BOBFSPORT

You can't get the IS 350 F Sport at or below invoice ? Pretty sure atleast 20 members on here including me paid at or below invoice.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Problem is Infiniti bundles certain features with DAS so you're forced

granted they aren't the only manufacturer that does this

corradoMR2

Not sure about the US, but in Canada, only the Q50s AWD version does not come standard with the DAS (when referring to the "s" model). The Q50s RWD does have DAS standard which I'd avoid at all costs solely because of this scary safety issue. In fact, if you read some of the posts, a couple of owners claim they were given the option to get their cars bought back or get a new one from Infiniti if the issue returns. This would suggest Infiniti wants to keep this low key, avoid customer escalation and subsequent law suit.

Slust

I've always been enthralled with the G series line. Solid cars and very fun to drive. Infinity definitely wins for straight line speed.

I'm not a fan of the Q50's styling though. I know a lot love it but the frontal lines and headlights give it that droopy look to me. Not sinister, just bummed out look. Sounds silly I know but that's how it looks to me. The front is definitely aggressive on the Q50 but the back looks like an afterthought ...just like my old 2IS did. That always bugged me about my 2IS, was the backend ...especially since I always back into my garage. On the flip side I absolutely hated the 3IS when I first saw it pictures. The grill just screamed trying too hard. Since seeing it in person it's not only grown on me but I actually like that aggressive styling now. The nike swoosh is right down my alley too and I like the L shaped tail lights. The back end looks a little too much like they wanted to copy the 3 series but at least it still looks nice ...though the bumper could go on a diet.

The Q50 wants to be the tech juggernaut but its center instrument cluster (two nav screens, wheel, buttons) seemed to lack good design. The wheel seems to have limited use. You needed to use both the buttons and the touch screen to accomplish simple tasks. Since you need all 3 to work your system it seemed more compartmentalized than synergistic. It was nice seeing the wood trim again since Lexus seems to have left that in the dust, but as much as I bag on BMW's interior compared to both of these cars the wood trim in the BMW is far superior so I couldn't go gaga over the Infiniti's wood trim. The trim on the steering wheel buttons in the Q50 is nice but that shine fades quickly when you look past the steering wheel and see the LFA-like gauges in the Lexus. Seems like everyone loves the Q50's interior (and it was very nice) but it didn't wow me. It was nice. It was nicer than BMW (not hard) and Audi but I personally wouldn't use that as selling point for the Q50 over the Lexus.


For me the Q50 fell into that hard to tell what it is going for region. It's not the straight line winner as I would give that to BMW and Audi. It's not the best at handling, I'd give that to Lexus oddly. It's my least favorite in styling. For me it's best categories were interior and value for your money. The interior was about on par with the Lexus. The Q50 has the two cool nav screens. The Lexus has the bad *** LFA gauge cluster that has definite wow factor. They each have their good things and nit picks, then go pretty much tit for tat after that because overall they're both solid. For me I ranked the Lexus interior better because I loved the way the seats felt and loved the overall cockpit feel, but I could easily see someone picking the Q50 as their home because both are awesome and so close. Both cars offer great value for your money - both around mid $40k cars for great options.

The weakest point about the Lexus is its straight line speed, but outside of that it either won or came in 2nd in other categories. So for me it was the best all around option.

akshunj

I initially went to Infiniti looking to order a G37xS and was disappointed when I discovered the Q50 replaced it. I still don't like the styling of the Q. I love the motor though.

chris2k5

A friend has the IS350 F-Sport AWD and I have the Q50S Hybrid AWD. We swapped cars for 2 weeks and here is what I found.

Q50 just blows the IS out if the water in terms of speed.
Q50 interior quality is better. IS interior has a lot of cheapened plastics. The ergonomics are off on the IS too.

Technology isn't as good on the IS and you compromise so much with the IS if you get F Sport.

I am happy I didn't go with the IS350 because I feel it is a $40k car while the Q50 feels more $55k.

doodlebug

So, what did your friend say about the Q? Does he agree with you?

chris2k5

He was shocked at how top notch the Q50 was in terms of materials and interior design/quality. He was happy not having a huge AWD next to his gas pedal too.

He prefers the smaller size of the IS.

natnut

And probably the better handling/driving feel of the IS as well.

chris2k5

He didn't mention it. So I assume it is a push. The Q50 is better performer in my opinion.

Celsius

iTrader: (1)

+1, also I think Lexus is just a better company....until Infiniti brings out their "luxury GTR" (Emerge-E)

IS350S2K

I just preferred the overall design of the IS over the Q. The Q was never in consideration for me. My shortlist at the time included Audi S5, TTS/RS, e92 M3, CLA250 and S3 sedan (late additioms after ordering car).

oghowie

I currently have the g37 and the q50 just doesn't feel fresh enough to me. The is feels young while the q interior feels like something for 40 year olds and up. I think it was really the LFA instrument cluster that sold me though.

chris2k5

I was more disappointed that the IS has very questionable interior materials. Some of the surfaces felt like they came straight out of the Corolla parts bin.

wednesday

I don't care how great the Q50 or it's interior might be, I find it to be an extremely unattractive (and at certain angles bland) car and would never consider it. The IS looks so much better! The direction that Infinity has decided to go with it's styling is unfortunate because I used to love the G coupes although I have never liked the sedans, I have always found them bland so I guess that much hasn't really changed.