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Comments
Yeah I know.
How can one beat the 3 series with its "must have" factor...
As i haven't driven the 07 G35 I can't comment. considering my 06 330i is better than an 06 g35 - but not by a great deal - I find it near impossible to believe the 07 isn't a bigger step forward for Nissan. Can't wait to get my hands on one.
I think you may be underrating the E90 because of your preference for the former E46. I'm out of that market, but from what my frinds and associates tell me, the 3 series still has better driving dynamics than anything in its class, the sins of the E90 notwithstanding.
The '07 G35 may be interesting, but I'd have to see the redesign in person before passing judgement. Also, would have to have some seat time in it.
Without a doubt, any Porsche would be more expensive than a comparable Bimmer, just because it's more exclusive and people are willing to pay even more for a Porsche.
There's a fair chance there's eventually a Cayman sedan, after Porsche has a chance to work the kinks out of Panamerica, their 5 series competitor, which doubtlessly will be the most expensive in its class.
Regardless of brand, the value proposition has to be there for anyone to buy. If any Porsche, regardless of model, has nothing that the buyer wants, what's the point? I like Porsche's. I like the 911 and the Boxter. Past that, there doesn't seem to be anything else that would get me in their showroom.
"The Cayenne was the answer to a question nobody asked. Sales of that model have proven that."
Actually sales of the Cayenne have been quite good. I don't see one of them in our future as I prefer to get my "S" from a real sports car and need more "U" in an SUV. But somebody must be buying them.
On the topic of entry level luxury sedans, I saw a pristine BMW 2002 tii the other day. It had been awhile and I was amazed at how small the car looked. I know blueguydotcom likes the smaller size and more intimite feel of previous 3 series. But going back 35 years, it looks like "entry-level" also meant "entry assistance required".
Also, I see a lot of 1 series cars up from Mexico.
Length: 166 inches
Width 69 inches
Height 56 in
Weight: 3200 lbs
The e46 330i:
Len: 176
Wid: 68
Height: 55 (ZHP was even lower)
Weight: 3285
Wider, taller and nearly as heavy as an e46, the 130 wasn't the tiny, lithe car I want.
Best Regards,
Shipo
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
0-60: 5.2s
1/4 mile: 13.9s at 103 mph
The Highs
"it hunkered down and dashed to 60 mph in 5.2s, covering the 1/4 mile at 13.9s at 103 mph. ... More impressive still, our G35 tester went to the track with fewer than 250 miles on the odo. That's like putting an Olympic sprinter in the starting blocks in his street clothes. What'll it do with a proper break-in? We look forward to finding out."
"The power feeds through a six-speed manual that's the personification of precise engagement--it makes the 3 series manual seem rubbery..."
"This honey can dance as fast as you can pedal, without a misstep and without punishing its partner in the ride department. ... It's a setup that delivers Bimmer-esque compliance, and if the 3-series still holds an edge in this area, the distinctions have become paper thin."
"Upgraded materials, a superb new Bose audio option, an attractive and highly legible new instrument package, nicely placed switches with an exceptionally positive operational feel, and a sporty steering wheel with hand-stitched leather all lend an upscale feel that wasn't really part of the first-generation G35."
The Lows
The grip of 0.87 g is "not impressive by the standards of this class."
"The brake pedal felt a little long and a tad squishy"
"We're not unanimously seduced by the aluminum interior trim--to some, at least, the optional straight-grain rosewood veneer might be preferable--and the front buckets aren't quite in the BMW league in lateral support."
Counterpoint
"Robin Warner: ... this new car is stunning. ... BMW's superbly balanced 3-series is still the benchmark dynamically, but the new G35 is much nicer to look at."
Mike Dushane: "The interior is still comprised of too many ill-fitting plastic pieces. On the highway, there's a lot of noise, and small pavement imprefections unsettle the ride."
"Mark Gillies: "The G35 also brings up another comparison, to wit: Why on earth would one buy a Lexus IS350? The Lexus isn't appreciably quicker, doesn't look as good, and is a fairly anodyne driving experience, whereas the G35 is a very soulful machine. The IS has a more beautifully wrought interior than the G35's (much improved) cabin, but that's about its only advantage."
Pretty much the same thing.
"just a better car"
"must have factor"
can't beat that...
You get what you pay for either way, IMO. Although I find the total package of the BMW to reflect the generations of constant improvement on the class benchmark, Infiniti should be proud to release a car that is more than worthy of consideration for your sport sedan dollar.
I wonder if the next G35 Coupe will also improve on its predecessor?
If I did not like the way the Accord drove over bump and small potholes and it was too hard for me will the Acura be the same?
What are you, Mr. Answer Man for all models of cars? I see you own the Lexus, not the TL. I drive the TL every day, and had an Accord before that. The ride between the 2 is about the same. The TL has a better road presence tho cuz of the wider,low profile tires. I would describe neither as 'hard'. When I drive my brother's G35 I don't see a big difference in how his car rides vs. mine. And my sister's 325 isn't much different either. I don't get this 'hard' business....maybe a Lexus rides 'soft'.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=116681
In the latest issue of C&D they timed the 335i to 60 in 4.9. Don't know if the figure was adjusted based on their proprietary algorithm. Here's a blurb from Automobile magazine.
See here.
G35S 12.0:1 to 18.5:1. - 6.5 degree difference
BMW 530i 10.0:1 to 18.0:1 - 8 degree difference
Porsche 911 13.7:1 to 17.1:1 - 3.4 degree difference
Note: BMW’s now-stand-alone active steering was tweaked for the 2006 330i. The steering ratio shown above was on the 2004 530i with sport package.
306 hp, 268 lb/ft torque
Curb Weights (EPA mpg)
G35: 3497 (19/26)
G35 Journey: 3508 (19/26)
G35 Sport: 3538 (19/26)
G35 Sport 6MT: 3532 (19/27)
G35x: 3704 (19/25)
Premium Package
Tinted glass power sunroof with rear tilt feature, sliding sunshade, and one-touch operation; Studio on Wheels™ by Bose® premium audio system with Burr Brown® Digital Audio Converters; driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirror memory system; seat and outside mirror position synchronization (outside mirrors automatically adjust as seat is moved); driver’s seat power adjustable lumbar support (2-way); power tilt and telescoping steering wheel; one touch up/down rear window function; automatic anti-glare rearview mirror with HomeLink® Universal Transceiver; Bluetooth® hands-free phone system; heated front seats and front outside mirrors (standard on G35x AWD)
Navigation Package
Infiniti Navigation System (hard disc drive-based) with Infiniti controller and 7.0-inch color touch screen, Lane guidance (part of route guidance) and building footprints (enhanced graphics), 9.5GB music hard drive (replaces in-dash 6-disc CD changer) and compact flash slot for playing MP3 files, real-time traffic information, voice recognition functions for HVAC, audio and navigation, XM™ satellite radio (requires Premium Package)
Technology Package
Intelligent Cruise Control; Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS); Rearview Monitor; Brake Assist with Preview Braking (requires Navigation Package)
Wood Trim
Genuine African Rosewood trim on center console, instrument panel and doors (requires Graphite or Wheat interior and Premium Package)
Performance Tire & Wheel Package
225/50R18 front and 245/50R18 rear W-rated tires and 18-inch lightweight cast aluminum wheels (requires Premium Package or Sunroof)
Four Wheel Active Steer Package
Front and Rear Active Steer Systems
Satellite Radio
Sirius® or XM™ (requires Premium Package)
The 2007 G35 Sport (6MT and auto) has standard power thigh and torso bolster adjustments.
I think the right word is "quality" :-)
Seems like BMW has learned something. The new 335i has a different style taillights as compared to the 06's 3-series.
The poor gas mileage alone would keep me from the G35. Lexus and BMW are smart to have smaller engines that get 30+ mpg.
I know a lot of shoppers are looking more and more at the EPA MPG figures as a major factor in picking one model over another.
One of the mags (maybe R&T) said it lacked low end grunt. Who cares?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
The EPA city estimates are optimistic for all cars in heavy stop and go traffic.
Check out CR's mpg data. EVERY car, including all Lexus and BMWs, got significantly worse city mileage than the EPA figures. And it was just "normal" city driving.
The poor gas mileage alone would keep me from the G35. Lexus and BMW are smart to have smaller engines that get 30+ mpg.
I know a lot of shoppers are looking more and more at the EPA MPG figures as a major factor in picking one model over another."
So, the G35 (22.5 mpg) gets 2 less mpg than the 335i (24.5 mpg) and the IS350 (24.5 mpg). At 12,000 miles per year, the G35 requires more 43 gallons, or $130 more per year. Big deal, considering that a G35 will be $4000 cheaper than a IS350 and $8000 cheaper the 335i, all similarly equipped.
Heck, take that $4000/$8000 and put it in a money market account, which guarantees about 5% per year these days. That gets you $200/$400 per year, which more than pays for the $130 extra gas for the G35.
That said, I do think that Infiniti would be smart to bring the G25 with the new 2.5 VQ HR engine here. It'll be offered in Japan, so shouldn't be that big a hassle.
Lexus uses a 3.5 liter, just like Infiniti. Comparing apples to apples as some here say. someone shopping an IS250 and satisfied with its power wouldn't even bat an eye at the G35.
BMW's 3.0 gets 30 mpg. But again that engine is leagues beyond the IS250.
Plus that was a great engine!
But if one leases, the BMW could be on par to the G35 in terms of payments. Mileage might swing the sale.
I believe the EPA figure for IS350 is 19/28.
I believe you were referring to the current 325i's 3.0 right? If that's the case I really don't know how it is "leagues" beyond the 4GR-FSE.
325i - 3.0 I6 with 215 HP.
IS250 - 2.5 V6 with 204 HP which features direct injection.
I think the only area that the 3.0 is beyond the 4GR-FSE is its bigger displacement. However, if you were referring to 330i's 3.0 then that's a whole different story.
It's an odds on bet that he was referring to the 3.0. My 328i and my 530i along with blueguydotcom's 330i ZHP were all able to easily return > 30 MPG. Historically speaking German cars have been tuned to return good mileage at very high speeds and as such they don't do well on the hokey EPA tests as the top speed there is well below the sweet spot for fuel economy on these cars.
Said another way, even though my 530i was just broken in (i.e. 1,300 miles), it was still returning about 24 mpg with the cruise control set at 125 miles per hour. Not too shabby. ;-)
Best Regards,
Shipo
Anyways, I do agree that BMW has good lease deals. But, if you find a lease deal on a 335i that's the same as a similarly equipped G35, let me know. Because I'll be all over that.
BMW/Lexus has an option to get the style, luxury, etc and the higher gas mileage. Infiniti does not. I eliminated the old G35 on that basis and chose between the Lexus IS 250 and BMW 325. BMW dealership did not have a car equiped as I wanted and Lexus did and gave me a good deal. I wanted atleast 30mpg on the hwy since I drive a lot.
Infinit will do well, but the lack of engine options will hamper it after the newness is over.
07 G35 - (15k miles /19 mpg) x 3.30 = 2605
06 IS250 - (15 k miles / 24 mpg) X 3.30 = 2062
06 330i - (15 k miles / 20 mpg) X 3.30 = 2475
So yeah the IS250 gets great gas mileage but it's a really lousy car, imho. It's easily worth $400-600 to me per year to not drive an IS250.
PS - How is the IS a "really lousy car"? Speed on par with the smaller engines of other brands Audi, MB, BMW, etc. You may not like the car, but calling it lousy looses you credibility. I chose the Lexus over the BMW, but I can see how people like the BMW. There is really no lousy car in this segment; just choices with different attributes. For example, what car matches the "lousy" interior of the Lexus?
Audi.....
Next question
Audi..... "
Considering my current car is the IS and my last car was an A4 - I would be in a better position to comment. Both are great designs. The Audi is simpler and the Lexus is more luxurious.
My last car interior:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y52/jzalkin/Cars/IMG_4461.jpg
"Next question"
Sure - Why can't you admit that Lexus has a good product and a viable option?