car, but feel it's mot keeping up to its competitors in terms of engine performance. While it is incredibly smooth performer, it just seems like there should be more. I realize it's not all about HP & quickness, I still question its value.
 
The Infiniti has been somewhat of a surprised for me. It is actually much sportier and well-balanced than I anticipated. The car performed exceptionally well, but IMO lacked some of the refinement and finesse associated with the 5 series. The handling seemed sharp, but the steering seemed a bit disconnected (too light at low speeds & artificial firm at higher speeds) with a rougher ride quality. The engine, however, seemed more responsive the 528xi, particularly from a stand still or passing on the highway. The interior was also quite nice. I found it more luxurious than the 5 series, albeit I prefer the BMW's comfort seats. The electronics were also impressive. The navigation & other controls seemed well designed and easy to use. Leasing the Infiniti is also quite the bargain, being less expensive for more equipment than either 5-series.
 
At this point, I am torn. The emotional choice is the 535xi. It's the car I enjoyed most. The question is it worth the additional $100 to 120/month more than an M35x? The M35x seems like a great value, and comes with so much more for the price. I didn't find it as enjoyable to drive, but I also wonder if it is in part just because it's not what I am use to. In terms of the 528xi, I don't think I can justify over the Infiniti.
 
Any thoughts between these cars? Anyone with some real experience with both the Infiniti and the 5-series?

#9316 of 10338 Re: 535Xi [markcincinnati] by bruceomega

May 10, 2007 (6:36 pm)

Replying to: markcincinnati (May 10, 2007 3:30 pm)
Mark,
 
My comment on the A-6 size issue stemmed from me looking at the vehicle comparator on the web comparing an A-6 to a 530Xi, where it showed the Audi was a good bit wider than the BMW. I'm a little tight for garage space in both length and width, so that caught my attention. However, I looked into the specs further and found that Audi gives a vehicle width which includes the sideview mirrors and the BMW width does not, so it's not apples to apples- my comment was based on incorrect data and I retract it. Moving from an ELLPS to a LPS is going to be a tighter fit pretty much independent of which car it is. The good news for my pocketbook is there is no way a 7 series will fit in my garage!
 
The more I've thought about this, the more I realize I'm hooked on the 535Xi, assuming the test drive is positive, I can negotiate an acceptable deal, and there aren't any showstoppers with the car of which I am not aware. I'm getting a bad case of the new car bug, and the impulse to buy now rather than waiting until later in the year to see how the 08 CTS works out, and whether or not there will be an M45x.
 
I do have some concerns about the 535Xi- mixed reviews on reliability of the 5 series in general, repair / maintenance / longevity issues associated with turbocharging, and cost. But there are many things I like so far about the car and they're outweighing these concerns.
 
Thanks
Bruce

#9317 of 10338 Re: 535Xi [bruceomega] by markcincinnati

May 10, 2007 (8:06 pm)

Replying to: bruceomega (May 10, 2007 6:36 pm)
The CTS threatens to be $11 down, $11 per month, and if you don't have the $11, we'll loan it to you.
 
The price per month factor is at least very enticing.
 
If I could ditch the "breathtakingly expensive" out of warranty factor, I'd actually be tempted to keep my '05 A6 for a bit longer.
 
It is amazing, I get to thinking (as I take my Audi's features for granted) that a 2008 ought to be a huge step up.
 
The CTS hasn't seemed to look at the Japanese competition and apparently not even the ripe for picking German competition.
 
The Bluetooth "clue" is perplexing -- as in the CTS released in Europe is rumored to come with BT from day one.
 
The lack of the pushbutton start and smart key (even though I think it is sometimes a gimmick) blows my mind when one can get such features on a Mazda for pity's sake.
 
If my car had 10% more HP and torque, it would be a no brainer to keep it at least one more year ('cept for that nagging fear of repairs on a German car out of warranty.)
 
The 535xi may be leased at a phenominal rate after about 6,7 months of release. It may be the pick of the little.
 
Just for fun I configured a G35x and a similar A4 or 3x -- damn! Infiniti certainly packs in the value.
 
The Germans need to differentiate themselves -- and this is coming from a German car fan!

#9318 of 10338 Re: 535Xi [markcincinnati] by lexusguy

May 10, 2007 (10:19 pm)

Replying to: markcincinnati (May 10, 2007 8:06 pm)
It is amazing, I get to thinking (as I take my Audi's features for granted) that a 2008 ought to be a huge step up.
 
Just curious Mark, but why not move up to say, a lightly used '06 A6 4.2? One with barely any miles on it should be around $45K or so, which seems like a pretty good deal to me, as the only thing the A6 3.2 really lacks is power.

#9319 of 10338 Re: 535Xi [lexusguy] by markcincinnati

May 11, 2007 (5:17 am)

Replying to: lexusguy (May 10, 2007 10:19 pm)
Well gas is now $3.39. Cincinnati is, despite being a big town, clogging up just like the cities.
 
I would love more power.
 
Yet, finding much of anywhere to use it is hard.
 
I still believe $4/gas is a commin', too.
 
Heck, an A5 SLine with a beefed up 4cyl FSI turbo and a stick shift (were it offered) could be a very nice way to have it and eat it, too.
 
Nice thought.
 
That was then, this is now, however.
 
What I really want is the diesel.

#9320 of 10338 Re: Comments on E-350? [jobie] by habitat1

May 11, 2007 (5:38 am)

Replying to: jobie (May 10, 2007 12:42 pm)
I don't have personal experience with either car, but an associate of mine is turning in his 2002 540ia sport off lease and we went out to test drive an E550 last weekend. Although it is at least as powerful in stright line acceleration as the BMW, it didn't feel as tight in handling or in structural integrity as his 5 year old 65,000 mile 540i. It is definitely a noticable difference.
 
My friend is in your dilemma. He likes BMW driving dynamics, but does not like the interior/exterior style changes and the i-drive. He is considering a pristine low mileage 2003 M5, but his wife doesn't drive a stick, so he'll probably pass.
 
Another factor to consider is build quality / reliability. One of the service managers I deal with at my Porsche dealership (they sell Mercedes as well) insisted on moving over from Mercedes to Porsche because he was dissapointed in the deterioration of Mercedes quality over the years. He had been with Mercedes for over 30 years, of which he claims the last 8-10 went downhill.
 

#9321 of 10338 Re: Comments on E-350? [jobie] by lexusguy

May 11, 2007 (6:07 am)

Replying to: jobie (May 10, 2007 12:42 pm)
'm looking to get out of my SUV soon and back into a sedan; I've been a BMW fan for years but am having trouble warming up the current generation 5.
 
Tried the Infiniti M? It's about as close as you can get to the performance of a 5 without actually buying a 5. The A6 is also excellent.

#9322 of 10338 Re: 535Xi [markcincinnati] by erickpl

May 11, 2007 (7:44 am)

Replying to: markcincinnati (May 11, 2007 5:17 am)
Yup, an Audi A6, BMW 530d, or MB E320CDI is what my wife will drive when she graduates college...
 
-Paul

#9323 of 10338 Re: 535Xi [erickpl] by qbrozen

May 11, 2007 (9:50 am)

Replying to: erickpl (May 11, 2007 7:44 am)
wow! can i be your wife? (although i warn you i don't look good in a dress)
the first vehicle i bought out of college was a compact pickup truck.
and even that that took a huge chunk out of my paycheck.

#9324 of 10338 Re: 535Xi [markcincinnati] by fonefixer

May 11, 2007 (3:54 pm)

Replying to: markcincinnati (May 11, 2007 5:17 am)
Mark:
Do you think Audi will remain a competitive "player" in the automotive marketplace with virtually all of their offering s claiming 14~17 mpg (except maybe some of the A4's) when fuel reaches $4/gal+ by Labor day?

Messages Page 933 of 1035

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