Test Drove the Infiniti M45 Sport Today
04-14-2006 | 07:32 PM
#1
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BMW has absolutely nothing to worry about, yet. The car was nice, fast and generally well-built, but no e60. The worst part was the vague steering. It was not even close to being in the same league as the E60's. On-center feel was fine, but as you started turning (at low or high speeds) there was absolutely no feedback.
Tire roar was pretty bad. I am not sure if it was due to the "sport" package tires or if the car is just not quiet in general.
Some trim pieces inside were poor quality (hard plastic) and felt cheap to the touch.
The transmission did not shift as intuitively as the e60's.
The positive:
The car is fast in a straight line (but does not appear as fast as the 550).
The suspension does soak up bumps nicely (but the noise is pretty loud).
Leg room appears to be greater than e60's.
Overall, I do not see why anyone would want to spend 57k on it, other than someone who knows nothing about what a sporty car should feel like (rather than just straight line acceleration).
Tire roar was pretty bad. I am not sure if it was due to the "sport" package tires or if the car is just not quiet in general.
Some trim pieces inside were poor quality (hard plastic) and felt cheap to the touch.
The transmission did not shift as intuitively as the e60's.
The positive:
The car is fast in a straight line (but does not appear as fast as the 550).
The suspension does soak up bumps nicely (but the noise is pretty loud).
Leg room appears to be greater than e60's.
Overall, I do not see why anyone would want to spend 57k on it, other than someone who knows nothing about what a sporty car should feel like (rather than just straight line acceleration).
04-14-2006 | 07:41 PM
#2
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From: SJC/CA/US
Originally Posted by fq1' post='269325' date='Apr 14 2006, 10:32 PM
BMW has absolutely nothing to worry about, yet. The car was nice, fast and generally well-built, but no e60. The worst part was the vague steering. It was not even close to being in the same league as the E60's. On-center feel was fine, but as you started turning (at low or high speeds) there was absolutely no feedback.
Tire roar was pretty bad. I am not sure if it was due to the "sport" package tires or if the car is just not quiet in general.
Some trim pieces inside were poor quality (hard plastic) and felt cheap to the touch.
The transmission did not shift as intuitively as the e60's.
The positive:
The car is fast in a straight line (but does not appear as fast as the 550).
The suspension does soak up bumps nicely (but the noise is pretty loud).
Leg room appears to be greater than e60's.
Overall, I do not see why anyone would want to spend 57k on it, other than someone who knows nothing about what a sporty car should feel like (rather than just straight line acceleration).
Tire roar was pretty bad. I am not sure if it was due to the "sport" package tires or if the car is just not quiet in general.
Some trim pieces inside were poor quality (hard plastic) and felt cheap to the touch.
The transmission did not shift as intuitively as the e60's.
The positive:
The car is fast in a straight line (but does not appear as fast as the 550).
The suspension does soak up bumps nicely (but the noise is pretty loud).
Leg room appears to be greater than e60's.
Overall, I do not see why anyone would want to spend 57k on it, other than someone who knows nothing about what a sporty car should feel like (rather than just straight line acceleration).
04-14-2006 | 08:05 PM
#3
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My Ride: 2005 BMW 545i, Silver Grey, Sport Package, R. Shades, Cold Pkg, Sat. Rad., Prem. Sound.
Originally Posted by my530i' post='269331' date='Apr 14 2006, 10:41 PM
It's very well said. If anyone don't care about steering feedback, and care about straight line performance, M45 is cheaper. Otherwise, E60 is good
04-14-2006 | 08:10 PM
#4
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From: Malibu, CA
Originally Posted by my530i' post='269331' date='Apr 14 2006, 08:41 PM
It's very well said. If anyone don't care about steering feedback, and care about straight line performance, M45 is cheaper. Otherwise, E60 is good
How much "nimbleness' would I lose if I go up to a 550? (with its 300 pound increase)
04-14-2006 | 08:19 PM
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My Ride: 2005 BMW 545i, Silver Grey, Sport Package, R. Shades, Cold Pkg, Sat. Rad., Prem. Sound.
Originally Posted by omi7' post='269339' date='Apr 14 2006, 11:10 PM
I've tested an Audi S4 and a Lexus IS350 recently and the main thing that struck me is their steering. Why the hell do they make it so light? Those cars are nice and fast for sure (compared to my 530), but I guess its BMW for me for a while still. E60 is quite awesome... I do like the fact that the 530 is 250 pounds lighter than an A4 3.2.
How much "nimbleness' would I lose if I go up to a 550? (with its 300 pound increase)
How much "nimbleness' would I lose if I go up to a 550? (with its 300 pound increase)
04-14-2006 | 10:41 PM
#7
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My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
Ya theres very few compaines out there that makes such good steering feel and feedback like BMW. Japanese can step aside on this one. Merc steering feel is bad too. MINI is good!
04-15-2006 | 07:17 AM
#8
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My Ride: '05 545i - scheduled for ED pickup in Munich on 7/22!
Originally Posted by omi7' post='269339' date='Apr 15 2006, 12:10 AM
I've tested an Audi S4 and a Lexus IS350 recently and the main thing that struck me is their steering. Why the hell do they make it so light?
Funny, when I test drove the Infiniti M35 I found that its steering was a lot heavier than the E60's, almost as heavy as an old BMW's steering.
04-15-2006 | 08:14 AM
#9
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From: Helsinki, Finland
My Ride: My ex-ride: EU '08 LCI 520dA. Space Grey, Sport Seats in Black Leather/Fabric Anthracite, Sport Steering Wheel, A/C with Extended Features, Hi-Fi Speakers, Cup Holders, Cruise with Braking function, Folding Rear Seats, Xenons, Park Distance Control.
Originally Posted by EBMCS03' post='269360' date='Apr 15 2006, 09:41 AM
MINI is good!
04-15-2006 | 08:31 AM
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My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
Originally Posted by Ricracing' post='269476' date='Apr 15 2006, 09:14 AM
The Mini is a BMW group car.