Test Driving Some Other Sedans, Not That Impressed

[Devin]

This is a fact that can't be refuted by a pretend metric like a "soul."

I guess a soul is worth $4k and 200 less hp to some people. Enjoy your car's soul. See ya at the finish line. Eventually...

It's funny, there are actually other things about cars than horsepower.

Oh, I guess it also has a low CG. Cool.

 

[rci3044]

It has some confusing settings. I think the car has to be in Dynamic and sport + mode for the exhaust's baffles to open. Whatever the mode is called, you'll notice it sounds significantly better when downshifting. It gives some nice burps and gurgles. A really easy exhaust mod is unplugging the exhaust baffles (or whatever they're called) so they stay open no matter the driving mode you're in.

Let us know your thoughts.

The M550i had a fine exhaust note and the rumble of the V8 was wonderful, but the M5 was an order of magnitude better. I took heard the burps and gurgles from the tail end and was simply in awe. I have doubts the Lexus will sound that good, but I'd likely change the exhaust on it if I bought that car.

 

[rci3044]

I briefly thought about an m550i xDrive Off Lease price was close to my new 23 Stinger GT2 all wheel drive. This is my winter and daily car and I already have a Shelby GT350 and a 911 for summer. I also didn't want to send the wrong message to customers picking them up in a $90,000 car. Lovely car but the maintenance scared me away and I think tossing the Stinger around is pretty fun. The warranty is just the icing on the cake. If I really wanted to go big I probably end up in a Panamera.

Excellent input, I never thought about the Panamera. What about the maintenance for the M550i scared you away? Reliability is a feature I'm considering in this process and there seems to be mumblings that Bimmers and Benzs have motor issues. This one huge reason I am considering a Lexus.

 

[RM7]

The 550i is as fast as the last generation M5. It's an absolute crazy powerhouse that's kicking out well over 500hp at the wheels.

 

[Scorpion24]

I thought I would have my mind blown with the 340i, but only the M5 did that. So, it was a good learning experience. I am still planning to test a new Lexus IS 500, Genesis G70, and an Audi S5. But now, I think my expectations are better tempered after my experience with the 340i. Anyone out there have similar experiences? Are there any other new cars out there worth testing?

I looked at all these except the Audi and I ended up going with the Stinger.
The Lexus 500 roars but the interior is just years behind. I liked the G70 21 and back but the 22 grill just didn’t settle with me and I appreciated the Stingers hatch capability.

I was really leaning towards the 340i and had the exact same impressions you did from it on paper but it’s tiny inside. Car was just way too small for me, but man it’s definitely a fun car to drive. Modded I’m sure it’s a beast. Can’t go wrong with that b58.

 

[Kamauxx]

It's funny, there are actually other things about cars than horsepower.

Oh, I guess it also has a low CG. Cool.

Read the first post of this thread. You'll notice the OP is interested in sports sedans that are faster than his car. He asked for recommendations. I gave him a recommendation that is both faster and cheaper ($11k cheaper, actually. I forgot about the $7500 tax credit).

It sucks that the mere mentioning of an EV gets some people here in their feelings - as if their opinions trump the data provided - but facts are facts.

 

[ldp82]

Excellent input, I never thought about the Panamera. What about the maintenance for the M550i scared you away? Reliability is a feature I'm considering in this process and there seems to be mumblings that Bimmers and Benzs have motor issues. This one huge reason I am considering a Lexus.

scared might not be the right word. its pay to play. The car will go through consumables faster (tires brakes ect) if dealer maintained oil changes will be more. If you keep the car longer term when things wear out it will be more expensive to repair. it all goes back to how fast do you want to spend

 

[rci3044]

scared might not be the right word. its pay to play. The car will go through consumables faster (tires brakes ect) if dealer maintained oil changes will be more. If you keep the car longer term when things wear out it will be more expensive to repair. it all goes back to how fast do you want to spend

That makes sense and I pretty much concluded that if I get the Lexus I will keep it long term. Anything else will be kept 3 or 4 years is all. I remember watching a video by Doug Demuro and he was reviewing a M3CS I think and he said something to the effect that others complain BMWs will have head gasket failures at 60K miles and that's true, but what a car. After I heard that, I thought there is no way I'm buying a Bimmer.

 

[rci3044]

Read the first post of this thread. You'll notice the OP is interested in sports sedans that are faster than his car. He asked for recommendations. I gave him a recommendation that is both faster and cheaper ($11k cheaper, actually. I forgot about the $7500 tax credit).

It sucks that the mere mentioning of an EV gets some people here in their feelings - as if their opinions trump the data provided - but facts are facts. I'm not about to create my own personal unmeasurable metric or deny irrefutable data just because a dude on the internet got touched on his nono parts by an EV.

I am honestly excited about EVs and man are they snappy. For me, my reluctance first started with appearance. Teslas just look old and dated to me, and I was disappointed with their interior build quality. I'm anxiously awaiting for a refresh from them. Then, the BMWs and Audis more or less took the cars the already had and made them EV. I really like how the BMW you recommended and the etrons look. I hope that trend continues. So with that and the likelihood that fast charging stations will become more prevalent in the rural area I live in, I'll probably switch to EV in a few years.

 

[Snicklefritz]

Oh boy I got the 2.5 and I think it's way faster then a 2.0 stock. Its almost close to the 3.3 with mods I hope to build Mt 2.5 to smoke a stock 3.3

your goal is laudable and I wish you success, without breaking your car of course. lol. of course your not going to feel what a stock 2.5l does anymore as you reach for the stars. I drove a stock '22 2.5l and did wot and a launch. it felt like my premium or close enough that the difference if any was not worth mentioning. in a race Ima sure the 2.5l would gap the 2.0l, of course, but my butt can't feel it.

 

[Kamauxx]

I am honestly excited about EVs and man are they snappy. For me, my reluctance first started with appearance. Teslas just look old and dated to me, and I was disappointed with their interior build quality. I'm anxiously awaiting for a refresh from them. Then, the BMWs and Audis more or less took the cars the already had and made them EV. I really like how the BMW you recommended and the etrons look. I hope that trend continues. So with that and the likelihood that fast charging stations will become more prevalent in the rural area I live in, I'll probably switch to EV in a few years.

I totally agree. Both the interior and exterior of the Model 3 is bland to say the least. And it isn't getting any better. Yesterday someone posted a picture of the Cybertruck's interior and it's BAD. I compared it to the Rivian RT1's interior and the Tesla is just absolutely horrible in comparison. The refreshed Model 3 is going to be polarizing. They switched the headlights and removed the stalks. So it still looks like a catfish, but the catfish's eyes are squinting now. And now you have to use the screen to shift the car and I suppose the signal indicators will be on the steering wheel. I think it's a step back...but Elon likes reinventing things that don't need reinventing.

I prefer the interior and exterior looks of almost all other EVs over Teslas. I like a more traditionally styled car. Hyundai, Kia, Audi, Lucid, etc managed to make their EVs look normal which is something I fear Tesla will never go for.

Look at this monstrosity.




Compared to the Rt1. Somebody at Tesla has lost their mind.

 

[ldp82]

My next daily driver will probably be electric. At that time I will probably go with whoever has the best charging Network so unless things change looks like I'll be getting a tesla. I agree the Interiors are a little too minimalist for me.

 

[Redleg94]

Read the first post of this thread. You'll notice the OP is interested in sports sedans that are faster than his car. He asked for recommendations. I gave him a recommendation that is both faster and cheaper ($11k cheaper, actually. I forgot about the $7500 tax credit).

It sucks that the mere mentioning of an EV gets some people here in their feelings - as if their opinions trump the data provided - but facts are facts. I'm not about to create my own personal unmeasurable metric or deny irrefutable data just because a dude on the internet got touched on his nono parts by an EV.

Part of a "sports sedan" appeal is the sound. If I didn't want the space that the Stinger offers, then the IS, G70, and Alfa Giulia would be at the top of my list. All of those have a good exhaust note and good amenities. If I wanted the space, but something faster, then Panamera all the way. If I could swing it, and wanted a traditional sedan, the Giulia Quadrofoglio would be the choice, If I wanted the space, the Panamera Sport Turismo would be it.

An EV simply doesn't provide the noise that you want in a "sport sedan", yes, that is the "soul". IMHO, no one buys a Stinger of any flavor because it is the most "practical" or "sensible" choice. One buys one because you're already looking for that "soul" and it's the "most practical" of those choices.

 

[BlueByYouGT]

Oh, I guess it also has a low CG. Cool.

Yeah who cares how a sports sedan handles. LMBO.

 

[Redleg94]

To the OP, have you looked at that Alfa Giulia? A new 2.0 liter is in the ballpark, or if you look, you might be able to swing a used Quadrofoglio for the same money. If you want exhaust note, it's hard to beat the sound of a Ferrari derived V6

 

[Kamauxx]

Part of a "sports sedan" appeal is the sound. If I didn't want the space that the Stinger offers, then the IS, G70, and Alfa Giulia would be at the top of my list. All of those have a good exhaust note and good amenities. If I wanted the space, but something faster, then Panamera all the way. If I could swing it, and wanted a traditional sedan, the Giulia Quadrofoglio would be the choice, If I wanted the space, the Panamera Sport Turismo would be it.

An EV simply doesn't provide the noise that you want in a "sport sedan", yes, that is the "soul". IMHO, no one buys a Stinger of any flavor because it is the most "practical" or "sensible" choice. One buys one because you're already looking for that "soul" and it's the "most practical" of those choices.

He asked for recommendations for a sports sedan alternative to a Tribute Edition Stinger. So I recommended a car that is both much faster and much cheaper. "Soul" isn't a metric I can calculate, so I couldn't make any recommendations based on the machine's "soul."

He's already said he likes EVs. He should probably do his shopping based on what he likes not what others dislike.

 

[Devin]

He asked for recommendations for a sports sedan alternative to a Tribute Edition Stinger. So I recommended a car that is both much faster and much cheaper. "Soul" isn't a metric I can calculate, so I couldn't make any recommendations based on the machine's "soul."

He's already said he likes EVs. He should probably do his shopping based on what he likes not what others dislike.

Stop being obtuse. I made a specific denigrating remark about a car that feels like the interior of the Heart of Gold, contentedly sighing doors notwithstanding. It's sterile, plasticky, thoroughly a commuter car with balls and not much else.

Apparently you took this as a jab about electric cars, which it was not. I'm sorry that "soul" offended you so much. I'll try to bring more "numbers" into the conversation since that is more "definable".

 

[Kamauxx]

My next daily driver will probably be electric. At that time I will probably go with whoever has the best charging Network so unless things change looks like I'll be getting a tesla. I agree the Interiors are a little too minimalist for me.

Interestingly I just read about Ford adding NASC compatibility to their EVs. This will undoubtedly be followed up by more automakers. You're probably going to have much more options available when it's time to shop.

https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2023/05/25/ford-ev-customers-to-gain-access-to-12-000-tesla-superchargers--.html

 

[Rodtheviking]

Volvo S60 T8, 455 horse and 523lb. ft. This MIGHT be my next car.

And you can get the V60 T8 Polestar but that's some serious coin.

The 2023 and on have got rid of the supercharger/turbo combo and went with a high output/bigger turbo with a stronger electric rear motor. The supercharger was a mess and not necessary with modern turbo design.

 

[BlueByYouGT]

Interestingly I just read about Ford adding NASC compatibility to their EVs. This will undoubtedly be followed up by more automakers. You're probably going to have much more options available when it's time to shop.

https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2023/05/25/ford-ev-customers-to-gain-access-to-12-000-tesla-superchargers--.html

Problem with more automakers going to NASC compatibility is it runs the risk of overwhelming Tesla's supercharging network. Too many vehicles using Tesla's chargers can actually make it worse for everyone involved.