looking at Infiniti instead of BMW 335i - doing research

[kcducttaper]

So, I had my mind all set on a BMW 335i/335is for a summertime daily driver that I could drop some jaws with and take to the track on occasion. It was small, nimble, and powerful, but big enough to take a road trip in, or take a weekend trip with some buds. Then, someone on the BMW forums mentioned that he liked the G37 over the 335, so I figured what the heck, went to carmax and drove a G37 and G37s (both sedans). I was quite surprised, but I definitely like the G37s much better as a daily driver and it seems like it would still be fun at the track (though not quite as fun or fast as the BMW, but close), but with significantly lower maintenance costs and easier to live with every day - especially with a set of regular tires and a set of track tires. So now, I'm trying to figure out what sort of small Infiniti sedan fits me best.

I really liked the seats in the G37 quite a lot and the rest of the interior was nice, but the front end just looks dumb to me, which is my biggest gripe. What's the deal with the Q40? It looks exactly the same as the G37...? I like the front end on the Q50 much better than the Q40, but haven't had a chance to actually check one out or drive one yet. I gather it's mostly just a step up in the luxury department from the Q40/G37. Seeing as how it has the same engine and similar size and weight, does it handle and throw down laps pretty similar to the Q40/G37?

I really just need to go to the Infiniti dealer and hash this stuff out. It's kinda hard to do that when you're a single engineer, but look like you're 17. I got the annoyed salesman vibe at the BMW dealer when I tried it over there with their 3 and 5 series comparison.

[miccris93]

Q40 is identical to the G37, with the exception that they removed having memory driver's seat, rear parking sensors, and power-adjustable steering wheel. IMO, the Q50 is a major step ahead of the Q40. The technology is on another level, and I think the look of the Q50 and future vehicles is gorgeous. If you drive one, the materials are also a bit nicer and it's more refined as a whole.

[kcducttaper]

The Q50 has a MUCH better front end on it for sure. From what I gather, it's basically the same size, shape, weight, power, drivetrain, etc as the G37/Q40, but a step up on the interior bits. I'll have to check one out and see if a Q50 would work better as a DD and just as good as a weekend toy. It's almost worth it just because I hate the nose on the Q40 so much.

[kcducttaper]

Well, I dropped by the Infiniti dealer and took a Q50 out for a spin and I quite liked it as well. I drove the sport version, so I expect the ride to smooth out a bit if I put some normal tires on it. The interior was definitely much more refined than the G37 and quieter on the highway, but it still took corners reasonably well.

For the bad bits, I don't really have much on negatives. I would have liked to see ventilated seats in addition to heated and the stereo was honestly pretty lame. I'm a bit of an audiophile and Bose has a reputation, in my book, of just throwing in lots of speakers and large drivers and calling it super amazing. Even after I adjusted the EQ to my tastes to balance it out (which was actually treble on 8 and bass on 2), there was very little definition in the low mids and the bass was way too boomy and not tight and accurate at all. I'm not exaggerating at all when I say that my 94 Villager with "only" 4 speakers has much better defined bass and clearer mids than the Q50. Honestly, I think Bose is overrated and focuses way too much on "big boomy bass" instead of "tight, accurate bass", so I wasn't expecting much, but I was still very much disappointed. Car audio is always a sore spot for me. So many car makers just slap on a big name, throw a million speakers at it, and call it good and that's just stupid. That's not how you get quality sound. Anyways, mini-rant over. With a speaker change, I think the G50 would suit me very well for a daily that I can flog on the weekends and be reasonably quick.

[Eikon]

I was originally looking at 335xi as a daily (though a used one would have fit my budget, not new).
I got scared away by the maintenance issues on that car, so i started looking at G37's. They are fairly close in performance, but Infiniti is much more reliable and less expensive to maintain. Ultimately I found myself looking at a new lease vs. buying used.

I drove the Q40 and Q50 back to back...

The Q40 is a better sports car. The transmission is more willing to rev and shifts more quickly. But the result of keeping at higher revs and being more willing to shift is poorer fuel economy.

The Q50 is a better daily driver. The styling is vastly improved both outside and inside. The interior is dramatically better in the Q50 than the prior generation. The second touch screen in the dash, the stitched leather trim pieces and door inserts are just light-years better than the Q40 interior. The Q50 has lots more technology as well. I was also told that it's an inch wider nd 4" longer.. I have yet to research this to confirm myself. A better car for sure.. but that comes at a price of course.

I wound up leasing the Q50.. and so far I love it.

Long story.. I agree with your takes on the G37/Q40 vs. the new Q50. The Q50 is just slightly less willing to shift and rev (unless you put it in sport mode), but gets better gas milage and is still more than adequate in the sport department. But the Q50 feels so much more luxurious, quiet, and refined than the prior generation.



One more little note: I would advise you to pick one with the spare tire package. All Q50's come with run-flat tires.. which suck!!! The 19's are much worse and much more expensive than the 17's.. You'll be much happier on a set of normal tires. But with normal tires you will need a spare. So get the $200 spare tire package. It does reduce trunk room, but is very important to have if you use snow tires or put on much better performance tires. Strangely enough, the $200 fee to have it packaged with the car a deal because you get an extra set of all weather mats, and trunk mats to go with it. If you want to buy a spare later.. it's like $1000. completely rediculous... So budget for a set of Michilin Pilot Sport A/S 3's and you'll be a happy camper.

[kcducttaper]

Yeah, I'd definitely be ditching the run-flats. Especially at the track. I never understood why auto makers make a high performance car, then neuter it with crappy tires.

[audtatious]

Run-flats on the sport sux so definitely look to replace those. Suspension is stiff regardless of the tires.

[roadster20th]

I was always told only get a BMW if you can get out of it before the 50k mark cost of ownership will go through the roof. I am on my 6th Infiniti I get the newer models once I hit 100k nock on wood I have never had one break or leave stranded plus they are a lot of fun to drive.
Good luck on your search.