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Infiniti Q50 vs BMW 335i

120K views 206 replies 55 participants last post by  BigSky  
#1 ·
This is one tough battle. I am a big fan of the new 335i. Even if it is a poor mans M3 it is still a respectable drivers car.

Why did you choose the Q50 over the 335i?
 
#2 · (Edited)
First, I'd say the 328i is the poor mans M3...Only because a 335 with reasonable options will cost very close to an M3 anyway.

Second, I wouldn't compare a Q50 to a 335i, but rather a 328i.

I say that because as far as performance and pricing goes, the 335 will smoke the current G sedan on the track. Also you can get upwards of $60k in optioning out a similarly equipped 335i, especially if it's a 335xi.

With that said, loaded option for option, the Q50 is always going to end up on top as far as pricing goes. That's one advantage for those looking for the best bang for the buck. I test drove a 2011 BMW 328i a few years ago and I wasn't too impressed with it. Granted, it was rather barebones on tech and it didn't have a sport package on it either..
 
#10 ·
By no means is the G37 sedan slow. It is slower off the line compared to the 335 due to BMW's turbo in its 3.0 six. But the G37 sedan begins to pull very hard in mid to top end range thanks to its displacement. i have messed around with many 335 and have yet to lose while on the freeway. Both cars are amazing though. IMO the 335 handles a bit better than the G. But with minor modifications the G can seriously handle any curve you throw at it.
 
#12 ·
Q50S or 335i?

So my G37S lease is up in less than 6 months and I'm considering my options - I'm a big researcher. It's down to a Q50S, a 335i, or MAYBE an IS350 - it's a big maybe because of the styling mainly. I drove the 335i in 2011 before I went with the G with interior room being a primary consideration. I understand the 335i is a bit bigger now so I'll have to drive it again as I loved the drivetrain - very quick and smoooth...

I'm know others had similar thoughts - what made you go with the Q50?
 
#13 ·
So my G37S lease is up in less than 6 months and I'm considering my options - I'm a big researcher. It's down to a Q50S, a 335i, or MAYBE an IS350 - it's a big maybe because of the styling mainly. I drove the 335i in 2011 before I went with the G with interior room being a primary consideration. I understand the 335i is a bit bigger now so I'll have to drive it again as I loved the drivetrain - very quick and smoooth...

I'm know others had similar thoughts - what made you go with the Q50?
If you want to be complete in your research, you might want to also check out a S60 R-Design, Cadillac ATS, Lincoln MKZ, and Acura TL...
 
#18 ·
Well, I'm not sure why that's disappointing but here's a quick rundown on my rationale, which is personal opinion of course:

Audi A4: drove the 2011 - loved the interior, couldn't get past the turbo lag and head hitting the roof in the back seat. I don't want/need a big back seat but want it to be usable. Same reason I didn't consider previous version IS. I plan to give it another try though, along with an S4....

335i: previously mentioned - will try 535i too...

Caddie/Lincoln: don't care for the styling and though I'm 51 still don't feel old enough to consider....

Lexus: IS maybe, GS still possible and will drive.....

Mercedes: really? I just can't see myself driving one...

Volvo: I actually plan to check out the R60 R design but I'm not too hopeful. Years of hearing of electrical problems and also following Volvo's on the road count against them for me. I guess in my mind Volvo=Buick - I get them same feeling when I come up on one secure in their ultra-safe car, carefully working towards their destination....

I grew up driving Honda's and Nissan's and always loved the quality. As I'm currently driving a G37S the Q50S is already the frontrunner...
 
#19 · (Edited)
Caddie/Lincoln: don't care for the styling and though I'm 51 still don't feel old enough to consider....
You see?

That right there is what's disappointing. That's no kind of answer man. You need to keep up with the recent times with those two companies. They've spent a great deal of effort re-branding themselves and appealing to the younger consumers and I feel like people's perceptions of those companies are the only thing holding them back. I just don't like it when people don't even try to consider them as options.

I really hope that you re-consider them--I've heard really strong things about the MKZ and I've tested the ATS myself and if it weren't for a few things, I'd think it would be a extremely strong contender in this segment.

As much as I don't like Mercedes right now, I've driven the C-Class multiple times and they aren't bad cars at all, just overpriced. If you can find a really good deal on a C350 (heck, even the C300 Sport 4Matic is solid for every day driving), they might be worth a shot. They have great quality record over the other German competitors as well.
 
#22 ·
For me, one of the top reasons that I purchase a certain car, whatever that car might be, is because it speaks to me in styling, handling and comfort. But what I also consider is the type of car. I like the STI, but I'm too old for that car. I like the IS, but it feels a little too much "boy racer" for me. I think the ATS is a really good car and happy to see Caddy staring to get back on track and hopefully they stay that way, but honestly there is STILL an "old person" stigma that goes with Cadillac, even if that isn't really the case. Unfortunately, there is no way around it, it just is. Cadillac is trying to change that stigma and I think it might be working slowly, I've seen a bunch of ATS's around and they've been driven by older ladies.
 
#27 ·
I have a bit of bias against front wheel drive cars so for me the Audi and the MKZ are out. Anyone else out there think the same way?

The ATS is a bit small and the CUE system in not good. Infiniti will fix the bugs in the intouch but the entire CUE system is not a good model.

I laughed at the "Mercedes really?" remark. I know what you mean but the C class is not reaaally a Mercedes so it should be okay to get. There are some very good lease deals out there on it and it's a pretty nice car that is considered to be reliable.
 
#28 ·
2) The MKS is a gussied up Taurus and the MKZ is a gussied up Fusion.
How can you say that it doesn't say or mean much? Ford has done a lot of work to differential these cars but underneath they are built on the same chassis with engines that are basically alike. However, Lexus does the same thing. The current ES350 is based on the Toyota Avalon and it used to be based on the Camry.
 
#30 · (Edited)
newbie op.

First let me say the very 1st thing i check before considering a car is does it have a timing chain? If it has a timing belt it is off the list. So the cars on our list where in order that we looked at them:
1. BMW 135s
2. Volvo S60R
3. Toyota Avalon
4. Camero Hot Wheels edition
5. Lexis IS350F
6. Merc C & SLK
6. Huynda Genesis Sedan 3.0
7. Infiniti G37 IPL
8. Infiniti Q50 S
Short answer is BMW, Volvo, Merc, all have less than stellar long term quality reports. The Camero would have been a blast short term but could not see living with it years. the Huynda was well a Huynda & i could not get past that no matter how I tried. The Avalon was nice the only complaints are it was front wheel drive & the "wood" in it was plastic. The Lexus was very nice but didn't have the seat of the pants feel of power the Infiniti did, also the Lexus Dealer was less than "helpful" when you show up on the lot. The IPL well lets just say it was too hard for a 6'1" 250lbs 53 year old guy to get out of (to low). the Q50s just ticked off the most desire boxes on my "list" of wants.
Now if I had an extra $25,000 laying around I'd be driving a Porsche Cayman.;)
 
#31 ·
First let me say the very 1st thing i check before considering a car is does it have a timing chain? If it has a timing belt it is off the list. So the cars on our list where in order that we looked at them:
1. BMW 135s
2. Volvo S60R
3. Toyota Avalon
4. Camero Hot Wheels edition
5. Lexis IS350F
6. Merc C & SLK
6. Huynda Genesis Sedan 3.0
7. Infiniti G37 IPL
8. Infiniti Q50 S
Short answer is BMW, Volvo, Merc, all have less than stellar long term quality reports. The Camero would have been a blast short term but could not see living with it years. the Huynda was well a Huynda & i could not get past that no matter how I tried. The Avalon was nice the only complaints are it was front wheel drive & the "wood" in it was plastic. The Lexus was very nice but didn't have the seat of the pants feel of power the Infiniti did, also the Lexus Dealer was less than "helpful" when you show up on the lot. The IPL well lets just say it was too hard for a 6'1" 250lbs 53 year old guy to get out of (to low). the Q50s just ticked off the most desire boxes on my "list" of wants.
Now if I had an extra $25,000 laying around I'd be driving a Porsche Cayman.;)
lol@"Huynda"

What exactly were your issues with the "Huynda"? :p
 
#37 ·
I just came from a week drive from LA to Napa. Rented a 2012 Hyundai Genesis 3.6 with 47K miles (Avis did not have any lower mileage premium sedan when we arrived). I'm very impressed with the quality of the car: Smooth ride, quiet and no rattles. Leather seats looked like new. The rear passenger legroom is similar to MB S class. It does not handle like a G37 but is a great choice for someone who looks for a big luxurious sedan.
 
#38 ·
If people could only control their egos and do a little research, they'll truly realize the value and improvements Hyundai has made in the last five years. No more of this "it's still a Hyundai" thing.

Especially when the next generation Sonata and Genesis are revealed next year. They're looking really sharp and I believe they're changing up the logos too.
 
#45 ·
I have a 2011 Sonata Turbo Limited. It's my 4th consecutive Hyundai. Still in the driveway. New body style. Had it for 3 years of daily driving and it's been to the dealer for repair (beyond routine) exactly one time to fix a brake switch. I've been driving Hyundais for 12 years and had almost no problems with them.

The only reason I even considered the Q50 is because the Genesis is nearing the end of it's current trim and I didn't want to wait around for the new update. In 3 years, we'll see if I go with Infiniti again or back to Hyundai.

The Infiniti drives nicer and has a lot of nice features, but there is no denying that you get a lot of great car for your money with Hyundai and Kia. When it came to the engine, I actually preferred the Hyundai turbo to the Q50 for normal driving. Q50 is much better when getting sporty, but the turbo felt a lot better for typical stop and go type stuff.