Not good news for the BMW 5-series and Mercedes E-class

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All-New Infiniti M Outperforming Sales Expectations

M sales up 1,100 percent versus March 2004; Well on pace to meet yearly sales target

The all-new 2006 Infiniti M sedan, which went on sale February 23rd, posted its first full-month sales of 2,220 units for March, more than double the first month’s sales goal. The new M, which is offered in both V8-powered M45 and V6-equipped M35 models, has also garnered exceptional reviews from the leading automotive publications – including a first place ranking for the M45 out of eight competitive mid-size luxury sport sedans in the May 2005 issue of Car and Driver magazine.

“Our marketing campaign positions the new M as a vehicle ‘Designed to Outperform,’ and with this strong initial launch success it certainly is doing just that,” said Mark Igo, vice president and general manager, Infiniti Division. “Our dealers garnered advance orders 40% over our target for the all-new M thanks to our extensive joint pre-launch marketing efforts (Mark really means because of all the AutoSpies coverage and encouragement to readers to pre-order M45's). All indications show we are on pace to meet our yearly sales target and add another chapter to the Infiniti new model launch success story in the recent tradition of the G35, FX and QX56 and our record sales in calendar year 2004.”

The all-new 2006 Infiniti M is offered in five models: the M35 (V6 rear-wheel drive), M35 Sport (V6 rear-wheel drive with Rear Active Steer and 19-inch wheels and tires), M35x AWD (V6 all-wheel drive), M45 (V8 rear-wheel drive) and M45 Sport (V8 rear-wheel drive with Rear Active Steer and 19-inch wheels and tires).

Winning comparison tests also extended to the 2006 M35 last month when it bested five other V6-powered mid-size luxury sport sedans in a Motor Trend article appearing in their March 2005 issue.

Osprey1 - 4/8/2005 1:15:47 PM

+1 Boost

I have owned both Mercedes and BMW's. Like another gentleman in this blog, I bought a 2003 G-35 coupe and it has been the best all around car I have ever owned. For the money it is impossible to beat. It is so good in fact that I have ordered a M-45. I can guarantee PH that there is ONE race the BMW 550i will ALWAYS win, and that is the race to the repair shop; the 550i has already got that one in the bag. Also, the difference in the dealership expereince between BMW, Mercedes and Infiniti is like night and day. BMW and Mercedes have gotten very arrogant the last few years and Infiniti is about to present them with a gift they have needed for a very long time; a little old time religion. They are going to need more than a little divine intervention to figure out how to top the M-45 for the same money. I don't think it can be done.

MercBasher - 4/9/2005 7:27:44 PM

+1 Boost

Reference the Car and Driver comparison test:

I was shocked that the Japanese came 1,2,3 and Germans 4,5,6 and this was in a test where expected reliability had no impact on rankings! Allow for differences in expected reliability and the gap, which favors the Japanese, would be greater. On the other hand factor in the expected resale value and the BMW and Merc would probably have finished higher in the rankings.

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I am not a fan of the Acura RL and think a loaded TL is a better bet.

I wish Infiniti would spend another $1,000 per vehicle and make the interiors much more inviting/higher quality.

Personally I would take the BMW or the Lexus out the eight cars.

MercBasher - 4/10/2005 5:16:44 PM

+1 Boost

TO e--s--f : you're annoying and partially inaccurate.

You're referring to the comparison in the May AUTOMOBILE Magasine which did put Audi #1. You noted the Automobile rankings were:
1. Audi A6 4.2 Quattro
2. Lexus GS430
3. Mercedes-Benz E500
4. Jaguar S-Type 4.2
5. Infiniti M45 Sport
6. Cadillac STS V8 RWD
7. BMW 545i
8. Acura RL"

However the May 2005 CAR AND DRIVER magasine comparison was the one referred to in the Autospies article above. Car and Driver rankings:
1. Infiniti M45 Sport
2. Acura RL
3. Lexus GS430
4. Mercedes E350
5. Audi A6 4.2 Quattro
6. BMW 530i
7. Jaguar S Type 4.2 VDP
8. Cadillac STS V-8

So what have we learned from this - well maybe:
(a.) there are more strong contenders in this segment than ever and buyers should be sure to test drive as many as possible before buying. (b.) that the Japanese really are catching up with the best Germans. Can you believe BMW fails to make the top half in either comparison - and BMW used to rule this segment of the market
(c.) if you average the results of the two tests then the Lexus GS430 squeaks into the lead, with a second place in one comparison and a third in the other. Whereas Audi and Infiniti score well in one comparison and flunk in the other.
(d.) if you're thinking of buying the Cadillac or Jaguar at least you're relying on more consistent results, namely distant runner-up positions

Osprey1 - 4/13/2005 10:20:24 AM

+1 Boost

To all my BMW loving friends, have you noticed that the M45 ALWAYS finishes ahead of the BMW in every comparison? Whether it's a 530i, or a 545i, the BMW is just plain behind. In the Motor Trend test involving the M35, Motor Trend stated that all the testers agreed that the BMW gave the LEAST value for the money of all the cars in the comparison. I have to agree with Brian that it is not Infiniti's fault that the Germans can't deliver a car equal to the M45 for the money. I drove BMW's for years but as they say; been there, done that, got the T shirt and the high dollar repair bills.

Homer008 - 4/14/2005 9:35:12 AM

+1 Boost

Hey Matt, would you believe if I told you that NISSAN's Skyline GTR has just set a new record by being the fastest production car now in the world? Well, its true. Nissan's Skyline beat Saleen, which was previous record holder for the speed in production cars in the world. Want proof? Read Cargo magazine, May edition. Might make you think twice about the nissan :)

Homer008 - 4/14/2005 9:35:12 AM

+1 Boost