Edmunds Compares the BMW 335i, Infiniti G35 Sport, Lexus IS 350, Mercedes-Benz C350 Sport and Cadillac CTS

MidEngine submitted on 11/03/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 1:47 PM
from: www.edmunds.com

[138] user comments | category: Misc News

Tags: BMW 335i, Infiniti G35 Sport, Lexus IS 350, Mercedes-Benz C350 Sport, Cadillac CTS

Tag Links:

BMW 335i

Infiniti G35 Sport

Lexus IS 350

Mercedes-Benz C350 Sport

Cadillac CTS

Edmunds Compares the BMW 335i, Infiniti G35 Sport, Lexus IS 350, Mercedes-Benz C350 Sport and Cadillac CTS

The Verdict

With few exceptions, the performance of these five sport sedans is covered by mere tenths of a second or a few miles per hour. The BMW's acceleration, as usual, is striking, while the Cadillac lags behind considerably. Handling numbers, however, are a virtual wash among all the contenders.

This leaves the decision-making to more subjective means and personal taste, which is ultimately what most buyers rely upon in any case. The fact is, all five of these sedans are excellent cars. And it's not hard to find reasons to buy any of them.

We simply find the Infiniti's combination of engaging driving character, high feature content and low cost to be the most appealing. Plus, all great performances must come to an end sometime. Read Article

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enthusiastx11 - 11/3/2007 7:49:38 PM

+1 Boost

bingo.

they plainly stated that the 335i is the car they would most recommend to a friend.

the G wins for value relative to the 335i, not overall performance.

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Bill - 11/3/2007 8:31:56 PM

+4 Boost

"Fun to drive" is a subjective opinion. My ex-Toyota Landcruiser was fun to drive for example, in my opinion, moreso than the Infiniti FX35 my wife drives. This despite being slower, less refined and less comfortable. The Landcruiser had character, the FX is sterile in my opinion. I hardly drive the thing.

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enthusiastx11 - 11/3/2007 9:09:14 PM

+5 Boost

nicad:

you will fall on your sword for a number that says what you want. and then you dismiss out of hand the numbers that you don't like. you can't have it both ways.

reality is the bmw is the better performer in nearly every way. the infiniti wins per edmunds because it's a bargain. if money isn't an issue, the bmw is the car even they would buy.

as they said, "Put simply, the 2007 Infiniti G35 wins this test because it's outstanding to drive and it gives you the most car for your money."

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enthusiastx11 - 11/4/2007 1:16:11 PM

-1 Boost

did you read the article vendetta? lol

the infiniti won for VALUE not performance.

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zorbeeze - 11/4/2007 6:20:07 PM

+2 Boost

Do you know how to read enthusiast or do you choose what you like and then dismiss everything else.

This is what they said, i quote: "But driven with a purpose, the Infiniti is the most capable car in this test when it comes to handling. Our track numbers confirm this with a best-in-test performance on the skid pad with a 0.89g mark and in the slalom with a 69.4-mph mark"

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dlin - 11/4/2007 8:10:01 PM

+7 Boost

Seems I'm too late to this one, but, heck, why not?

I'll say, first, after putting roughly 40,000 miles and constant driving evaluation on both my G and 3 series, I THINK G HANDLES BETTER. Contrary to what everyone says, Bimmer's steering in fact feels kinda numb and over-assisted.

Wait, not yet.

What really makes bimmer drives(not handles) better than G is its CHASSIS. It transmits so many info thru the car(not just steering) and it grips and balances so well that the turning envelope is perfectly linear and you can hang on the limit easily. Same thing cannot be said for G (or Z).

Wait, not yet.

Just as the article suggested, I also find IS well engineered and has great potential, based on my test drive. The only big mistake, for me, is ELECTRIC STEERING. However, Z4 uses the same stupid system(that's why I didn't buy it), and have you ever seen any car magazine said it doesn't handle well? This tells you how much people mis-used "HANDLING".

Overall, BMW drives better, but that alone can no longer justify its 10K higher price than G.

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S4cabriofoxone - 11/4/2007 10:32:42 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Vendetta:

"MidEngine, Edmunds stated that the G35 was the most capable handling car in this segment. You posted a bunch of numbers, but the BMW still lost."

Edmunds also said this:

"...the 335i would win if it cost less."

Case closed.

The Infiniti is nice, but the BMW is better, and greatness comes at a price.

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r15mohd - 11/5/2007 8:27:12 AM

+1 Boost

is350 $47k? sounds kind of far fetched...being that a loaded is350 lists for around 44k.

i agree with edmunds...the G35 is a great sedan and the ebst in this class ext/int/perf/handling...its the all around package

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07G35J - 2/20/2008 4:06:28 PM

+1 Boost

I hope they do that!!!

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amazinBimmer - 11/3/2007 7:14:21 PM

-3 Boost

bmw still wins on perfromce. who cares about th eprice when you can afford the roundel. Interestingly, the crappy audi is nowhere to be seen.. why? FWD?

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JRobUSC - 11/4/2007 12:45:40 PM

+2 Boost

So to paraphrase the review:

"If you can afford it, the BMW is the best car here, the most highly rated, and the one we'd want and recommend to our friends.

If you can't afford the BMW get the G."

This is new how exactly? Sounds like pretty much every comparison test the 335i "lost" (and there haven't been many, higher price and all).

zorbeeze - 11/4/2007 6:21:47 PM

0 Boost

Audi is not in there because their A series cars suck.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/4/2007 10:33:36 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

No... the A4 isn't included because it's so old. The new one is coming next year.

pchera01 - 11/3/2007 7:43:55 PM

+3 Boost

if you like or not, Infiniti did a great job with G37 and G35...
they deserved to beat BMW

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enthusiastx11 - 11/3/2007 7:51:47 PM

-1 Boost

well, the infiniti 'beat' the bmw if price is a concern.

on performance, as edmunds states, there's only one choice...the bmw. see test scores that midengine quotes above.

chris760 - 11/3/2007 8:14:01 PM

0 Boost

infiniti did NOT do such a good job on the G35/7...they just price it lower to beat the BMW. as midengine says---bmw still beats the g35 in the performance dept

zorbeeze - 11/4/2007 6:23:11 PM

+1 Boost

retards read the article: "But driven with a purpose, the Infiniti is the most capable car in this test when it comes to handling. Our track numbers confirm this with a best-in-test performance on the skid pad with a 0.89g mark and in the slalom with a 69.4-mph mark"

The G has great handling and can outperform the 335 on the track.

pchera01 - 11/3/2007 7:51:25 PM

+2 Boost

but we are missing Audi from this list

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enthusiastx11 - 11/3/2007 7:52:52 PM

-3 Boost

the current A4 really can't play with most of these cars.

Rupert - 11/3/2007 8:44:10 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

It's right at the end of it's life...there's little point comparing a car you won't be able to buy new in a month.

Bill - 11/3/2007 8:29:43 PM

0 Boost

Something tells me that if the C350 had a more powerful engine it would have placed higher. Still, 5.9 seconds? I ain't complaining.

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SevorbeupstryIsBack - 11/4/2007 8:12:14 AM

+3 Boost

Mercedes also has a direct injection version of that engine producing 292 hp.

Threepoint1415926 - 11/6/2007 2:12:07 PM

+2 Boost

That's what I thought. The only thing they talked about was the low power, and why shouldn't they have? I really think Mercedes is loosing out by coming to this shootout with any power number that doesn't start with a 3. It's a damn shame too, the new C is a fantastic car.

enthusiastx11 - 11/3/2007 9:12:26 PM

+3 Boost

of course you would because you value lexus' perceived reliability more than you do performance.

lookwise, the IS is nice, but it blends in with many other cars in traffic.

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Bill - 11/3/2007 9:58:19 PM

+6 Boost

Read the article, Nicad.

They said the IS interior basically feels and looks "outdated" compared to the rest.

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Rupert - 11/3/2007 8:55:46 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

One big point - the Merc costs less that the class average.

And what you lose in HP, (like 5.9 to 60 is slow) you make up for in fuel economy. They liked its good handling.
"The trade-off for this lack of performance is the highest observed fuel economy in the test — a combined city/highway average of 20.6 mpg."
Plus wait for the agility package for steering wheel paddles and even sharper handling.

The Lexus was the most expensive car and they didn't like the handling (although it was quick).
"Its awkward, synthetic steering, soft brake pedal and slow-responding transmission kept us from maximizing the Lexus' man-machine interface. Synthesizing the IS 350's abilities with one's own limits was near impossible, and it earned less confidence in its abilities than any other car in the test." And 3 inches less rear legroom than the C class.
The CTS was the slowest - 0-60 in 6.3 seconds, but they liked the interior space and materials and its relative price - middle of the group.
The BMW leapt to 60 in 5 seconds dead, and "It also pulls 0.86g around the skid pad, slaloms at 68.9 mph and stops from 60 mph in 112 feet. Combined, this is the best overall dynamic performance in the test."
They didn't like the price, but liked the interior comfort (???) and it's intuitive handling.
They liked the G35's gearbox, handling and price. Didn't like it's interior materials so much, or the wear their high-mileage test car displayed.

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enthusiastx11 - 11/3/2007 9:14:36 PM

-1 Boost

i'm with you on all of the above EXCEPT cost comparisons. these car were not equally equipped. they loaded the lexus with every options and didn't even put basics like nav in the bmw or mercedes.

dayday - 11/3/2007 9:16:45 PM

-4 Boost

yeah...price is always one of BMW's biggest issues, maybe it's ride comfort too. don't know why it has the best mark for that in this test.

but, in terms of handling and performance, there is 1 choice, really.

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Will_ - 11/3/2007 9:22:34 PM

+3 Boost

Ranking the cars is totally pointless. Based on Edmund's criteria though, I think the G35 deserved the top spot as well. A combination of performance AND luxury AND value as impressive as the G35's is hard to pass up.

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senorgato - 11/3/2007 9:33:50 PM

+3 Boost

What a disappointing showing for the MB and a continued lack of true competitiveness in this segment. How many more times is this car going to fall flat on its face in the wake of its competition before MB learns what it needs to do? Every generation has had the same results. Why is it that MB is able to make the E-Class and S-Class so superb with regard to the competition, yet make the C-Class so outstandingly mundane, at least when compared to its rivals? Is it intentionally done to present a product that isn't so closely matched to the others as a marketing strategy? In alot of ways that would certainly make sense, but it even fails there. Not only does it not have the driving character and performance of the others, it doesn't have the ride and comfort characteristics either. The C-Class continues to be a perplexing offering from one of the most superb line of cars.

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Bill - 11/3/2007 10:02:49 PM

-3 Boost

What are you talking about? Read the review. They liked the C-Class. The only thing they didn't like was the small interior space and "underpowered" engine. The former is a perplexing comment, since cars in this class tend to be small. The second issue is not really an issue since the C350 is not underpowered: the engine just has the least horsepower in this class, that's all and it still manages to be faster than the Cadillac.

And who says the C-Class aims at being the class leader? The way I see it, only BMW, Infiniti and Lexus strive for the extreme sport aspect in this class with Audi, Mercedes, Acura and Saab doing "their own thing". The C-Class is sporty enough from what I've read. I'll be testdriving a C300 Sport soon so hopefully I can form my own opinions regarding the car.

Anthony - 11/3/2007 10:17:18 PM

+3 Boost

Perhaps the best insight into this comparison can be found on the second page of the website. The Second Opinion from the executive editor lays it out perfectly:

"As much as it's tempting to judge these cars according to abstracted ratings, the act of choosing one to drive is actually intensely personal. How else to explain that my personal favorite is the Infiniti G35, which no sane person with an adult life would ever think of picking out? The whole thing is more like choosing art and music than evaluating engineering."

Choose whichever one tugs at your heart more. The BMW and Lexus tugged at my heart when I test-drove them. I hope to get an opportunity to test-drive the Cadillac, Mercedes and upcoming Audi before choosing which one of these amazing cars to buy next.

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bmwdrvr - 11/3/2007 10:20:20 PM

-4 Boost

this review was interesting, this goes to show that the winner in this segment is more a subjective thing. The G35 won of course because of its price its hard to argue with 8-11,000 cheaper if performance/value is your biggest deciding factor. If price is not a concern the 335i is the winner in this group the review made that very clear. The CTS if a striking interior and exterior are important to you. It almost sounded like if the CTS was faster it would have won this competition, the quality was above the c class, and g35, it handles as well as its smaller competition, and it offers more space, and style for the price. It seems though that the biggest battle is between the top 3 spots, for which is the better overall car. but all subjective. 1. style, 2.price 3. best but high cost

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bmwdrvr - 11/3/2007 11:03:59 PM

-5 Boost

you people are idiots, i was deboosted for saying the winner in this segment is subjective....you would have be an idiot to not agree with that

Star - 11/3/2007 11:14:15 PM

-8 Boost

"the 2007 Infiniti G35 wins this test because it's outstanding to drive and it gives you the most car for your money"

Where is the moron that wrote this aberrant line about this c**p called Infiniti. I would certainly like to spit on his face. I don't know who the people that wrote this review are but either they don't know absolutely anything about cars or they are completely insane.

How can a bunch of grownups(here on Autospies) take this reviews as the Gospel when there is nothing even remotely true in the description made about this cars? Has none of you drove or seen any of these cars? How can you listen to made up, aberrant descriptions about these cars? How about you go out and test drive all these cars for yourselfs, then come back with your own opinions based on something you've seen and tried for yourself.
All these fights based on lies published with the intent of brainwashing the sheep into believing nonsense are becoming ridiculous. At least have an opinion based on something REAL and I GUARANTEE you that that opinion will not even remotely resemble what this b**ls**t reviewers said about these cars.

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chuck717 - 11/4/2007 10:02:18 AM

+4 Boost

I think you are going off without understanding the passion people may have for their favorite car or MFG. As i posted earlier people who buy anyone of these machines can fine a nice drive and a belief they chose the best car for them.
Lets take the CTS for instance, they wouldn't even have been invited to tesing a few years ago but now they can produce a nice looking and running car and if you are a Caddy man their is no talking you out of buying one.
The BMW for the most part has been the ultimate driving machine but these other cars show that they also are players in this segmnet and if your favortie MFG is reprsented in this field you fell good about it.
Look, i'm a car guy because i also was a car dealer, i saw people leave our lot with what i would say was less then stellar machines but guess what, the people like what they bought and when they went down the road to them it was their baby so lighten up, nobody should tell somebody else what is best for them suggest it fine but back off if the person wants what they want?

Star - 11/4/2007 10:11:34 AM

-2 Boost

Do you think I care more about the BMW than I care about Infiniti? You are a fool if you believe that. What bothers me is not that Infiniti cannot build good cars(which is a fact) but the fact that the people who wrote this review are lying. It bothers me that these people dare to insult me and other people assuming that we are all a bunch of morons(like you) that will just take their word for granted. Is hard for me to accept how gullible people( who dare to call themselves car enthusiasts on this site) are when it comes to believing this lies. I don't want you to believe me when I say what I say, I just hope that the little part of your brain that still functions will push you to try to make a decision by yourself by test driving all these cars and see the TRUTH. Step in the real world and quit fighting on the computer especially when you fight to defend something you don't even know is true. I know what I know from the source that I trust the most..ME. You know what you know from what THEY told you.

Star - 11/4/2007 10:15:46 AM

-3 Boost

The above post is for vendetta...

Star - 11/4/2007 3:35:43 PM

-3 Boost

You are an illiterate and talk about my grammar? Are you really that dumb?

S4cabriofoxone - 11/5/2007 6:05:44 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

Do you want to go count all the comparisons in which the 3 Series (ANY 3 Series) beat the G?

henbmw - 11/5/2007 9:34:34 PM

+4 Boost

I suggest you get a dictionary because the only car that 'lost' that comparo was the M-B C-class. The G35 got first and 335i got second. Not as hard to say as you might think.

Lexus - 11/4/2007 12:58:22 AM

+2 Boost

I was really surprise that Lexus IS350 didn't take at least second place.

Congratulation Infiniti, for a job well done :) and keep up the good work.

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Lyall - 11/4/2007 2:46:41 AM

+3 Boost

Vendetta: you're being polite when you say Star is acting like a dog with rabies. The truth is that Star IS a rabid dog that KNOWS it's foaming at the mouth. Also- I don't think Star's a kid (as indeed many of you fellow bloggers imply in all your kindness)- but a rat faced, ugly, agresssive, unfriendly mutt with no hint of education, refinement or suchlike.
Also, Star- I don't think you drove the G35/ G37 coupe at all. If you did, you'd know that even though the 335i's engine is a bit smoother sounding, the G35's is more free and eager to rev- it blips to the redline with no strain. On CA Hwy-33 near Ojai up the switchbacks to Las Padres forest, it jack rabbits out the bends faster than the 335. And that's no mean feat. I can't comment on the other three cars as I haven't driven them.
Star- please enrol in a school for basic manners. You'll be more welcome around here after that.

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farabira1 - 11/4/2007 6:13:24 AM

+4 Boost

Is the star vs vandetta arguments continuing even in this post. Well it was pretty fun reading those comments in the last post about G37. Keep it up, makes for a humorous case at the end of the day. Anyway, for me i would choose the G35 over the 335i because it has such a beautiful form and the BMW, well looks too mainstream, and there are billions running in the road everyday, so the 335i is not really unique. And also the performances are very similar, whereas you save almost 10 grand buying the G35. But to pinpoint for my liking, i'll say that i like the G35 because of its superb design, one of the best looking compact sedan i have seen in a long time; the old 3 series was probably the best looking compact sedan ever, but the new one just does not cut it for me.

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SevorbeupstryIsBack - 11/4/2007 8:21:23 AM

-1 Boost

The BMW is still the best handling although Infiniti is coming close... until BMW launches the 3-series facelift soon. I don't like the Infiniti, it looks fake everywhere. I don't see any coherent design and they clearly stole the Hoffmeister. But then again so many Japanese cars do. The Cadillac is however the biggest surprise handlingwise. The interior still looks like a mess and the exterior design is just tacky (especially those headlamps)....

And by way... why are all cars in this test automatics???? Americans can't drive or what? C'est vraiment ridicule eh! Cadillac, Lexus and Mercedes aren't sportsaloons.. Lexus tries to mimick Germany when it was born, Cadillac tries to copy from Lexus' succes and Mercedes is just following their own way - as it should.

If I had to pick a car from these 5 it would be the BMW. Without any doubt. Rationally the Infiniti is a better choice but I buy cars with my heart and I don't want some cheap Japanese rubbish beneath my bottom. But I'll probably wait a few more months untill the facelift comes out.

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farabira1 - 11/4/2007 9:19:09 AM

+8 Boost

Your comments are totally ridiculous. I mean even being totally respectful i can't stop myself from saying that you are full of cr*p. "I don't like the Infiniti, it looks fake everywhere. I don't see any coherent design" You miserable soul, i don't know if you have even seen the G35 in your whole life. The G35 is the most fluid and surprisingly coherent design with no contradictions in line or surface, which ironically takes place in a BMW(i mean they put a crease line along the side with no definitive continuation, and the backside of the lazy and conservative 3 series design has been mocked with for numerous times).

And what are you saying about the 3 series handling better than the other cars, well check the edmunds review again and you'll see that the infiniti has posted the most lateral acceleration and highest speed through the slolums.

And just to inform ignorant lots like you, people who buy infiniti's don't buy them because it is a more rational decision than the 3 series (because it is less expensive) but because infiniti has been able to deliver the performance and design that a potential buyer is looking for(anyone who can afford 40 grand can also afford 46 grand). It is only because of it's inspirational characters that the infiniti has become so successful against the Giant of the class, the 3 sereis, which no other car in the bunch(including IS, CTS, or even c class) has been able to achieve.

chuck717 - 11/4/2007 9:46:02 AM

+4 Boost

"looks fake everywhere" (INFINITI) are you talking about the girl models that show these cars, it certainly can't be the car itself?

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 11/5/2007 12:16:28 PM

+3 Boost

Ok ok, the Infiniti is not rubbish (far from it actually). I'll admit that.

But it has no name or identity. What does "Infiniti" even mean? Sounds like something Americans would like...

Rupert - 11/5/2007 6:11:20 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I should add on Sevor's and my behalf that we don't get Infiniti in Europe and thus any image they have in the US is lost on us. I have seen about 2 in Britain, and I don't consider them as a premium brand yet, obviously, as they have never advertised nor officially sold here.

chuck717 - 11/4/2007 9:39:56 AM

+4 Boost

All of these cars shows what a long way the auto industry has come. Years ago light years would have seperated these machines but today anyone of these cars can bring satisfaction to their buyers, that is why competition is good.

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Ingenieur - 11/4/2007 9:42:55 AM

+2 Boost

It seems the BMW is still the best integrated driving machine but in the handling department, Infiniti seems to have the edge.

Like 43LE states, it would be interesting to see what Infiniti can deliver for 10K more. But there might not be a big market in this segment for an Infiniti at that price.

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Star - 11/4/2007 4:18:30 PM

-4 Boost

"You don't know anything about me so stop making assumptions. I have driven both the G35 and 335i."

I know you are not very smart and have trouble in writing a correct sentence in English. I also know that you never drove a BMW 335i or Infiniti G35/37. You obviously have a shady background and have mental problems and in my opinion(as a psychologist) it would be much better for you if you would keep a low profile considering your condition. I understand that you would like to feel that your opinion counts but is not always enough to want something. The truth is... your opinion means nothing.

Judging after your rage it seems that Infiniti is not only your favorite brand of cars but also your source of income and as their salesman you find normal to defend their business even if that makes you look like a fool. Another sad thing about you is that you are incapable of understanding the fact that the cars play a secondary role in this discussion. The review is a complete lie, the descriptions are far fetched and they don't accurately represent these products(in this case...cars). It is offensive for somebody who knows these products very well to read such b***s**t in a review. These review could be about watches or bicycles...done in the same way(made up descriptions) would be just as wrong. I know that the sick fanboy in you wants to believe that Infiniti G35 can compare with a BMW or Mercedes but that's simply not true, and anybody with a brain knows that.

In the end I'll make it clear for you... I don't care what you think about my posts. Your opinion is worth nothing to me, so my advice to you for the future is to just avoid occupying space with your non-sense in this threads. I understand "vendetta"(revenge) is all you have in mind since you were probably mistreated in the past but just try to act like a civilised person in spite of that. It will make you feel better.

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Star - 11/4/2007 8:33:47 PM

-1 Boost

I started to get bored of hearing you repeat the same thing in every post. I'm afraid I cannot continue to argue with somebody like you, who is obviously in a inferior position. I cannot fight against a handicapped person, I hope you understand that. I'm done with you.

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S4cabriofoxone - 11/5/2007 6:08:38 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

I'm sick of both of you and your incessant comments. Please leave.

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enthusiastx11 - 11/6/2007 12:20:53 AM

+2 Boost

vendetta:

ah, yes, more of your warped logic....'if you don't like the comments, don't read them.' how would we know what we think of your comments if we didn't read them?

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JUGNU - 11/4/2007 11:43:04 AMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

So my fav in this category (Infiniti G)again beat the rest especially BMW 335i the second time(first in motortrend).

btw in this segment I only consider BMW,Infiniti and Lexus as they r in their own league.Rest(MB,Audi,Cadillac...etc) are just too plain and vanilla.

JUGNU

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S4cabriofoxone - 11/5/2007 6:09:29 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

The Cadillac beat the Lexus, because the Lexus was too boring.

I disagree with Edmunds's C-Class placement.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/5/2007 6:11:02 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

"Now only if Lexus could go to work on steering feel and road feedback then they'd have an ace in the hole."

I don't know if you understand this, but Lexus is pretty irrelevant in this class. The thing is, BMW and Infiniti already HAVE steering feel to go with their power. Even with better handling, the IS350 would still be an also-ran.

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henbmw - 11/6/2007 5:44:40 PM

+1 Boost

"Damn non-responsive keyboard."

Kind of like the Lexus IS..

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senorgato - 11/4/2007 12:10:27 PM

+5 Boost

"What are you talking about? Read the review. They liked the C-Class. The only thing they didn't like was the small interior space and "underpowered" engine. The former is a perplexing comment, since cars in this class tend to be small. The second issue is not really an issue since the C350 is not underpowered: the engine just has the least horsepower in this class, that's all and it still manages to be faster than the Cadillac.

And who says the C-Class aims at being the class leader? The way I see it, only BMW, Infiniti and Lexus strive for the extreme sport aspect in this class with Audi, Mercedes, Acura and Saab doing "their own thing". The C-Class is sporty enough from what I've read. I'll be testdriving a C300 Sport soon so hopefully I can form my own opinions regarding the car."

I guess you just don't understand the meaning of "comparison and competition"? The MB failed as a
"comparison" against its "competition", you know, the cars that vie for sales in the same sales segment. Sure, in relative terms, the MB isn't a bad car on its own. But when when a "comparison" is done against its "competition", it fails miserably in almost all aspects, power, handling, ride, comfort, aesthetics, and interior space - the things that most buyers (or any buyer under the age of 60) look for in this segment.

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S4cabriofoxone - 11/5/2007 6:13:25 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

The new C-Class looks amazing (second-best-looking in the class now, behind CTS), so you can scratch that off the list.

I also disagree with your power argument. The C is simply not underpowered. The last time I checked, 0-60 in 5.9 isn't slow. Not at all. I'm not making excuses for its relative "lack" of power--but again, that's relative. If some people want the Mercedes on looks and luxury alone, they will also be impressed by its performance characteristics.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/5/2007 6:14:09 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Oh and, "fails miserably?" That's a little dramatic, no?

1970toyotamarc - 11/4/2007 12:49:53 PM

+3 Boost

I know it seems strange, but the Lexus is the oldest in this group. It hasnt had a mid-cycle refresh yet, as the Bimmer has. And of course the other three are brand new. Dont know why IS didnt get an '08 update, they must not have wanted to take any press away from the IS-F. They better have something good planeed for '09, as the '08s are likely to suffer some dwindling sales next to these new models.

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Kinger - 11/5/2007 8:45:14 AM

+2 Boost

The BMW hasn't had its mid-cycle refresh yet, it just got an updated engine in the form of the twin-turbo three-litre. The facelift will probably be out next year: http://www.worldcarfans.com/9070926.002/bmw-3-series-facelift-spied!

Hwany - 11/4/2007 5:45:10 PM

-2 Boost

I just find it funny when Edmunds did the IS-F vs. RS4 test, people were discretting Edmunds for their bias towards Germans.
But now, when they actually say that Infiniti is the better value, they worship the reviews.
I guess it goes both ways.

Let me say this:

My friend has the new G35x sedan and while the interior has improved alot since the last generation, there's still this "cheap" feeling and others were saying this shouldn't be the interior of a 35k+ car.

Also, even though it was 306 or what HP, the car is slower than the IS350 or the 335i. So even performance wise it's not up there with IS350 and 335i.

The current benchmark for "sports compact sedans" are IS350 and 335i and G35 has a long way to catch.

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S4cabriofoxone - 11/5/2007 6:16:38 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

No, the current performance benchmarks are the 335i and G35, because in most tests the G35 gets better performance figures. It also handles. The IS does not. That's what is most important--with this level of power, acceleration is a moot point, a given.

Htay7500 - 11/4/2007 8:42:55 PM

+1 Boost

I'd probably consider the G35 if possible. I'd give props to how well it performs with that much value, not to mention, the VQ engine, probably the some of the best v6s in the industry. plus its outstanding awards it has under its belt. the 335i, which is downrite amazing, looks nice IMO but they're just everywhere

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S4cabriofoxone - 11/5/2007 6:18:05 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Sorry, but if you're buying an entry-luxury sedan don't be looking for exclusivity. THEY'RE everywhere, not just the 3 Series.

Htay7500 - 11/6/2007 5:41:44 PM

+1 Boost

your actually rite there, I saw a handful on 270 back to school. I'll settle for a Legacy if thats ever possible.

BM3W - 11/4/2007 10:52:10 PM

+4 Boost

So is Edmuds saying that the 335i has lost it's crown and no longer sets the bar?? And they would buy the G35 over the 335i?? Yeah right, what f*ckin planet are they living on. The 335i eats every one of these cars listed for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Edmuds stop kissing a** and tell the truth. Greatness comes with a price!! A price of $46,650 to be exact.

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BM3W - 11/5/2007 10:12:00 AM

+4 Boost

Vendetta...

The G35 was picked for it's value. Quote "But the real value is what it gives you, because the G35 has the most standard features of any car here and combines this accomplishment with all-around performance SECOND ONLY TO THE BMW 335i." What are you happy about, you bought the loser.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/5/2007 6:20:35 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Vendetta, suddenly, the G35 is the benchmark it seems, because of ONE TEST. Would you like me to give links to the dozens (hundreds?) of comparison tests in which the BMW 3 Series has come out on top of all of its competitors?

And I say this for any Edmunds comparo: they are not a good publication. They quote disconcertingly inconsistent acceleration times, and their opinions are sometimes questionable. I would rather read a car magazine... all of which have said the 3 Series wins, coincidentally.

Kinger - 11/6/2007 5:10:54 AM

+4 Boost

Eh, Vendetta you just got angry and accused S4 of having reading comprehension problems. Before you get so angry and start accusing people of things, think about what you type and don't jump to conclusions.

dwatson - 11/4/2007 11:31:36 PM

0 Boost

infiniti= Glorified Nissan, cheap, and plastic. That car will be worthless and rattly in two years. I mean it's pretty good looking and fast but please...apples and oranges. I would like Infiniti more if it stopped trying so hard to be a cool kid.

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BM3W - 11/5/2007 10:29:56 AM

+2 Boost