Welcome to NICO Christineautochick wrote:Hi, All!
I've been lurking for a couple of days in here, and this is my first post. You guys seem like a friendly lot so I am glad that I found you.
I am excited to purchase my first car, and I've been narrowing down my choices in cars for the last year. I had seriously considered the Mercedes e350 AWD and loved the luxe interior of the burl wood trim and the exterior and classic headlights of it prior to the 2010 change. I just don't think it looks as special on the outside anymore. Anyway, I'm in the Inifiniti forum now so enough talk about that!
After some consideration, I am seriously thinking about purchasing the g37x AWD sedan instead. I love the classic yet sporty look of it with the spoiler added to its trunk. To be honest, I am not so interested in the power of its engine * I fully expect collective gasps from the members now *. I am not really into the speed or power of its engine.
I just love the look of the g37x exterior especially in Platinum Graphite. I have only seen the 2009 g37 sedans, and I was slightly disappointed by its interior.
However, I have read some specs for the 2010 g37 sedan. The following description caught my eye: "heritage-inspired interior." Does that mean it will look more luxe and traditional inside like the Mercedes e350? I suppose we can only guess, but I'd love to know. I have only seen the pics of the rosewood trim online and I do not think it looks near as nice as the glossy burl of the E350. I hope the "heritage-inspired interior" will be a change that includes a prettier looking wood trim on the inside. Is that what it means to you? I know a lot guys love the wasabi wash trim that gives it it's modern and clean appearance, but I'm more of a traditional gal when it comes to the interior I guess.
Also, I was wondering if anyone with the g37x AWD sedan can tell me how the noise level is on the highway. My hubby and I would love to be able to listen to audio books on long trips without having the speaker on full blast. We often take long road trips too...as long as 14 hour ones. Is it a comfortable ride?
I test drove a Lexus ES, but I was not used to its steering. It seemed like it needed such a light touch in order to make turns and that made me nervous. I'm sure that is something I could get used to, but the exterior of the car left a lot to be desired for me. I am sure it would have been a supremely quiet ride, but I can't get over the fact that the Infiniti G37 has so much more style than the ES.
Anyway, this is probably too long of a post, but I look forward to reading any comments or thoughts!
That was well put. Your review didn't anger me personally, but then I know I love my car! I am not a 'classic' looks kind of person. I got the G37x because I enjoy the modern looks of it. The Merc is definitely an upscale vehicle compared to the G, but it's all about personal style. My style likes -nay!- LOVES the look of the G, and I enjoy having a car that is not seen every single day...like Acura's and Lexus'. I also got it for reliability. I know that I will not have any issues with this car, as I have owned & known people with Nissans (& a few Infiniti's). The interior is louder than the Merc's, but is not loud by any means. Mine is a sport, so the wheels are a little bigger & tire profile is narrower. When the wife & I were shopping and we narrowed it down to the G, we knew we wanted the washi and not the wood...but that's all personal taste (and we both disliked it). Being in Colorado, we also knew we needed AWD, as this is a daily driver....haven't tested the AWD system yet, but everyone I have talked to has found it to be quite confident in the slippery stuff...guess I'll find out this weekend(snow's coming!) As I've owned it now for 5 months (8K miles), I have learned the quirks, and I guess I have found them livable. The throttle response at street start speeds is kind of weird...as it is hunting "does the driver want to floor it or just start going a little? I guess I'll wait to see if he puts the pedal to the floor". We have kids, so if we're going somewhere, I try not to take that, because it is somewhat cramped in the backseat for them (and - they aren't dirtying up my BRAND NEW CAR ) I had my folks with me this weekend, and they were comfy once they got in...but they didn't like getting in or out of the backseat. It is quite comfy for 2, and I haven't taken it on more than a 2-3 hour road trip so far....but it is a very nice ride. I have enjoyed all the amenities that the car has, and it's going to be a LOOOOONG time before I send this baby away to the car lotjandpharper wrote:Autochick, I hope this helps...I've owned the Mercedes, a M35X andnow a G37X. They are all very different and the more time behindthe wheels, the more prominent the differences. My opinions willno doubt anger some here, but I'll remind those that I am anInfiniti guy too.
The Mercedes is much more refined...much smoother powertrainMuch smoother 4WD system on slippery/icey roads, muchquieter interior (almost eery quiet) with no "road noise"and considerably higher price. Lacks the steering and brakefeel that the M has, but has the indescribeable Germanfeeling like it's made out of one piece of metal and isglued to the road. Best combination of luxuryride qualities and sporty handling.
The M35...instant throttle response, the best steering and brakefeedback to the driver ever....almost make the driver feel likepart of the car....Near equal to the 3 series BMW. Nice interiorbut not as nice as the Merc. Way to much road and cabinnoise for a $53k car....new tires and undercoating helped.4WD system is real quirky whencornering on slippery/ice/snow. Ride quality takes a back seatto the performance handling The new M should have considerableupdates....I can't wait to get one ASAP
The G37. considerably smaller, but if you want sporty and don'thaul passengers but need a 4 door....best bucks worth.Quirky 7At even after update, delayed throttle response butway better gas mileage. Steering and brakes don't providethe driver confidence that the M does...which has suprised me.Ride and noise levels on par with the M, but not even closeto the Merc. Interior not as luxurious, well appointed, comfortableor as big...but it's an entry level luxury car and probably thebest one by far for the money.
Hope this helps
I can see you want to be a little more "unique" and less "status minded" than the typical E-class owner. The new M might be better suited for you. I would totally go for it but in terms of size, it's just too much for me as a daily driver. But ... I personally think is looks better than the E-class.autochick wrote:Jandpharper, thank you for your unbiased review of the cars mentioned! I have to admit that you made me crave the e350 4matic once again. There is something about getting into a Merc and closing its doors. It's like a vault, and I feel secure and cocooned in luxury all at once. However, there is steep difference in pricing and that is what ultimately led me to chicken out of purchasing it my first go. Although I can afford it, I had some paranoia about driving it by myself in this economic climate. I think the Infiniti 37x Sedan is a beautiful car, but it doesn't call attention to itself the way a Merc does. I am hoping to do some test drives of the g37 this weekend!
Cjs37xs, like you, I also like the fact that that the Infiniti g37 is not a vehicle that you see on the road everyday. I actually see more Bimmers, Merc, Lexuses, Camry's and American cars on the road than I do Inifinitis. Actually, I do not remember seeing one on the road. I remember seeing one parked at a business location, and I've seen the coup once at a restaurant, but generally, I just don't see them, and I am pretty observant of other cars on the highway. I am not sure why that is since I have read such good reviews about the car. It's rated #2 in US News and World Reports in its class (the e350 #1 in its class).
Anyway, test drives are definitely in order! I will update you guys after get in the driver's seat!