08 528i vs 08 STS V6 vs 07 M35S

Teknik submitted on 10/21/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 7:32 PM
from: www.cars.com

Tags: Luxury Performance Sedans

Luxury Performance Sedans

08 528i vs 08 STS V6 vs 07 M35S

The Infiniti M is coming out refreshed for 2008, but does the 2007 model still have what it takes to beat the 2008 BMW 528i and 2008 Cadillac STS V6? Read Article

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chris760 - 10/21/2007 10:06:03 PM

+1 Boost

since the sts is tested at 56 grand-why not take the 535?

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DaHarder - 10/22/2007 4:36:27 PM

0 Boost

It's lager/roomier/more 'luxurious' (in the truest sense of the word) and has a much more comfortable ride.

And whether any in here want to acknowledge it or not, there are many for whom nothing but a Cadillac will do, and these pseudo sporty/luxury mid-sized vehicles simply don't fit their needs/desires.

Choice... WOW - What A Concept!

chris760 - 10/21/2007 10:06:36 PM

+2 Boost

the 535 starts at 50 grand anyway

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chris760 - 10/21/2007 10:09:35 PM

-3 Boost

add a couple options and you can get a decent 535 at 55 grand. it satisfies the lack of torque that let the m35 tie the 5 in ride and handling plus its way fast.

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Matthew1 - 10/21/2007 10:35:09 PM

-1 Boost

Is it just me or does the M35 have all the cache of a Nissan Maxima with chrome?

It's a seriously dull-looking car.

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dlin - 10/21/2007 11:12:04 PM

+4 Boost

The outside, yes.

The inside, best of the class. Just look at the untreated wood and textured aluminum.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/22/2007 12:20:04 AMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

I agree, it's dull, and that's what keeps me from really loving it.

And contrary to what dlin said, the interior is far from class-leading. The matte wood (first seen in the 2002 BMW 7 Series and 2003 Range Rover) cleverly masks a very average interior execution.

zorbeeze - 10/22/2007 1:57:10 PM

+3 Boost

"And contrary to what dlin said, the interior is far from class-leading"
Too each their own, but i really do thing the M35 interior is best in class.
The 5series and GS are worst in this class.

henbmw - 10/22/2007 4:21:05 PM

-1 Boost

Maybe you should sit in a 08 5-series

mikeydred20 - 10/22/2007 5:59:53 PM

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mikeydred20 - 10/22/2007 5:59:57 PM

-1 Boost

mikeydred20 - 10/22/2007 5:59:57 PM

-1 Boost

mikeydred20 - 10/22/2007 6:00:00 PM

-1 Boost

mikeydred20 - 10/22/2007 6:00:01 PM

-1 Boost

mikeydred20 - 10/22/2007 6:00:01 PM

-1 Boost

mikeydred20 - 10/22/2007 6:00:03 PM

-1 Boost

mikeydred20 - 10/22/2007 6:00:05 PM

-1 Boost

mikeydred20 - 10/22/2007 6:00:06 PM

-1 Boost

mikeydred20 - 10/22/2007 6:00:07 PM

-1 Boost

mikeydred20 - 10/22/2007 6:01:55 PM

+3 Boost

I do not know what the F happen but like I was saying I have been saying that for years, but unlike the Maxima Nissan didn't mess the M up.

DaHarder - 10/22/2007 6:34:31 PM

+3 Boost

Whoa! that's a pretty bad Stuttering Problem your Keyboard has!

henbmw - 10/22/2007 8:39:19 PM

+2 Boost

Well said mikey...

Agent001 - 10/21/2007 11:09:45 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Always remember, if there is a yellow voting icon next to the headline of an article, it has been posted by a reader.

Our articles have the Spy logo in the icon.

001

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0to60 - 10/21/2007 11:12:35 PM

+4 Boost

so basically, they could take a saturn ion and put a BMW badge on it, and you would take that over any infiniti? Are you wrong???

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zorbeeze - 10/22/2007 1:59:29 PM

+3 Boost

"Is it wrong that I would still take the BMW over the Infiniti purely because of the brand name?"
You clearly are a Brand Whore in every sense of the term.

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0to60 - 10/21/2007 11:07:42 PM

0 Boost

I think both the M and 528 could have a better design. They both are somewhat dull and need to be completely redesigned.

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TauronB2G - 10/21/2007 11:42:24 PM

+5 Boost

Personally I'd have to go with the Infiniti. I have driven both the Caddy and the BMW but I think they got it right. The M35 gets all you need at the right price. The 528 is underpowered for me. The Caddy is too big and I am not the biggest fan of the interior. With the exception of a few interior pieces the Infiniti wins for me.
T

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DaHarder - 10/22/2007 12:44:53 AM

-2 Boost

The STS is indeed in a completely different size-class than either the M35 or the 528i, so I don't get this comparison at all.

pushrod27 - 10/22/2007 3:28:12 PM

+3 Boost

I disagree. I may be slightly larger on the outside, but i've been inside of all these cars, and the STS definitely has no size advantage in interior space.

germeezy2 - 10/21/2007 11:48:19 PM

+1 Boost

Thats an 07 non direct injection V6 STS FYI

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germeezy2 - 10/21/2007 11:48:56 PM

+1 Boost

Sorry about that the pic above was but the test vehicle is an 08

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bigTYME - 10/21/2007 11:58:59 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

If you want:
performance/handling - 528
luxury/comfort - STS
A little bit of both - M35

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bmwdrvr - 10/22/2007 2:09:10 AM

-1 Boost

this i can agree with that seems sum of these 3 cars the best. the cadillac leans more towards luxury, the bmw performance, and them attempts to mold the others 2 mix of performance/luxury into half and half instead of more towards one than the other. i think the m looks good i just cant help everytime seeing it on the road wondering why it isnt priced with the maxima, it just looks like a nissan, an over overchromed one. it would have made a nice looking maxima. the interior looks good but feels cheap, i actually sat in one of these before i got my 545i,advised by a freind, and this car just felt cheap, it looked good though. the sts a freind of the family has one i love it, its very nice, but the interior has a few cheap bits, but it does ride better than the 5, and i hate to say it but overall feels more upscale than the infiniti, but the M seems to be the best compromise, and is alot cheaper than both of these cars.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/22/2007 12:21:40 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

I would stretch a bit and get the 535i...

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lexusis350 - 10/23/2007 12:27:20 AM

+2 Boost

Yeah, I think I would too. It's close enough to the price of the M45 I wouldn't feel sick about paying too much for it. Plus, it has a better interior. Infiniti's quality has improved, but BMW's is still better.

lexusis350 - 10/23/2007 12:27:48 AM

+2 Boost

Sorry, I meant M35S.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/23/2007 9:37:05 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Yes, and the '08 5 Series's interior is much-improved. I drove the 535xi with my wife, and we were both very impressed. Superb car. Smooth ride, excellent engine, great looks, well-finished interior and all of the latest technology (except a backup camera, which is unnecessary in this class).

lexusis350 - 10/22/2007 12:27:54 AM

+1 Boost

I think the BMW and Infiniti are way better than the Cadillac. I've driven all three of these and if someone blindfolded me, put me in the STS, and told me we were in a luxury car, I would have never believed them. The 528i and the M35 have excitement. It's a tough call which is better though, both have their strong points.

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henbmw - 10/22/2007 4:23:04 PM

+1 Boost

I tried doing the blindfold thing once. Didn't end up well...

lexusis350 - 10/22/2007 9:18:25 PM

0 Boost

That was so funny I forgot to laugh.

DaHarder - 10/22/2007 12:42:24 AM

-4 Boost

Note: You knew this was coming...

How in heaven's name does the STS compete with the M35 and 528i?

You can argue price blah... blah...blah, but the truth is, it's in a different class altogether, and the M35 and 528i compete much more directly with the CTS.

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0to60 - 10/22/2007 12:48:18 AM

0 Boost

I would put a CTS with a ES300. I think the STS can compete with these vehicles. Maybe it would do better going up against the Lexus GS.

bmwdrvr - 10/22/2007 2:12:10 AM

0 Boost

no they dont, the sts is marketed, and created to target the 5 series, and e class. not the the 7 series, all of cadillacs cars are sized larger than the competition. its like the tl, and rl the both compete with the 5 series, and e class crowd if you are just going on size, but they dont. because there is more to the classes than size

DaHarder - 10/22/2007 6:06:50 AM

-2 Boost

^ Sure... It's all about individual perception, but a X-Class vehicle is simply what it is, and all the Mumbo-Jumbo word-play doesn't change that fact.

That's why including the STS rather than the (2008) CTS is so absolutely inane, as the STS is indeed a full-sized grand tourer, and not a mid-sized sports-sedan like the M35 and (underpowered/over-priced) 528i.

I mean, they even mention the STS' size difference numerous times in this article.

DaHarder - 10/22/2007 6:11:04 AM

0 Boost

In addition:

Anyone would would, "put a CTS with a ES300" simply has no credibility what-so-ever when it comes to discussing automobiles as the RWD CTS is 50 times the sports sedan that the (over-dressed Camry) FWD ES350 is...

Note: the ES300 has been out of production for quite some time now... Just so you'll know.

bmwdrvr - 10/22/2007 9:30:21 AM

-1 Boost

it sounds like your just being petty, the es300 has been out production for quite some time now...okhe left on the 50. no matter what size a car the sts, or cts is, they are AGAIN SIZED LARGER THAN THEIR COMPETITION JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE TRY TO BE PETTY, AND SAY INSULTS (THIS IS A BLOG), doesnt make you right. the acura tl,cts, and es are all about the same size and all three of those cars are in the same class as the 3, c class, and g35. The sts competes with the e class, not a 7 series, hence their being a V6, and a V8, option. Cadillac doesnt have a car to compete with the 7 series, or s class, GM has said that several times they are thinking about creating one. Do more research on the market, because you are very wrong about Cadillac. does the Acura RL also compete with the 7 series, or what about the Lexus GS. They are both larger than the 5 series, and close to the size of the short 750i. Of course not but the STS does, not very informed to say the least.

DaHarder - 10/22/2007 1:35:12 PM

-2 Boost

^ Sure...Whatever, and Hint: Depakote Works Wonders for those with your condition.

bmwdrvr - 10/22/2007 1:58:18 PM

+2 Boost

unfortuantely there isnt a cure for ignorrance. lol this guy is actually upset about being wrong, you have to be all of what 12. you are wrong face it, deal with it, correct it, and move on.

zorbeeze - 10/22/2007 2:04:35 PM

+1 Boost

"its like the tl, and rl the both compete with the 5 series"
How the heck does the TL compete with the 5 series?????

And who the heck compared the CTS with the ES??? What`s wrong with you? Th ES competes with Buick and thats about it.

zorbeeze - 10/22/2007 2:09:27 PM

0 Boost

I have to agree with the bmw driver here, the STS does not compete with the 7, A8, S, LS, if it did there would be a V12 or V10 and Cadillac would not be spending money on thinking about developing one.

DaHarder - 10/22/2007 2:11:15 PM

-2 Boost

In Addition:

Maybe the individual in question would benefit from doing less BMW driving and More Automobile Research...

w/quite a bit of proofreading thrown in for good measure (wink).

S4cabriofoxone - 10/22/2007 4:48:14 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

THE CADILLAC STS COMPETES WITH THE BMW 5 SERIES, AUDI A6, MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS, IFINITI M, JAGUAR S-TYPE AND VOLVO S80.

THE CADILLAC CTS COMPETES WITH THE BMW 3 SERIES, AUDI A4, MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS, INFITI G, JAGUAR X-TYPE AND VOLVO S60.

THEY ARE MARKETED AS SUCH.

Cadillac has never made a commercial pitting the STS against the 7 Series... but I vividly remember one in which the STS came through an E-Class and a 5 Series, to the "front of the pack."

Teknik - 10/22/2007 7:44:53 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

That was November 2006, not 2007. Anyway, the point remains they have an answer for the 550i. Infiniti will be coming out with an all-new M37 and M50 in 2009'.

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Teknik - 10/23/2007 1:34:09 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

ilikeautos,

Just so you know. I would pick the 550i 6MT over all 4 cars because it offers a real manual transmission. But I was just replying to what you said. Infiniti does offer a car comparable to 550i, and C&D gave it the win.

To say that the 550i WAY BETTER is a major stretch. The M45 was only off by 2 Points in Fun-To-Drive factor. That is not much.

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zorbeeze - 10/23/2007 1:39:25 PM

+1 Boost

The M45 is not far from the 550 in the fun to drive category. And the M35 is more fun to drive than a 528 and the new M37 will outdo the 535. Plus that interior in the BMW is not up to par with Infiniti.

"If price were out of the equation they would have picked the 550i, therefore its a better auto"

Seriously, a 4500$ difference on a 50000$+ car should not matter. If it does than you can`t afford any of those cars and your kidding yourself iy you can.

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JUGNU - 10/22/2007 7:32:52 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I'll take the Infiniti M35S.Simply a great design and a beautiful interior.
(but overall in this class i'll choose the GS350).

JUGNU

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M35MT - 10/22/2007 9:08:47 AMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

Well written article. I agreed with many of their points.

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Porschinator - 10/22/2007 4:05:51 PM

+2 Boost

People usually buy a car for its looks, then performance, then electrical gadgets. The new M is very dull and non-inspiring lines and fatter G headlights. Too bad, I am sure it is a fine car, just could've given the design engineers caffienated coffee.

The 5 will continue being a leader in the segment. The next STS will need an improved interior and driving feel as in the CTS. Suprised the MB E series was not in the comparo.

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DaHarder - 10/22/2007 4:12:04 PM

+1 Boost

The current version of the MB E-Class is definitely in the winter of its product cycle, and will be soon be replaced.

That may well be the reason, or maybe it simply wasn't considered 'sporty' enough for the selection panel.

It's hard to tell sometimes with these reviewers as they are often inclined to compare apples with grapes etc, and omit the obvious.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/22/2007 4:50:47 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

No, it was too expensive. Notice the pricing of these cars-- $42K-44K. The E-Class starts at about $52K. But I AM surprised that the A6 and GS weren't included.

DaHarder - 10/22/2007 6:05:13 PM

+1 Boost

I refuse to equate any degree of 'perceived' quality/luxury to a certain price-bracket, as too many vehicles are simply over-priced because there are those who will pay these exorbitant prices for a blue/white roundel or a three-pointed star on the hood.

Yes, I do drive both an E46 and an E54, but I bought them because they're were what I wanted when placed against other cars their size etc...

Not because of some stupid image!

S4cabriofoxone - 10/22/2007 8:33:16 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

What does that have to do with the base price of the E-Class? It's a better value than you think. Many standard features, and a topped-out E350 will be less than a similarly loaded 5 Series.

Htay7500 - 10/22/2007 7:11:11 PM

+1 Boost

m,a6, and s80 ftw.

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GTR35 - 10/22/2007 11:50:31 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Or you can spend the same amount and get the M45S.

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DaHarder - 10/23/2007 12:02:46 PM

+2 Boost

As few, if any, of these vehicle will be purchased by individuals who will exploit these minimal differences in performance, I say buy what suites your sense of aesthetics, brand-loyalty (as most of you seem to do) etc.

And using the term, "Best Driving" is rather ambiguous as there are those that favor a luxurious/smooth ride over cornering ability and the like.

Again: Choice - What a Concept!

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S4cabriofoxone - 10/23/2007 6:16:25 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

DaHarder, I must point out that "best driving" is fairly explicit. It refers to PERFORMANCE. When someone says "My car drives better than yours," they're talking about handling, braking, steering, acceleration. Not how well it wafts on the highway.

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c36amg - 10/23/2007 12:08:08 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

STS is better... i like the interior & the looks.

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S4cabriofoxone - 10/23/2007 9:37:30 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

The 550i is pretty redundant now that the 535i is so good.

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S4cabriofoxone - 10/24/2007 9:35:09 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

True, but it's not worth the price difference.

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drakarula - 10/24/2007 1:00:56 PM

0 Boost

I have put 38000 miles on my M45 sport and still love it. The BMW has lost me on syling but i am sure that bang for the buck cant compare.

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pchera01 - 10/24/2007 5:46:07 PM

+1 Boost

Good job again by Infiniti

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