Sport package or not?

[johnr]

I currently drive a 2002 BMW M3 and while I have enjoyed it very much I have decided it's time to get something less edgy, something smoother, quieter & an automatic. So I went to my local Infinity dealer to look at a M45. I decided that while I have out grown my M3 ( I'm 53), I still want a coupe rather than a sedan. I have ordered the G37 Journey, black on black, Premium, Sport, and Nav. Packages, with the rear spoiler. I hope to drive one the week of Aug. 20th. to make sure this is the car I want. Any way, I'm leaning more to luxury rather than sport, for this car being advertised as a luxury sport coupe. My question: do you think the sport package with the firmer suspension and the low profile tires will make the ride that much less comfortable? I do like the sport seats, which are very comfortable, and the sport stiching on the steering wheel included in the sport package. Any thoughts?

[Yimbie]

Check out some of the reviews in the reviews sticky. From what I know, the ride is still pretty comfortable and not jarring. If you were alright in the M3, you will definitely be fine in a G37 with sports package. Check out the reviews and see what the "experts" (that is highly debatable for some) have to say on the ride quality on it.

- Yimbie

[onusigep]

I would agree. If you are used to a M3, you'll probably be comfortable in any form of G37.

In my test drive, I did feel the road more than my '03 G35 Sedan. I was worried about the 19" tires (vs 17") and the coupe vs sedan.

I felt really good on the high way. I was aiming for a couple of the legendary Detroit pot holes and I didn't feel jarred or anything. I felt the ride more on the local roads, but overall still a smooth comfortable ride. If you're a tall guy, you might appreciate the leg extensions on the seats more than the increase in stiffness.

just my .02.

[KinsmanRedeemer]

I don't know if you saw my little test drive write up, but the Sport package is NOT harsh at all, suspension-wise. I drive a 2005 Audi A6 (non-sport package), and the ride is effectively the same.

The one down side, in my mind, to the sport package is that you a) can't get "wheat" for your interior and b) nor the rosewood trim.

I believe you stated that you pre-ordered black as the interior color, so that wouldn't be a big deal to you. Nonetheless, don't let the "sport" package scare you--it's perfectly acceptable for daily driving.

[jschaff]

I am exactly in the same position. I am getting out of a 2002 M3 Coupe 6sp manual. I am looking at the 2008 G37 Sport 6MT with perf/nav/tech/4wsteer/sport/spoiler. I just would rather keep doing the 6MT instead of the automatic.

But I am trying to decide if I want a 2006 Audi S4 25th anniv ( with 9k miles on it but basically brand new) or this new G37. The price of the two is very close. I am just waiting to see how the lease deals are structured on the G37.

For what it is worth on this thread, I used to be in a 300Z twin turbo 4wheel steering. It was GREAT. And I anticipate that this G37 will be similar if not better. Bet it is not a harsh ride at all. We will be able to see in three days.

[KinsmanRedeemer]

I've driven plenty of same-generation A4s as what you describe as well as the upcoming G37 coupe, so the one thing I'd comment on is that I'd prefer the G37 over the S4 on the grounds of a) reliability, b) more advanced cabin technology, c) better driving experience.

I currently own a 2005 Audi A6, which in my mind is a big step up in terms of refinement from the described A4-series. When I got back into my A6 after test driving the G37, it felt like a step down in many respects--it's age was showing.

It looks like the performance numbers, for all intents and purposes, are nearly identical (manual S4 vs. auto G37), so I'd argue that unless you really need AWD, go with a new, warrantied, and very solid G37.

[jackdar]

I drive an 03 G35 6MT and a BMW X3 6speed with sport package. I have also test driven the G37 Auto/sport/Nav. I generally prefer to firmer ride and expected the 37 to be a lot more firm than my 35 (primarily because of the stated 36 % increase in chasis rigidity as well as the sport package with the 19 inch wheels). I was very surprised that it felt no more firm than my G35. It was well composed and solid and handled very well but not harsh at all (like the X3 - which is ridiculously harsh). See my post under "First Drive Impressions".