The year of the 5-series chasers?

[GX9901]

Looking over the M45 thread, I just realized that Infiniti, Lexus, & Acura are all coming out with brand new 5-series class cars for the 2005 model year. We now know what the M45, and GS430 looks like, and the new RL should look at least as sharp as the TL. So far I would have to say the M45 looks the best. It should also have at least the 340hp V8, so performance should still be good. The new Lexus certainly looks fine too. I'd probably take both over the 5-series based on what I see on paper.
To me it looks like 2005 is shaping up to be a hell of a year for people shopping in that class of cars. Sure wish I had the cash to shop in that segment.
Then again, the only thing that could cause me to bolt from my G coupe would be the next GT-R...[img]/w3timages/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

2004 G35 Coupe Diamond Graphite/Graphite 5AT
Premium, Nav., 18" Wheels, Z-Xtreme Hyper Grounding Cables,
K&N filter, Clear Corners, 350Z Aluminum Pedals,
Sony Ericsson HCB-30

[pelucidor]

5-series chasers? I think not!

I am planning to get either the new RL (probably too pricey at $48k) or a GS300 or an M35 next year. Yesterday I stopped at a BMW dealership to check out the "leader" of this market. I test drove a 530i with Sport and Premium package only (no NAV, no HIDS, no upgraded stereo, no CD-changer, no Intelligent cruise, no heated seats etc). It was as basic as they come if you want leather, auto and sports suspension.

The interior was AWFUL. I am talking way below Infiniti levels of leather and plastics (which are not the greatest), perhaps below Chevy levels. The leather looked and felt like carboard, there was no soft touch plastic anywhere, the headliner was horrible, there was almost no storage space in the center console for even a phone. I asked the sales guy about the lack of luxury compared to anything I've driven in 10 years (including 330i, old 530i etc) and he said it was built to be hard-wearing so the interior would last for years longer than Lexus etc. Yeah- right. I played with the 2nd generation i-drive (standard) and it was simple enough - I don't see why there are so many attacks on it in the press. There were redundant controls (tiny buttons and dials the size of a dime) to handle AC and some stereo functions. If you pay the extra for a CD-changer it goes in the glovebox. Due to the i-drive there were almost no other controls anywhere so the interior looked very stark and bare, drawing more attention to the incredibly cheap and nasty materials used. The tiny strips of wood on the door armrests looked nice however.

Ok - so on to the drive itself. The 225HP 3.0 liter engine in this big heavy car was plainfully slow. The handling (active suspension) was very good, but I drove the same circuit at the same speed afterwards in my G35 and it was just as good. The active steering was odd at first (full lock doing a 3-point turn was about a 1/4 turn of the wheel) but I could get used to it and even like it. Not a bad car to drive by any means even if it has no performance or luxury, and I would consider paying $30k for it.

It cost $53k.

The new RL/GS430/M45 will kill it at under $50k. The new GS300 or M35 will kill it even more when completely optioned out at $44k. The current $33k TL which I test drove immediately afterwards kills it in almost every category except for the slight torque steer and weight bias to the front. My G35 Sedan destroys the 530i in every category for $20k less. None of these cars are in any way CHASING the new 5-series.



'04 G35 Sedan 6MT in Diamond Graphite/Graphite with Premium, Nav, Aero
'02 Acura MDX Touring in Redrock Pearl/Saddle with wood bits, cargo stuff

[GX9901]

Well, I guess by "chasing" I meant the 5-series is considered the class leader, and these cars are going after the 5. Personally I would get the RL/M45/GS430 over the 5 series just because those cars offer so much more value for your money than the 5 series.

2004 G35 Coupe Diamond Graphite/Graphite 5AT
Premium, Nav., 18" Wheels, Z-Xtreme Hyper Grounding Cables,
K&N filter, Clear Corners, 350Z Aluminum Pedals,
Sony Ericsson HCB-30

[onefastg35]

I used to love the 5 series but now forget it I think its one of the most ugly sedans out there big time free fall for BMW

[pelucidor]

I think the new 5-series is hideous too, but I thought the interior and driving experience could make up for it. And it failed spectacularly.

In my previous company the CEO/owner would drive me around in his (old model) 530i and it was superb (quality, luxury, enough speed and space etc). The CFO had a 540i and I lusted after that car, so I really wanted to like the new 5-series even though I don't like the Bungled styling.

'04 G35 Sedan 6MT in Diamond Graphite/Graphite with Premium, Nav, Aero
'02 Acura MDX Touring in Redrock Pearl/Saddle with wood bits, cargo stuff

[sixone]

The old body styled 540 is one of my favorite cars of all time. The styling was aggressive and elegant at the same time. There was nothing like the feeling of seeing an M5 on the highway commanding the road. BMW will never have that again IMO when it comes to the 5.

OG 03.5

[ABQ_G35]

What does the new GS 430 look like?


Brilliant Silver/Graphite/Chrome Wheels '04 Sedan/5AT

[pelucidor]

2006 Lexus GS430 (due Q1 2005): 300HP 4.3 V8, 6 speed auto, RWD
Also GS300 with 245HP 3.0 V6, 6 speed auto, RWD or AWD
Also GS350 GT with 300HP 3.5 V6 and 170HP electric motor (effective AWD) due August 2005







'04 G35 Sedan 6MT in Diamond Graphite/Graphite with Premium, Nav, Aero
'02 Acura MDX Touring in Redrock Pearl/Saddle with wood bits, cargo stuff

[KDogInChiTown]

...I opened up my weekly copy of Newsweek, and it had a 2-page article on just this topic; how Japan car-makers are giving BMW a run for it's money in the luxury car segment. The M45 was the main picture, and the Acura RL was mentioned.
It also mentioned that last years sales were down 2.3% for BMW, while up 17% for Infiniti.
Should be an interesting 2005. While I love my G35 Coupe, if somehow I could afford the new M45, I might go for it. (I guess I should test drive it first ;-) ).



- 03 Bril. Slvr Coupe, Aero & Wheel Pkg -

[cliverman]

That's great looking! Looks better than the M45. IMHO

How much $$? 50K?

[pelucidor]

The GS430 will be about the same price as today ($48 base and $53k loaded). The GS300 hopefully will be between $39-$43k - that's the one I can almost afford. I am assuming the M35 will be similar or cheaper as the main competition.

'04 G35 Sedan 6MT in Diamond Graphite/Graphite with Premium, Nav, Aero
'02 Acura MDX Touring in Redrock Pearl/Saddle with wood bits, cargo stuff