I guess i agree with everything you're saying, but the fact is iDrive is much more improved, and i much prefer the interfaces on BMW and Mercedes (my opinion). They aren't touch screen but I like how that one **** can control even the dynamics of the car. plus blackberry integration/facebook on idrive. for instance on my buddies s550, you can control the seat dynamics and even check engine oil level on the screen. I probably fall into that little stereotype though about the IS350 (but i drive a G now so what does that make you and i?) . My dad has an LS on coilovers, doesn't ride like a pillow anymore so maybe you should try that route (def has freezer door feel, the door gets electronically sucked in when you barely close it).

but i love how you say the GS is too expensive, and then went on to try out an LS. window shopper in the hizzouse

edit: and you can get a GS with black wood trim. classy x sporty all in one.

 

on the contrary i love the new 5-series. but i wouldn't purchase a BMW, i own the infiniti and i'll have it forever hopefully. I would only lease a german car, i'm not dumb enough to buy one

it would be almost completely broken down before it's even paid off!

 

I am sure that it is improved, but you have to remember I test drove all these in '06 ('07 model year).

Doh! I meant ES, not LS... the LS was a bit beyond my pocket book I looked at it with dreamy eyes but didn't even ask the dealer for a test drive to spare myself the humiliation of being laughed at

My issue with the wood trim wasn't the color, rather the ability of my sweaty palms to stay on the wheel as I whipped it around. I can see the wood on the ES, LS, etc, but the GS is supposed to be sporty and it just didn't make sense to me. I don't always drive with my hands at 10 and 2... (off the subject, but when I test drove the GS I stomped on it a bit, threw it into a couple of hard turns and high speed exit ramps.. the sales guy just sat there and then on the way back said to me "well, you really do like to drive...".. LOL! I guess most of his test drives were pretty sedate!)

Sunil