The G-spot

[Morris Minor]

So when the Q50 came out I was not impressed esp. with styling. I've had a couple as service loaners and now I think it's the sharpest looking in the poser class. Still hate the media interface, very disappointed in reusing the G37 motor and tranny and no M/T option, and no LED turn signals bothers (me but none of the Japanese seem to be doing it so there must be a reason) so probably wouldn't buy one but there are indeed some screaming deals out there.

I've seen with Accords & Camries, that they add back LEDs in mid-cycle model refreshes, then remove them for the new model.

[12,000 RPM]

I would hold off. Q60 coupe is getting a twin turbo V6 that I bet will make its way into the Q50 sedan soon enough.

If I had 50K to spend on a sedan I would probably do a 335i. Bummer everything is so integrated now; the aftermarket does such a better job of integrating phones with infotainment. A $400 headunit and smartphone you already have works better than the $1000-2000 "navigation sync" packages

[CALL_911]

For the first time, I have no clue what I'd do with 50k on a sedan. The F30 335xi I drove (it was a manual) was okay. The engine/transmission were sublime, but everything else was eh (except the interior). When the E90 was out, I know I'd plonk that money down on the nicest 335i sedan I could buy. I think I'd forego the sedan and go for an M235i. Honestly, I'd take an S4 over that 335xi.

[Cookie Monster]

For the first time, I have no clue what I'd do with 50k on a sedan. The F30 335xi I drove (it was a manual) was okay. The engine/transmission were sublime, but everything else was eh (except the interior). When the E90 was out, I know I'd plonk that money down on the nicest 335i sedan I could buy. I think I'd forego the sedan and go for an M235i. Honestly, I'd take an S4 over that 335xi.

Yeah, I don't know what I'd do with 50k either. All the newer cars in the class have kinda gone downhill from the last gen cars IMO.

[12,000 RPM]

If AWD is a must IMO Audi is the only rational choice. Otherwise a 335i with PSS9s or some other legit aftermarket suspension setup is the only way to go. Though if I didn't need a sedan it would def be the M235i for me as well. I kind of want them to make a 2 sedan.

Im surprised theres not more fanfare for the ATS. I thought that was the enthusiasts choice. And GM is putting 5 figures on the hoods of expensive ones.

[CALL_911]

Yeah, I don't know what I'd do with 50k either. All the newer cars in the class have kinda gone downhill from the last gen cars IMO.

The IS sounds pretty awesome, but I wish they'd amp up the 2GR

[CALL_911]

If AWD is a must IMO Audi is the only rational choice. Otherwise a 335i with PSS9s or some other legit aftermarket suspension setup is the only way to go. Though if I didn't need a sedan it would def be the M235i for me as well. I kind of want them to make a 2 sedan.

Im surprised theres not more fanfare for the ATS. I thought that was the enthusiasts choice. And GM is putting 5 figures on the hoods of expensive ones.

The ATS was a disappointment. I'd like a manual in my 50k sport sedan, which eliminates the 3.6. I didn't like that 2.0T one bit. Ultimately, it was a flawed car that was fun and a good handler. I wanted so badly to like it, I love the way it looks inside and out and I love the idea of it. Didn't live up to my expectations, unfortunately. I hopped in the GTI after a test drive, and it felt so much more polished. The engine, despite being like 70 horsepower down on paper, felt just as strong and the gearbox felt like a precision tool.

That's how I feel about AWD (Audi). I'm sort of looking at cars to potentially replace the GTI. My dad suggested I just call it a day and get a 328xi which I am not down for at all. I've never liked 328xis much, and the F30 is a plain snooze. For AWD performance sedans, IMO, your best bets are Subaru and Audi. I've never been a fan of AWD BMWs.

I really want to try out an M235i. It's the first thing in a while from BMW that has me excited. If I could, I'd buy one.

[ifcar]

Im surprised theres not more fanfare for the ATS. I thought that was the enthusiasts choice. And GM is putting 5 figures on the hoods of expensive ones.

The reviews seem to say great handling but meh powertrains.

[Cookie Monster]

The IS sounds pretty awesome, but I wish they'd amp up the 2GR

No stick, though.

[CALL_911]

No stick, though.

I know. Thing is, that 8AT is apparently so good that it wouldn't matter. Toyota doesn't have a rep for making great MTs, but that 8AT has been getting rave reviews. I'd much rather have a well sorted AT than a shitty MT.

ATs/DSGs have gotten so good that lack of a MT is no longer a deal breaker for me. Makes the car less appealing, sure. MTs are irrational choices these days, but I can't say I wouldn't go for one if I had the option (and it was good).

[CALL_911]

That logic contradicts my reasoning against the ATS 3.6. Oh well

[Cookie Monster]

I know. Thing is, that 8AT is apparently so good that it wouldn't matter. Toyota doesn't have a rep for making great MTs, but that 8AT has been getting rave reviews. I'd much rather have a well sorted AT than a shitty MT.

ATs/DSGs have gotten so good that lack of a MT is no longer a deal breaker for me. Makes the car less appealing, sure. MTs are irrational choices these days, but I can't say I wouldn't go for one if I had the option (and it was good).

Unfortunately, it's still a deal breaker for me. Sucks because I wouldn't get most cars nowadays just because they don't come with a manual.

[Cookie Monster]

That logic contradicts my reasoning against the ATS 3.6. Oh well

Hah. I was going to say.

[CALL_911]

There was actually a more concrete reason why I discounted the ATS 3.6. I think it's because it was the "luxury" trim only (which would imply a softer car) or something? idk

[hotrodalex]

ATS-V

[GoCougs]

The whole of the class is awful- it's actually back tracked a bit what with the TLX replacing the TL and the "luxury" Q50 replacing the G37, the A4 available only with a turbo 4, the recycling of old power trains, etc., etc. Ugh, it's a wasteland. Strangely, what was the worst of the class, and one of the worst cars on the road, the M-B C Class, has made huge strides in its newest incarnation, esp. with that new TTV6.

[SVT666]

The only car in the class that I can think of that I would even consider is the BMW 328i.  Otherwise, there isn't a single car in the class that appeals to me.

[Cookie Monster]

Actually, if I were to get a $50k sport sedan, it'd be the Chevy SS. V8, 6 speed manual and clean, classic looks, a combination that no other car in the entry level luxury segment can offer.

[12,000 RPM]

People say autos have got a lot better and Ive driven the best of em.... I still want stickshift though. I really liked the GTI DSG, but when push came to shove I just couldn't commit.

Nissan's manual transmissions are not good either, including the Z. Either really rubbery and vague or really heavy and clunky. The 7AT in the 370Z was actually pretty good. Responsive and smart. But I would still opt for the stick.

Thankfully with autos being as awesome as they are wifey's next whip will be a ton of fun to drive.

[Cookie Monster]

People say autos have got a lot better and Ive driven the best of em.... I still want stickshift though. I really liked the GTI DSG, but when push came to shove I just couldn't commit.

Nissan's manual transmissions are not good either, including the Z. Either really rubbery and vague or really heavy and clunky. The 7AT in the 370Z was actually pretty good. Responsive and smart. But I would still opt for the stick.

Thankfully with autos being as awesome as they are wifey's next whip will be a ton of fun to drive.

Yeah, the manual in my dad's G is kinda notchy and hard to shift quickly with. Plus the pedal is pretty stiff.

Still love that car though.

[SVT666]

Actually, if I were to get a $50k sport sedan, it'd be the Chevy SS. V8, 6 speed manual and clean, classic looks, a combination that no other car in the entry level luxury segment can offer.

Definitely a contender if it's based just on dollars, but it's huge in comparison to the entry level lux class.

[12,000 RPM]

Actually, if I were to get a $50k sport sedan, it'd be the Chevy SS. V8, 6 speed manual and clean, classic looks, a combination that no other car in the entry level luxury segment can offer.

Its sad that this combo is such a foreign concept in this market.

I still think if the ATS/CTS offered the SS mechanicals... OK, they prob wouldnt do any better. But they could at least justify existing. V8/6MT/Magnaride is way closer to "bringing the fight to the Germans" than even the Caddy Vs.

[Morris Minor]

The whole of the class is awful- it's actually back tracked a bit what with the TLX replacing the TL and the "luxury" Q50 replacing the G37, the A4 available only with a turbo 4, the recycling of old power trains, etc., etc. Ugh, it's a wasteland. Strangely, what was the worst of the class, and one of the worst cars on the road, the M-B C Class, has made huge strides in its newest incarnation, esp. with that new TTV6.

I think M-B picked up the ball that BMW so obligingly dropped. I saw a C-400 on the way home the other day - quite tasty looking & intriguing: 329hp & 354lb-ft  torques out of a bi-turbo DI 3.0L. (Q50/G37: 328hp & 269lb-ft but $12K cheaper).

[ifcar]

The whole of the class is awful- it's actually back tracked a bit what with the TLX replacing the TL and the "luxury" Q50 replacing the G37, the A4 available only with a turbo 4, the recycling of old power trains, etc., etc. Ugh, it's a wasteland. Strangely, what was the worst of the class, and one of the worst cars on the road, the M-B C Class, has made huge strides in its newest incarnation, esp. with that new TTV6.

The TLX is a great improvement except for the loss of a manual.

[MX793]

The TLX is a great improvement except for the loss of a manual.

Seems like the reviews have been pretty lukewarm.  Not that they were gushing over the last TL either.

[ifcar]

Seems like the reviews have been pretty lukewarm.  Not that they were gushing over the last TL either.

Yeah, it's not a tough act to follow. I guess in fairness though it's the 4-cylinder (TSX replacement) that's gotten the best reviews, for better handling. It's the one I drove, and I quite liked it.

[MX793]

Yeah, it's not a tough act to follow. I guess in fairness though it's the 4-cylinder (TSX replacement) that's gotten the best reviews, for better handling. It's the one I drove, and I quite liked it.

C&D's writeup on the 4 cylinder wasn't exactly glowing.  They basically said get an Accord sport instead and save a bunch of money.  The Acura isn't anywhere close to the same league as offerings from BMW, MB, Audi, etc.  Reception of the V6 has been less warm.

[ifcar]

C&D's writeup on the 4 cylinder wasn't exactly glowing.  They basically said get an Accord sport instead and save a bunch of money.  The Acura isn't anywhere close to the same league as offerings from BMW, MB, Audi, etc.  Reception of the V6 has been less warm.

You can't get any premium features on the Accord Sport, though. And the TLX is not really a BMW/Audi alternative -- it's like $10,000 less comparably equipped.

[GoCougs]

At least the TL was distinctive, did NOT have a 4 cyl base motor, and had the SH-AWD version with 300+ hp and 6MT. Like any new car I'm sure the TLX is "better" than that it replaces but it typifies the awfulness of the segment (that most buyers are far better served by simply buying a loaded V6 Camcord).

[GoCougs]

The only car in the class that I can think of that I would even consider is the BMW 328i.  Otherwise, there isn't a single car in the class that appeals to me.

C'mon, man, that's near the bottom of the segment with the IS250.