I was looking at the 07s on a lot in Northern VA the other day and the 07 loaded 6mt was priced right around 38.5K. Not a big price hike over the previous genereation. But the kicker was the used M45 with 7k miles on it with sport package and loaded with nav/surround sount etc for only 40K!!!!

that makes it really hard to want the smaller maybe even slower G!

 

not all stealerships will have the M45 for 40K.

 

If I saw a M for that price and it was clean, I'd likely grab it too. Unfortunately, that won't be the norm.

 

To bad the M doesn't offer a DIY shifting option cuz sure love that car.

 

A new M45 for 40K? Already on the market used? Definitely a fleet vehicle, rental, loaner, or the like.

 

You'll never find a used new gen M45 right now for $40k on a dealership lot in WA...

 

I'd wouldn't care if the M45 was $30K. IMO, it still looks like the G35's overweight brother. According to the stats, the G35 (auto or manual) of any generation is still quicker (ET wise) than the M45. The M45 typically shows 1 to 2mph over the G, but it's slower out of the hole hence the slower ET. It handles worse and brakes worse and lacks the raw edge of G35. That's just me though.

I was looking at non-Nav G35 5AT Sports at my dealer here in KC and the MSRP was $36K and they said it would be easy to get $1K off the MSRP which is downright steal when you compare the features in the 07 vs 1st gen. To me, the new G35 is everything it should have been. They kept the same exact styling which is a plus and fixed the Tonka interior and gave it more power. I'm jealous of anyone that can pickup one of these cars.

 

"overweight older brother"!!!!
that is funny.

 

Well they forgot to make the back seats fold down. They forgot the manual recliner which makes me wonder why no 60/40 split? Then I don't see adjustable headrest (use to be a part of the premium package) could be minor stuff when you consider they improved the interior However I have no problems sticking with my 2005 based on what I have seen so far. When the coupe comes out I may have a change of heart though.

 

I'm not a sedan man but no way would I choose a G35 sedan over an M45. The M is sexy, the G35S does not look that good to me. The first gen looks better in my opinion.

 

i still think overweight older brother is funny

 

Ill wait a year and get it for 30k

 

Amen brotha. I like the 1st gen over the 07s too. I still need to see them in person but so far, exterior wise, not feelin it.

 

M45 Sport will pull on a G35 MT from pretty much any speed. Faster 0-60 time and about equal 1/4 mile time(I think motortrend got it into the high 13's). The regular M45 is slower for some reason. Anyway, M class was never meant to be a sport sedan like the G35. So it will obviously handle worse. Different people pick different cars because they want different things. You obviously want a more sport oriented car with luxury secondary, but someone else would maybe want more luxury with a touch of sport.

 

I don't know. I've only read one test where a mag was able to get the M45 into the 13s. Every other test I've seen (all Sports with the 19s) are deep in the 14s (14.4-14.5@98-100mph). The new 07 G35s (auto and 6MT) have been clocking at 13.8-14.0@100-103mph.

You're right, I do like more sport in my car. The M is a great cruiser that actually handles very well. Hell, it constantly beats out it's competition in comparision tests because it does things so well. But for me, it's lacking that soul the G has. Also, the exterior styling does nothing for me. It's just too fat looking and lacks the timeless styling of the G35 (1st and 2nd gen).