did some test drives this weekend...

[bmwrocks]

Drove the Lexus '06 GS300 and '05 LS430, then the Acura RL, then the Infiniti M45. Well didn't actually drive the M45 because all they had were sold or not through service yet. All automatics of course.

The Lexus GS300 was very nice looking but had a few drawbacks. It handled reasonably well although had significant body roll in fast turns. Technology wise it had push button start, rear reverse camera, front and rear park distance control, touch screen and voice activated nav/audio/climate controls and much more. Biggest turn off for me was the nav screen was unprotected and you couldn't see it in bright sunlight at all. Also the anti-glare coating on it interacted with my polarized sunglasses to where I couldn't see the screen. Unacceptable. About 53K.

The LS430 was a pure delight to drive and the amenities were just plain nice all around. A lot of car for the money. Pure luxury and all the technology you could want. I would get it in a second over the 7-series. About 63K.

The Acura RL was a disappointment. Was just plain unimpressive handling and was not smooth at all acceleration and shifting. The voice commands were too restrictive (you had to first access a system thru manual means, then you could voice command it,and other restrictions) although a very cool feature. It did have 5.1 DVD-audio and MP3 capability. Not worth the money. About 52K.

The Infiniti M45 was BY FAR the best car in its class. With the technology package, this car is nothing short of amazing. Robust voice commands for climate/nav/audio. It never made a mistake, too much to tell here except that it seemed perfect. The screen was huge and well protected from the sun. The whole interior and exterior was very very classy/sporty at the same time. This car has laser controlled cruise control, lane deviation warning, rear reversing camera with projection of the cars' path, 5.1 DVD-audio and video (video only when stopped w/parking brake engaged) and and the best sound system I have ever heard in a car. All this for about 55K.

Right now I will be looking hard at the M45 in about 6 months. What a car.

Just thought I would share.

 

[bmw046series]

See I think all of those are over priced, they just lack beauty, they are just too plain and corporate, it's like taking a wad of $50,000 and wrapping it together in toilet paper but they don't use the pretty quilted they use the rough industrial stuff.

I would love to have someone explain to me why a market for these kinds of cars were ever created; "Lexus, Infin, Acura", they all feel to manufactured and to corporate all of those companies were created (not to long ago) for the pure purpose of competing in a global market why not just improve what you already have (Toyota was created in the 30’s), but no they have to create a new brand for that, it’s like BMW creating the Mini brand from nothing or Mercedes coming out the the first ever Maybach, I don't get it – I wouldn’t buy it!

 

[///M SPEED]

why not just improve what you already have (Toyota was created in the 30’s), but no they have to create a new brand for that, it’s like BMW creating the Mini brand from nothing or Mercedes coming out the the first ever Maybach, I don't get it – I wouldn’t buy it!

One word; "Image"......

 

[Wallie05]

Thanks for sharing. I'm planning on test driving (and perhaps buying) the GS and M very soon as well; it's good to hear some opinions from BMW folks on these cars. As for the LS430, you are absolutely right--it's near divine. My buddy's dad has one and it's exactly as you describe. It'd be a tough call for me between the LS and 7.

I haven't driven the M45 or GS430 yet. But I sat in both at the Chicago Auto Show. I was extremely impressed with the fit and finish in both cars, but I think the Lexus comes across as a bit more luxurious, while the M45 is more sporty. I've read great reviews for both cars. I haven't read anything about the bad glare in GS; in fact, I read in most recent Motor Trend that the coating works pretty well??

As for the "float" in the Lexus you describe, I wouldn't mind it so much. I don't like BMWs just because they corner well; I like overall balance (luxury, sport, quality, practicality) and I think Lexus is right on target in this regard. I'm looking for more of a speedy, straight-line cruiser/commuter than a backroads sport sedan. And I know the all techno-gadgets will work in the Lexus (plus no i-drive; I like my buttons). Lexus's are just plain and simple more reliable than their German counterparts.

Additionally, the roads in and around Chicago are pretty bad, and it's been my experience that Japanese cars withstand the squeeks-and-rattles "test" better than most of the German cars (save for the 7ers, S-classes, etc.). Infiniti seems to be right up there too in terms of value, quality, and performance.

On the same token, I think BMW seems to be slipping in these departments, save for sportiness. But I look forward to the seeing the what they've done with the E90. I'll also be looking at Audi's A6, but don't care at all for Acura's RL (looks too much like the Accord).

 

[bmw046series]

But they have no history behind them, BMW has been making cars for 75 years, Lexus was created in '89 just to compete! and all they did was copy the design and stick a small 4 cycl engine in it and make the front wheels move rather than the back wheels (AS IT SHOULD BE), iDrive isn't that bad I think the car folks play it up, just wait it's coming next year for Lexus as they always do follow not lead, as the Germans always do.

 

[bahnstormer]

are u buying the car for the electric toys or the drive?

 

[codex57]

I would love to have someone explain to me why a market for these kinds of cars were ever created; "Lexus, Infin, Acura", they all feel to manufactured and to corporate all of those companies were created (not to long ago) for the pure purpose of competing in a global market why not just improve what you already have (Toyota was created in the 30’s), but no they have to create a new brand for that, it’s like BMW creating the Mini brand from nothing or Mercedes coming out the the first ever Maybach, I don't get it – I wouldn’t buy it!

Not necessarily a glbaol thing. I believe it was an American thing. Back when they were created, studies were done and Americans are basically badge wh0res. They'll buy anything if it has the right image. Auto enthusiasts may not be fooled, but look at the success of BMW. Do you think the primary reason most BMW owners bought their car was the performance? Or why anyone would buy most of the current Mercedes cars? Hell, why anyone would buy a H2 Hummer or Excalade over a Tahoe or a Navigator over an Expedition?

While many may harp on the Japanese for not coming out with cutting edge technological items (like the vcr), they're exellent at copying while improving it. Germans may have come out with some features first, but they were executed VERY poorly.

 

[bmwrocks]

But they have no history behind them, BMW has been making cars for 75 years, Lexus was created in '89 just to compete! and all they did was copy the design and stick a small 4 cycl engine in it and make the front wheels move rather than the back wheels (AS IT SHOULD BE), iDrive isn't that bad I think the car folks play it up, just wait it's coming next year for Lexus as they always do follow not lead, as the Germans always do.

Just for the record, both the GS and the LS have rear wheel drive (not sure about the ES).

And Toyota and Nissan (Datsun) have been around a lot longer than since '89.

iDrive doesn't hold a candle to the amazing voice command capability in the Infiniti. Sorry BMW. Get with the plan.

And the '06 GS I drove has an "iDrive" of sorts and it is way easier to operate IMO.

But in BMWs favor, mine corners on rails and you'd be hard pressed to find a smoother engine.

 

[bmw046series]

Not the first gen, but Toyota or Toyoda as it was originally called has been around since the 30's and they had to create a brand just to sell them, and who buys into it, the dumb Americans - u can buy a New Expedition (Fully loaded) for $15 k less that is exacly the same as a Navigator base model.

I have yet to find a voice command system that actually works, because none of them do, and I know that for a fact, BMW has a voice system it's just like everybody elses.

As Jeremy Clarkson puts it NONE of them understand a bloody word your on about.

 

[deutsch100]

The main problem with Lexus, Infiniti, Nissan, Acura, Toyota... (besides the G35 coupe) is that they are boring. How many of you really are like " Sweet...Look at the metallic beige LS 430"?

I give amazing credit to Japanese cars for the impeccable reliability, customer service and general resale value. But again....boring. Until the last 3-4 years Mercedes was "Engineered unlike any other car", and for the last 10 years or so BMW's reliability has been very good. Yes...they def. have more problems than they should, and that beige LS430 will give you little if any trouble...but who the hell wants to drive it?

Japanese cars have no soul. I would say it is safe to say that we all turn our heads when a hot 3er, 5er, 6er, Zer....drive by, and who can resist the sweet lines of the new SL or CLK or a 911, Boxster......

German cars might have slipped a little on excellent reliability...but they have life, they speak to us. Sieg deutsche Autose. Heil deutsche Autos!!!

 

[bmw046series]

wohles besagtes.

 

[deutsch100]

wohles besagtes.

Was??? Meinst du (do you mean)? Gut gesagt? Absolut perfekt gesagt? Völlig gesagt?

Funny

 

[tool fan]

I would love to have someone explain to me why a market for these kinds of cars were ever created; "Lexus, Infin, Acura", !

Because no one in America wants to pay 50-65k for a Toyota, Nissan or Honda, a simple name change created a whole new market for these companies...in America.

 

[Average Jae]

nice testdrives. i've been wanting to go on a few, but haven't found the time, nor the energy to find another car out there besides what i have..

As Jeremy Clarkson puts it NONE of them understand a bloody word your on about.

maybe he should speak some proper english! i can't understand half the bloody word coming out of a brit's mouth!

i always thought the luxury brands were put into place to get around the quota system. like you can only import so many cars per brand.

i've mentioned this before on the board, but the reason why, only the european car manufacs make SUVs on US soil? because of some hefty tarrif levied on trucks of european orgin, back in the 70s or so. who'd thought europeans would make "trucks?"

before going off the hinge on upper scale brands, in japan, Lexus brands cars are infact toyota, costing similar prices as here, along with other japanese luxury brands. and don't forget that right here in the states, GM invented the whole market segment by brand deal.

 

[Bryan330i]

Hey BMWROCKS, I don’t think you can go wrong with Infiniti. I know from the few times I have driven the cars I was very impressed.

The big difference I found was power and the feel of power. They make my car feel like I am towing a pallet of bricks. But I agree that BMW does have some handling advantages.

The M45 would be hard to pass up IMO.