So here is yet another IS350 F Sport comparo with my thoughts - and how I ultimately made my decision! (deep breath)
I’m writing this comparison mainly regarding aesthetics, and how it ultimately led me to my decision.
** Note: I think it is safe to say that these cars are fairly close to one another as far as performance, quality, reliability and fun. **
So, for me, it comes down to (and let me emphasize these are strictly my subjective opinions) aesthetics.
On a given day: I will walk to my car, in my garage and “see” it for about 5 seconds.
Then I will spend the next 20-30 minutes inside of the car “experiencing” it!
So let’s first talk interior.
For me the Lexus interior is inferior.
Aside from the F Sport gauge cluster (which is amazing) there isn’t a lot going on that, to me, exceeds the Infiniti’s layout.
The materials seem to be a good quality and arguably on par with Infiniti’s.
They didn’t use leather in the F Sport because they used (I believe) a process of injection molding for the extra bolstering in the seats.
I won’t ding them for that, I hear the NuLuxe is decent enough and justification is apparent because it wouldn’t work with real leather.
The “shelf” layout of the dash (I agree with many others) looks pretty dated.
The Navi screen is way too small, and its position looks like an afterthought.
I haven’t used the mouse controller or interface, but from what the owners and reviewers have said, it is more of a distraction and is more “disconnected” from the driver.
So I would give the IS350 F Sport an interior score of 7 out of 10 (and only a 6 for the non-F Sport).
Now for Infiniti:
I really like the use of improved materials. I personally am fond of the maple trim and would only get that. I am getting tired of the reiterations of Japanese aluminum.
Combining the upgraded materials with the smart layout, the asymmetrical design directed toward the driver, and the overall clean look ----- and then ----- include all the fun filled gadgetry and customization offered in the second touch screen….. It just puts it over the top!
I give the Q50 interior a score of 9 out of 10.
As far as the exteriors….. not all will agree.
It seems to be love/hate regarding the Lexus.
Starting with the Q though, I think Infiniti has done a great job evolving it into a refined and fresh new look.
They have changed just enough, infused just the right amount of inspiration from the concepts, and have updated the look more than adequately.
I score the Infiniti exterior a solid 8 of 10.
Lexus on the other hand…. revolutionized the IS.
They kept just the right amount of the outgoing 2IS, allowed it to retain its identity, and gave it oh so much more character.
I personally like most all of the new Lexus exterior, save for the “separated/divorced” headlight design.
Also I will say, the front grill has grown on me.
I went from calling the F Sport grill obnoxious, to now – ONLY wanting that aggressive look.
The overall exterior design to me - looks fast, young and aggressive.
This is probably the last time I would be able to pull that look off - I'm 39. lol
My score for the Lexus exterior is a 9 out of 10 (and would have been higher if it weren’t for those headlights).
If the performance, ride quality, and exterior aesthetics are all so very close….. then for me - it all boils down to where I spend the most time. In the cockpit!
So, with that said - I guess it will be Infiniti sedan number 4 for me.
I always tell people I like leasing, because I like “new” cars, and I like to change it up.
That’s a hard point to for me to sell concidering I have effectively had the same dang model ('03 G35s / '08 G35s / '10 G37s) for over a decade already.
You can’t argue bang for buck when it comes to Infiniti! It wins every time for me.
Lexus came really close this year. And maybe in 39 months they will get me…. But I think I have ultimately decided – it’s a 2014 Q50 for me.
Moonlight White / Premium / Navi / Leather / Deluxe Touring / 19” Wheels
It’s done – I’m tired of weighing my options, researching stats, opinions, etc.
I will probably wait until the Residuals and Money Factors are released before placing my order.
I will qualify for VPP….. so it’s just a matter of finding a dealership that will honor that pricing, and has the lowest fees.
Also, I'm looking for the best place for me and the fam to vacation the day after I get home from my deployment, and then take delivery.
Now that I know what I want, I can pull the trigger and wait with anticipation with the rest of you guys that have done so.
If anyone else is on the fence... I hope this helped. If not - I killed some time writing about something I have always enjoyed!
I’m writing this comparison mainly regarding aesthetics, and how it ultimately led me to my decision.
** Note: I think it is safe to say that these cars are fairly close to one another as far as performance, quality, reliability and fun. **
So, for me, it comes down to (and let me emphasize these are strictly my subjective opinions) aesthetics.
On a given day: I will walk to my car, in my garage and “see” it for about 5 seconds.
Then I will spend the next 20-30 minutes inside of the car “experiencing” it!
So let’s first talk interior.
For me the Lexus interior is inferior.
Aside from the F Sport gauge cluster (which is amazing) there isn’t a lot going on that, to me, exceeds the Infiniti’s layout.
The materials seem to be a good quality and arguably on par with Infiniti’s.
They didn’t use leather in the F Sport because they used (I believe) a process of injection molding for the extra bolstering in the seats.
I won’t ding them for that, I hear the NuLuxe is decent enough and justification is apparent because it wouldn’t work with real leather.
The “shelf” layout of the dash (I agree with many others) looks pretty dated.
The Navi screen is way too small, and its position looks like an afterthought.
I haven’t used the mouse controller or interface, but from what the owners and reviewers have said, it is more of a distraction and is more “disconnected” from the driver.
So I would give the IS350 F Sport an interior score of 7 out of 10 (and only a 6 for the non-F Sport).
Now for Infiniti:
I really like the use of improved materials. I personally am fond of the maple trim and would only get that. I am getting tired of the reiterations of Japanese aluminum.
Combining the upgraded materials with the smart layout, the asymmetrical design directed toward the driver, and the overall clean look ----- and then ----- include all the fun filled gadgetry and customization offered in the second touch screen….. It just puts it over the top!
I give the Q50 interior a score of 9 out of 10.
As far as the exteriors….. not all will agree.
It seems to be love/hate regarding the Lexus.
Starting with the Q though, I think Infiniti has done a great job evolving it into a refined and fresh new look.
They have changed just enough, infused just the right amount of inspiration from the concepts, and have updated the look more than adequately.
I score the Infiniti exterior a solid 8 of 10.
Lexus on the other hand…. revolutionized the IS.
They kept just the right amount of the outgoing 2IS, allowed it to retain its identity, and gave it oh so much more character.
I personally like most all of the new Lexus exterior, save for the “separated/divorced” headlight design.
Also I will say, the front grill has grown on me.
I went from calling the F Sport grill obnoxious, to now – ONLY wanting that aggressive look.
The overall exterior design to me - looks fast, young and aggressive.
This is probably the last time I would be able to pull that look off - I'm 39. lol
My score for the Lexus exterior is a 9 out of 10 (and would have been higher if it weren’t for those headlights).
If the performance, ride quality, and exterior aesthetics are all so very close….. then for me - it all boils down to where I spend the most time. In the cockpit!
So, with that said - I guess it will be Infiniti sedan number 4 for me.
I always tell people I like leasing, because I like “new” cars, and I like to change it up.
That’s a hard point to for me to sell concidering I have effectively had the same dang model ('03 G35s / '08 G35s / '10 G37s) for over a decade already.
You can’t argue bang for buck when it comes to Infiniti! It wins every time for me.
Lexus came really close this year. And maybe in 39 months they will get me…. But I think I have ultimately decided – it’s a 2014 Q50 for me.
Moonlight White / Premium / Navi / Leather / Deluxe Touring / 19” Wheels
It’s done – I’m tired of weighing my options, researching stats, opinions, etc.
I will probably wait until the Residuals and Money Factors are released before placing my order.
I will qualify for VPP….. so it’s just a matter of finding a dealership that will honor that pricing, and has the lowest fees.
Also, I'm looking for the best place for me and the fam to vacation the day after I get home from my deployment, and then take delivery.
Now that I know what I want, I can pull the trigger and wait with anticipation with the rest of you guys that have done so.
If anyone else is on the fence... I hope this helped. If not - I killed some time writing about something I have always enjoyed!