Four-way luxury sedan comparison – Audi A6 vs BMW 520i vs Infiniti M25 vs Lexus GS 250

Shootout main

It isn’t hard to believe that the BMW 5 Series is a popular car – examples are all over the city. But the BMW is not the only car to live in this segment. Audi, Infiniti, Lexus, Mercedes and Jaguar are arguably the Bimmer’s closest rivals.

So we’ve gathered three of them – Audi A6, Infiniti M25 and the Lexus GS 250 – to see how they stack up against the car from Munich. A fair bit of warning: we have a lot to say so grab a cup of coffee, plant yourself in a comfortable spot and enjoy.

EXTERIOR

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Chris says:

Here’s the truth: I find the looks of these cars dull. Surprising because I was sure the Audi A6 would be the best looking car of the lot when I picked it up a day earlier. Yet, here and now, together with the BMW 520i, Infiniti M25 and Lexus GS 250, all four cars look as exciting as suits in a suit store instead a scene from Reservoir Dogs. I’ll explain.

Every car here carries its own character but when assembled together, you’ll have a manufactured operatic pop band instead of something exciting like the Avengers. The signature grilles and DRLs make them somewhat similar to one another. And having a coupe-like silhouette encourages me to wonder if the basic frame comes from the same sheet of paper.

The 5 Series always had its dual grille and its lighted irises to carry its presence. The Audi A6’s single-frame hexagonal frame gets very intimidating especially with its sharp LED day-running lights, which I think is the best in the business. The GS 250 have moved away from the humdrum to bring in stylish athleticism into its shape. Even the oddly penned M25 establishes its own niche, appealing to those who prefer more curves than lines from a ruler; although I do think there’s too much going on.

But choose I must and the Audi and Lexus occupy either side of the coin. Both designs are as different as night and day, time to flip that coin.

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The new GS 250 looks the most improved when compared to the previous generation; the spindle grille helps to put some fierceness in its face. It stands out only because the GS seem to embody a character that does not want to take itself seriously.

The Audi, on the other hand, takes itself too seriously. The single frame grille and the daytime running lights (an option for the 2.0T) makes the A6 put on an impassive face. Tour round its body and you’ll begin to notice that the lines are deliberate, no overtly flared bonnet or curve is out of place. Which ultimately bestows a cold and hard character on the car. For an executive saloon, it is not a bad thing.

Which I would choose? I’d stick to my original decision and go with the Audi. The A6 gives that on-road presence that none of the other cars give, which is why it has my vote.

Danny says:

The Infiniti M25 is a large car, and you won’t be underestimating its size with those muscular and shapely haunches, like the muscle dense limbs of predators. The effect is further enhanced by a bulging bonnet and huge, imposing grille.

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The F10 won’t turn many heads, partly because it’s such a common sight, but also because BMW is done with polarising designs from the Chris Bangle era. Munich is more interested in the classic and elegant look these days, and I think they’ve succeeded here.

And then, we have the Audi and Lexus. The A6 is trademark Audi – there’s no way one would mistake it for any other marque, but it is likely that you’ll get the model wrong. Whether you view it as a larger A4 or a junior A8, the lines are neat and the car looks smart, although I think that the looks will be much less arresting without those piercing LED bars at both ends.

My favourite by a mile is the Lexus. In a complete U-turn from its soapbar-shaped predecessor, the new GS wears a sharp suit – think Stephan Winkelmann, not Japanese salaryman. Put the older GS beside this newer one and you wouldn’t believe both cars are from the same company. The change is good.

In my eyes, the GS is the recepient of the previous-gen E60 5-Series’ baton as the athlete in the class, in terms of looks at least. The blend of sharp lines and curves, with no excess fat, really does it for me, and the assertive new “spindle grille” dominated face tops off the new image nicely.

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Anthony says:

It’s not that it’s overtly radical, but given the company here, the M25 is certainly different. I spent the most time with it, and though by the end of the comparo my indifference hadn’t turned to love, there was at least the element of appreciation for what Infiniti designers were trying to achieve – the term presence comes to mind.

Which is more than what can be said for the A6. It is stately, but on the whole plies safe ground, its mix of lines and flow clean, predictable but ultimately, boring. Yes, you can call it handsome, but it’s the sort of car you’d want to be in if you wanted to be seen, but not. Such is the conundrum.

As for the 5 Series, the F10 is also classifiable as authoritative, but its design flow has come along from the E60’s gilt-edged presentation. The result is something far more refined, which works for many, I suppose, because the F10 is simply flooding the roads. With that said, I still prefer the tauter rendition served by the E60. At its best, that one was simply menacing.

Finally, the Lexus, and here is a shape one can well learn to love. Given the last outing, which in simple terms can best be described as ambiguous – bloated, at that – in its interpretation of what a premium sedan should be, the new GS is a veritable panzer, arguably more Teutonic-looking than its German counterparts.

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The overall definition is high, and it works for me – the lines and strokes hang together, with an organic feel to it all, even with the edges and kinks. Not everyone in the group thought it was the most eye-catching, but there you are, and that’s why Baskin-Robbins has 31 flavours. I’ll have a serving of Lexus, with some toppings, please.

INTERIOR

Chris says:

I hop into the A6 and I am quickly immersed in a sea of knobs and toggles, all backlit in a reddish glow, which I don’t mind one bit. Yes, it looks busy but the switches are arranged logically in the centre console and placed close to the driver. However, they are not as easy to use as you think.

Some of the knobs here have two functions and it needs a button press or two to make it switch from task to task. So you need to learn how to use the interior to make the most out of the car. And that daunts most people.

Another interface that is not as user-friendly as it should be is Lexus’ Remote Touch Interface. It is improved than the one you can find on the CT200h, but it still far from goal. The joystick has more resistance built into it, so you know when it jumps from one option to the next. But the placement of the options on the screen is clumsy and there always is an extra push needed before something meaningful is done.

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The best interface that I have used so far is the iDrive, which uses one knob that you can twist, push and tap to do all sorts of things. BMW has evolved its iDrive into something really special, intuitive and friendly. Let’s give credit where credit is due.

The multimedia interface of the M25 is nothing to shout about, but I do like what Infiniti did to the place. The cascade centre console is a refreshing change to the sheer cliff that you’ll find in almost all cars. There is much thought going into the choice of trim and colour, even the accompanying materials adds to the plushness of the interior. Somehow, I find it easy to live inside this car.

The seats are comfortable. But you don’t merely sit on it; you let your posterior be cradled instead. The rear offers plenty of room, especially the legroom and specifically the knee area. The backs of the front seats are carved out to make way for more real estate without affecting the comfort of the front seats so the knees of the rear passenger do not need to touch the front seat.

The Lexus is also quite comfortable to sit in, even at the back. The backrest has more tilt, which makes it feel like you’re sitting on a sofa. Surprisingly, it is both German makes that force you to sit a little more upright than usual. So it is not as comfortable as its interior design suggests.

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So which do I like the best? Obviously it is the Infiniti M25. Although it is as over-designed as the exterior, the inside has a certain ambience that gives you a pleasant and relaxed feeling; much like how a five-star hotel effortlessly delivers.

Danny says:

The Infiniti boasts sumptuous materials and attention to detail absent from the pack. The semi-aniline leather is supple and inviting, the Japanese ash wood is infused with silver powder to “3D” the grain effect, the driver’s knee rests on soft padded leather on the centre tunnel, the classy analogue clock, the blend of colours and textures… you get the drift.

The swoopy cabin design is not to my personal taste, but it’s an interior that soothes and pampers well. The seating position feels higher than the other three cars, which adds to the relaxed, gliding feel. There are also ventilated (and heated) seats that work well in the current hot spell.

What’s not to like? The locally fitted colour screen is the poorest of the lot, looks cheap and doesn’t work particularly well. And the amusing sound it makes on startup belongs to a video game, not a luxury car.

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The BMW is the polar opposite. No flair and drama, everything works in an austere but very efficient manner, almost like Chancellor Merkel’s preaching to the troubled Eurozone.

The two classic BMW dials, the no-frill displays, the AC controls (I like the individually adjustable fan speed) – they’re all straightforward to look at and to use. BMW’s iDrive, much criticised at birth, has evolved to be the benchmark control system; the longer you drive it, the more likely you’re going to not crave for more.

The Audi’s spaceship cockpit appeals to certain folks, but there’s too much going on for minimalist me. It irritates me that simple operations like adjusting the fan speed needs two separate actions: first, press the solo fan button hidden in that sea of red, then turn the dial, which also controls temperature.

Getting into the car at night, and without the luxury of time to settle and adapt, I just couldn’t find the instrument brightness adjuster quick enough to save my eyes. Attempting to navigate around the MMI on the fly takes a lot of grey matter, which saps quite a bit of attention, leaving less for the road ahead.

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The Lexus fares better, but it’s not perfect. The mouse-like Remote Touch system is linked to a mega sized 12.3-inch screen with some cool graphics, but the user interface needs some tweaking. The “mouse” was too sensitive for me (every nudge of mine pushed it to the end) while a dedicated back button would be good, too.

That aside, I like what Lexus has done with the GS’ dashboard, blending a modern “techy feel” with elegance. Like the outer skin, there’s fresh thinking here, and no traditional “waterfall” style centre console to remind you of Toyota. There’s a good-looking small diameter steering wheel with shift paddles, too.

The seats and driving position, while cushy enough, are quite conducive for sporty driving. Even the rear seats get good side bolsters. The new GS is really living up to its billing as a new breed of Lexus.

Anthony says:

If you’re the type who values a sense of occasion in a cabin, then the Infiniti’s is the place to be. It’s the most old school fashion of the four in how everything is pitched, from elements to design, but it is undeniably plush.

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Also high on the list is the level of attention to detail – witness the work on the ash wood inlays as well as the varied blend of surface textures on call. Design-wise, cosseting would best describe it, aided by the workings of the Bose sound system on call. Ah, but there’s one thing that spoils the whole sense of belonging, and that’s the incredibly tacky startup tune that chirps away when you turn on the ignition. Game console, anyone?

Old-school plush to space-age kitsch, that’s the jump you get stepping from the M25 into the A6’s interior, which continues to ply the “let’s put all the switch and function wares we possibly can into a cabin” route. Busy doesn’t begin to describe it, and that sea of red (never a favourite) doesn’t help matters.

In terms of quick engagement, you can either be overwhelmed by it (likely) or just ignore it all (quite impossible). I simply got irritated. If the operation aspects were simpler, perhaps it would be bearable, but items like the MMI continue to confound, and on the whole switchgear operation features redundancy like its going out of fashion.

Thankfully, the approach served up by the Lexus is less nefarious. There’s a quiet elegance about how everything is presented in the cabin, and of note is the refinement and level of thought that has gone into things, compared to the previous gen’s interior.

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It’s not completely compelling, of course, and some elements need more work. The large 12.3-inch screen should rightly be a winner, but is flawed by lower resolution levels that take the edge off the size.

Likewise the Remote Touch system, which suffers some operational anomalies – chief among these is a lack of sensitivity correlation between controller and the accuracy of movement/placement on screen. Still, there’s plenty to like, the seats, driving position and smoothness of switchgear operation being items of note. The rear seats aren’t too shabby either.

In terms of overall balance, however, the BMW seems to have gotten its act settled the best. Not the prettiest – there will be those who will argue that it’s all rather ascetic looks-wise, but much of it has to do with familiarity, for us at least. Yes, alright, it’s a bit bland, the cabin, missing the frills and fancy found in the other machines in the test, but less is more, when you get it right.

Hidden underneath that conservative veneer is a high pedigree of operational refinement, sensed more than seen – for example, the long-evolved iDrive makes its other competitors clumsy and awkward in comparison, and for driving position and overall in-cabin scope and tactility, the 520i is the one to beat in the group.

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PERFORMANCE

Chris says:

Things get hairy from here. But before I can properly let loose, I have to say that I did all of my driving with the sportiest drive setting that the car can give.

I’ll start by crossing out the Infiniti from the list. Not to say that it is absolutely rubbish, it is not. Its ride is supple and absorbs the bumps all too well, almost like driving on foam mattresses. Have not done that before? Then let me tell you that it will be one of the most comfortable rides you’ll ever have. And unfortunately, the car also handles as if it is driving on foam mattresses.

You see, the steering does not feel right. Its weight is adjusted according to speed, which is good. But while it feels heavy, there isn’t much feedback coming from the wheel; which is bad. It is also not quite quick and not as precise when compared to the rest of the pack.

And then, there’s the power (or lack thereof) to contend with. While the Infiniti gets a nice-sounding 2.5-litre V6 lump, the engine only squeezes out 218hp and 252Nm, which is good for a century sprint of 8.5 seconds. The numbers does not translate well to real-world speed; it feels lagged.

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A seven-speed automatic is mated to the powerplant but it does not feel snappy nor does it shifts thought the gears quickly. It takes a while before the M25 build any sort of respectable speed. So if it is performance you are looking for, then you should look to the other cars. With that said, the M25 is a car that you’d want if you do most of your driving at a sedate pace.

The A6 is the second car to be crossed from my list. Not because it is rubbish – far from it – but the Lexus and BMW feels much better to drive. The difference here is the Audi’s front-wheel drive format; the rest are rear-wheel driven.

So, the A6 can get understeery at times, especially when you try attacking the apexes at higher speeds. Quattro this is not, but if you take time to learn the car’s intricacies, you’ll find the Audi’s handling very agreeable.

Power is derived from a 2.0-litre TFSI force-induced engine. While it only generates 180hp, the powerplant churns out 320Nm of torque between 1,500 and 3,900rpm. It really makes the A6 feel quicker than its 0 – 100km/h time suggests; 8.3 seconds is recorded on the time sheets. And it is good to a top speed of 226km/h.

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Here’s a shocker: the A6 sports a CVT gearbox that gives you eight pseudo-gears. There are two things that usually come with a CVT, which are the droning of the gearbox and the lag in acceleration. Both are delightfully absent in the A6.

It makes cruising the highway a comfortable experience. The lag in acceleration is still there, but barely noticeable. In fact, switch over to manual mode and all discrimination disappears. The shift is immediate and the power is transferred to the wheels quickly. All in all, Audi has done a good job in making the CVT feel very un-CVT.

The A6 comes with drive select, which lets the driver tune the setting of the engine, gearshifts and suspension. Even with dynamic-mode selected, which makes the car a little tighter and sportier, the Audi falls short of being excellent. As I said earlier, the Lexus and the BMW has this one in the bag. But which is better?

Numbers first. The GS250 has a 2.5-litre V6 that produces 206hp and 253Nm. Its 0-100km/h is clocked at 8.8 seconds and has a top speed of 230km/h. A six-speed automatic is mated to the engine.

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The 520i gets a turbocharged 2.0-litre that generates 184hp and 270Nm of torque. The BMW goes to 100km/h from zero in eight seconds flat and hits a top speed of 226km/h. It has an eight-speed auto that transmits energy to the rear wheels.

Head-to-head, the GS has more power but less torque than the 5 Series. Yet, it is the German car that reaches the 100km/h mark earlier than the Japanese. It translates almost accurately in reality too. The eight-speed auto of the Bimmer is relentless. The upshifts are smooth and precise, exactly hitting all the sweet spots so it loses no time at all.

The lack of two forward ratios in the Lexus is telling; the GS takes a few tenths longer to hit its optimum shift points. While it is decent on the straights and downhill, the Lexus somewhat struggles on inclines. It is slow to kick down a cog to summon the power it needs – the manual mode clears up all the confusion.

Things aren’t as clear-cut on roads that are more twisted than a David Fincher movie. In equal doses, both cars follow the road well. The steering on both cars is very point-and-shoot; aim where you want to go and accelerate, and the car will do the rest. Both rarely put a foot wrong too, although the GS arrives on the limit of its grip easier than the 520i.

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To split hairs, the BMW is slightly more refined than the GS when it comes to handling. With refinement comes predictability, so you know what the 5 Series will do in any given situation. It is fun for a whole 15 minutes before I start realise that the brake-cut apex-accelerate out of the corners become one glorified wash-rinse-repeat. I start to wish I were behind the wheel of the Lexus.

As I said earlier, the GS250’s handling isn’t refined. In fact, it has a tendency to oversteer with threats of breaking the rear grip. This makes the drive a little more on the edge; I have to be on the ball at all times ready to counter-steer. And for once I don’t mind that the Lexus is slower to come to power because it inspires one to think ahead more and hold the revs for the next corner or the next climb. I do admit that I am liking this car more.

Danny says:

The previous-gen GS had all the driving appeal of a Camry. This is different. The new GS is eager and willing to play curves! And as B roads go, the route we drove on was challenging: hairpin after hairpin, one side hill, one side cliff, most corners blind.

Turn in is sharp, and there’s a sense of lightweight and agility. Body roll is a non-issue and the steering is quick enough on zig-zag roads. I sense a lively tail, too, although this car’s VSC is swift and strict. The challenge was to drive as hard as possible without the annoying VSC threatening to “trim my lead” over the BMW nipping at my tail. Also, if they have dialled in more steering feel, this would have been a great driving package. But I have steering paddles, and they are being put to good use.

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It is manual mode all the way, which is why I can’t tell you how well (or not) it works in the daily grind. But I can report that the paddles, which turn along with the steering, work well enough with fast shifts and a nice click. This V6 engine note is noteworthy, especially in the second half of the rev range. Artificially enhanced or not, it’s a sonorous voice that will elicit a chuckle or two as you ram home.

So yes, it’s a new kind of Lexus. But as much fun that was, I know deep down that the BMW has its measure in the driving department. The F10’s innocent sheep’s clothing hides a chassis that is truly talented. Body control is fantastic in Sport mode and the steering is sublime in this company. Compared to the Lexus, I could power out of corners quicker.

And that drivetrain is faultless. Eight speeds might sound like a lot of ratios to get lost into, but it never happens. The turboed inline-four’s brutal efficiency at both ends – performance and fuel consumption – means I don’t miss the inline-six of old.

The F10 also does the mundane very well. Cruising comfort is good and a press of the selector sends it into Comfort+ mode, where the active dampers do their best to send your occupants into slumber. Through the years, entry-level Fives were great but slow cars. This 520i is simply a great car.

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Jumping from the BMW into the Infiniti is like being thrown an axe after hours of working with a scalpel. I approached the M the same way I did with the 520i, and it turned out to be a bad idea. It took just two corners to exhibit really slow steering, plenty of drivetrain lag and bulk that’s hard to mask.

It sounds horrible but it’s not. The Infiniti just isn’t meant for days like this, preferring long highway cruises and urban use, where its soothing character and brilliant ride comfort come into play. Earlier, I was tasked to collect the car from downtown KL, and the accompanying mad traffic jam and long highway crawl back home became irrelevant.

What about the Audi? Well, there’s nothing outstanding here and I almost don’t recall how it drives. Maybe I do – it feels like a Volkswagen, and I mean it as a compliment. The 2.0 TFSI is its usual self, which is good, and Audi’s CVT gearbox doesn’t annoy – also good. Ride comfort is another plus.

In the A4, there’s not one Audi Drive Select setting that I’m comfortable with (ride is fine in Comfort, but steering is too light; steering has better weight in Sport, but ride becomes crashy), but better balance can be found here. Fast enough, too.

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Anthony says:

It’s with the Infiniti that I chug along for most of the uphill sections of the route. Underneath the visceral exterior is very much a gentle soul, meant to amble rather than storm along. Comfort levels are high; it offered the plushest ride, by far the most compliant of the four, and on a highway and cruising along at speed, this isn’t a bad thing.

Get into close-quarter terrain, however, and it offers a less picturesque take. On windy, twisty tarmac, steering effort is needed to get the bulk going and pointing where you want it to. In the end, easing off eased the strain, but you’ll still get a good arm workout with this one.

Of course, the route isn’t something like what an M25 is likely to encounter everyday. In far more familiar landscapes (read: city), its refined, relaxed character and simple, unfettered charm (silly start-up chime aside) would be just the thing its buyer is looking for.

Going from the inherent laziness of the Infiniti’s boat-like steering to the sharp immediacy of the BMW meant that stabbing the throttle and putting quick input to the wheel almost meant a turn for the worse, quite literally. Nothing uncatchable, but breathtaking all the same.

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The Munich kid is the sharpest and most agile offering by far, already even without Sport mode engaged. It responds to input in the usual BMW fashion – controlled, precise, unflappable. You do things that you wouldn’t dream of in something like the M25, and so in the end I did the ‘drop back, stop and charge up’ act to the convoy repeatedly, because it was just joy doing so.

However, if you choose to be civil about it, the car does that bit ably as well. Ride compliance and overall comfort levels bows to the Infiniti, but the Comfort+ damper setting makes for a rather benign beast, aided by the smoothness of the eight-speeder tranny. In terms of versatility, the BMW offers the widest spectrum of shades – good for a giggle when spanked, and thoroughly business-like when restrained.

I take the Audi down the hill, keeping company with the Infiniti. Unable to get past it on the narrow stretch, I settle down to fuss over the switchgear, and keep noticing the suspension. It’s undoubtedly the firmest of the four, especially at low-level speeds, and though speeding things up improves compliancy (not at the expense of handling), there’s always a detached feeling to everything.

Surprisingly, the steering, which is lifeless off-centre in terms of feel and devoid of any real weight, has good accuracy and speed, and the rest of the bulk follows suit when pressed. The Audi tracks well, and short of the tightest, twistiest bits, accomplishes movement in an even-tempered manner, with great poise at that.

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It does so, however, in completely unemotional fashion – cold, even if it’s capable, that’s what I felt about it as I walked away. Plus points are its engine, ever the showpiece, and a rather silky gearbox.

The Lexus is infinitely more fun to drive. Energetic, with a brisk, light nature, there’s a frisky quality to its disposition when asked to bomb along. The steering feel could be better. And that gearbox could do with some more work in terms of transitions, but the chassis is lively and eager, and it shows.

For sure, it has higher thresholds than the previous GS, revealed by taking it into – metaphorical – places where the last incarnation would have waved the white flag in abject terror. The VSC is still overtly intrusive though, and the car never feels unbridled because of that. Still, doubtless that anyone would buy a Lexus to go mental with it.

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CONCLUSION

Chris says:

I still favour the Audi A6. Personally, I think it is best looking car here. I am also all for the complexity of the A6’s human interface and the multi-function buttons; it discourages all to play with my settings. The downside is its power and handling, which is easily cured by having the bigger 3.0 litre version instead.

However, I have to give my win to the Lexus. Despite the fact that I would like to introduce its Remote Touch Interface to a hammer, the rest of the car ticks all the right criteria. I especially like how this GS handles in spite of the fact that it lacks straight-line speed or its gears sometimes struggles to find the right ratio.

Danny says:

I really enjoyed being a part of this shootout, for it pitched many different, sometimes opposing, characters and philosophies together. There is no superior luxury car to rule the rest, for each has its strengths. To me, the BMW 520i is the best car to drive here, and it’s also very good as a comfortable, efficient luxury cruiser.

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But the eye opener of the test for me was the Lexus. This is not just a new GS, but a new kind of Lexus. It looks the part as a sporty exec, and is beginning to drive the part as well. Not perfect yet, but with this quantum leap, they’re heading in the right direction. Good job Lexus!

Anthony says:

The Infiniti, and to a lesser extent the Audi, are inherently left field, for those who want to serve notice of intent, but in a less in-your-face manner. Or for that matter, for those who want to be different. My choice boils down to the Lexus and BMW. The Lexus is still not quite the finished article, but the newfound approach – both in shape and character – struck a chord with me.

Nonetheless, the marker invariably gets placed on the 520i. In terms of kit and mod cons, it’s missing bits here and there compared to the other three, and the shape is a bit too generic for my liking. All the necessary bits that matter are there, however, and its wide-ranging spectrum offers it the most balanced view of the world, at least from a driver’s perspective, and in the end, this rubric is still the one to beat.

Lexus GS 250

BMW 520i

Audi A6

Infiniti M25

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Anthony Lim

Anthony Lim believes that nothing is better than a good smoke and a car with character, with good handling aspects being top of the prize heap. Having spent more than a decade and a half with an English tabloid daily never being able to grasp the meaning of brevity or being succinct, he wags his tail furiously at the idea of waffling - in greater detail - about cars and all their intrinsic peculiarities here.

 

Comments

  • Chris on Apr 26, 2013 at 10:29 pm

    Family has been owning the GS for the last two months… No regrets buying it over the A6 and 5Series… You’ll eventually get over the stigma of a Japanese luxury car over a German one and love it for what it is.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 105 Thumb down 98
    • GS looks like those sperm whale, Infiniti is just another uncle car from Nissan, Audi Sexy, BMW cool. should kick out of the GS and the Infiniti! Mercedes and Jaguar join in.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 90 Thumb down 109
      • frenzyaustin on Apr 27, 2013 at 12:03 pm

        How the fu*k GS looks like a whale while it looks like a Predator. And what happend to you actually, what’s wrong with Infiniti and Lexus? Looks like they killed your family.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 71 Thumb down 64
        • Jimmy on Apr 29, 2013 at 8:56 am

          Only idiots will support the Lexus. Is is a Toyota lah for heaven’s sake. A rebadged Toyota. It is like buying Bata shoes but Bata has rebadged it as Nike. And you think you are gettign a Nike. People are so stupid. And yes, younger Jimmy, please don’t come by and give a comment. Older Jimmy knows more!

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 64 Thumb down 44
          • I wouldn’t go so far as calling them stupid, Jimmy. I do agree though that the Lexus’ of the day are really just Toyotas. Which is why I wouldn’t buy one.
            If you look at the Acura, Infiniti and Lexus, the first two clearly designs their cars away from their less-endowed siblings ie Honda and Nissan. The current Camry for example, can be easily mistaken for a Lexus, and I don’t like that.
            On the comparo, design wise I must say the Infiniti clearly looks outsized, and non-luxury. I tested it though, and it is a wonderful car. I would vote the 5-series, for a design that is both bold and luxurious.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 9
          • NihonJidosha on Apr 29, 2013 at 11:34 am

            When Lotus use Camry engine no body complain, when Lexus use Toyota’s engine family, is a rebadged camry…etc
            And then would mistaken Camry as a Lexus, I wish Camry looks as nice as a Lexus.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 17
      • Chris on Apr 27, 2013 at 1:29 pm

        Long term reliability is also something that while unfortunately because this is a new car review can’t be assessed. I am sure many can agree Japanese cars are more reliable than German counterparts. And Lexus customer service… Oh boy they are good…

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 70 Thumb down 37
    • ABTguy on Apr 27, 2013 at 12:32 pm

      2 of my relatives have the GS250, and I tell you they regretted like hell. Especially after 528i (turbo) was introduced. And they felt like suicide when A6 hybrid was launched.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 111 Thumb down 82
      • NihonJidosha on Apr 27, 2013 at 3:50 pm

        Is your relatives buying current generation or previous generation GS. What the cause for them regret buying? Poor quality? Terrible drive? Feels like buying a expensive Toyota? Feels like not following the trend? Stereotypes against Japanese car?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 43 Thumb down 54
        • ABTguy on Apr 27, 2013 at 11:00 pm

          Current generation of course, poor fuel consumption, no performance, don’t feel premium. Feel like cheap Toyota.

          And expensive in comparison with German Cars.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 61 Thumb down 36
          • NihonJidosha on Apr 27, 2013 at 11:32 pm

            I have a solution for your relative, told them change the Lexus logo on the steering to BMW and Mercedes Benz, and the car will turn into a high quality, premium, and doesn’t feel like a cheap Toyota.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 41 Thumb down 101
          • Sam "Hailat" Loo on Apr 28, 2013 at 12:10 am

            Poor fuel consumption…? Halo…! 2.5l V6, what do you expect…? Even a 2.4l Camry makan fuel like there’s no tomorrow, what can be said about a V6. If your relatives cannot afford the fuel, why buy a car with such a high capacity engine. Buy a “Hai-bird” car lar… It’s just like a bloody iPhone freaks out there who can afford 2k+ iPhone but cannot afford even a RM 30 screen protector… Bodoh…!

            No performance…? No premium…? Get a Porsche Panamera Turbo lar…

            Oh yeah, I forgot… Your relatives can’t even afford a RM 30 screen protector… what’s more on a roadtax… TROLOLOL…!!!

            You’re obviously got brainwashed by German bastards…

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 30 Thumb down 86
          • This is more like your OWN comment. If they don’t feel the premium and feel cheap like Toyota, why did they buy the car in the first place? These are something they can see BEFORE they bought a car.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 36 Thumb down 20
          • ABTguy on Apr 28, 2013 at 9:27 am

            Well, many can bash me for condemning Toyota / Lexus, but here I just share my relative experience, nothing more.

            In the first place I don’t get their reason why they wanted to buy 2 GS at one go. Then only regretted for the poor performance and high fuel cost (RM0.30/km on their normal driving).

            I asked them to sell the GS away at RM290k (bought at 400k, after optional upgrade), and get a A6 hybrid which they were sooooo keen but can’t bear the high loss in less than a year. So still living in regrets after regrets !

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 63 Thumb down 25
          • frenzyaustin on Apr 28, 2013 at 9:30 pm

            Dude, you don’t say? If I buy a C200, I will also regret like hell, top up a little bit more and can get a higher segment car. Not only C200, 3 series too, Even E-Class, 5-Series, or even A6 2.0T user too.
            A6 is the most reasonable car priced in Malaysia.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 3
          • cosmo on May 05, 2013 at 11:52 am

            your relatives must be junk or rubbish… or maybe they never own 1, just u simply created a story??? bcoz u know u cant afford 1… :)

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 6
      • kentji on Apr 27, 2013 at 4:14 pm

        regarding that hybrid a6, i feel your relatives bro :(

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 6
      • Skypirate on Apr 28, 2013 at 8:03 pm

        Hmm, your mind is twisted if you compare the performance of the GS250 with a 528i, if your mind is sane, you will compare the 528i with the GS350.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 9
    • NihonJidosha on Apr 27, 2013 at 3:58 pm

      You Chris! Made the smartest decision! Instead of following the trend and against the stereotypes German = High class, Japs = Cheap and nasty. I salute you! Like Steve Jobs says, think different.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 21 Thumb down 40
    • I also love my 2013 Lexus GS F-Sport. The best midsize sports sedan hands down. I traded in my 2011 BMW 5 series for this car. The BMW fell from the top to the bottom in terms of handling, ride, and styling. Lexus is now the leader here. Its impressive how they have managed to make this GS so nimble, sharp, and exciting to drive.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 45 Thumb down 113
      • Siam Lou on Apr 29, 2013 at 11:39 am

        Damn, so many people dislike you choosing Lexus. Why Malaysian are so narrow minded and dislike people be different.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 40
        • the narrow minded on Jul 15, 2013 at 3:23 pm

          Damn, so many people dislike you choosing to defend the guy choosing Lexus. Why Malaysian are so narrow minded and dislike people be different.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 4
    • Sam Loo on Apr 28, 2013 at 2:02 pm

      Good choice. I will pick the Lexus anytime as well

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 29 Thumb down 40
    • OMG…i think VW Passat CC would be include here too…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 14
      • 2013 VW CC is nice driving with good performance with the DSG .. Although it is not the premium brand as Audi, still every cars have their pros and cons~

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
    • Proud on Apr 29, 2013 at 2:49 pm

      in over time you will appreciate the reliability of the GS over those overhyped brands. good decision and wise choice.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 8
    • Lok Chat on May 15, 2013 at 12:58 pm

      Better you buy a NISSAN… a NISSAN TEANA… half the price … same freaking engine

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • mystvearn on Apr 26, 2013 at 11:06 pm

    Nice article. Hope you can make more shootout like this. Especially cars <RM200k class A-D.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 34 Thumb down 3
  • Jimmy on Apr 26, 2013 at 11:09 pm

    If you compare Infiniti at RM450K, is there any advantage in terms of safety equipments over say Passat? Does Nissan have a bit of problem with their fit and finishes? Telescopic steering?
    Lexus: the grill, and overall styling, is very Japaneese, very patriotic designers.
    Audi bagus, begitu jugak BMW which is paling cantiq.
    But the King and queen are not the starrings in this particular articles, they are in the 4th line.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 24
  • tishaban on Apr 26, 2013 at 11:16 pm

    Another thing, these cars are typically purchased for the owners to be driven in or to ferry more than 2 people around either for business or family purposes. A paragraph about space and comfort of the back seat would’ve been very insightful.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 58 Thumb down 7
    • munkay on Apr 27, 2013 at 11:56 am

      The guy above speaks the truth, how could anyone thumb him down?!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 8
    • dylon on Apr 27, 2013 at 10:43 pm

      the infiniti is the most spacious amongst 4.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 10
    • dylon on Apr 27, 2013 at 10:51 pm

      I disagree with the reviews on the Infiniti. Whilst the other cars are all good in their own little ways. They are all so clinical and there’s nothing emotional about them. I spend hours on the roads each day with M35 hybrids and m37s. They are just of a different breed of vehicle compared to the rest. In fact, the infiniti is so much more compliant when it comes to handling and tackling corners and high speed turns. The F10 is just too soft and floaty. Not to mention that its quite a noisy car compared to the rest.

      I personally feel that it is all about brand exposure. And especially in a asian market, where we asians tend to be a little more bias towards german brands, where we all feel that its “superior”. Its all a baseless statements. In the west, the people speak highly of brands like lexus and infinitis. To them, the german’s cars are just not as reliable. They rather have an acura lexus or infiniti in their backyard.

      Honestly a biased review. Its just like the coke vs pepsi test.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 60
      • Paul Tan on Apr 27, 2013 at 11:05 pm

        All five of us on the review panel experienced none of the qualities that you claim the Infiniti car offers. Must be a custom order, or you’re comparing apples and oranges because the M25 seems like a completely different car to the M37 you are referring to.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 47 Thumb down 6
        • sudonano on Apr 28, 2013 at 1:30 am

          “In fact, the infiniti is so much more compliant when it comes to handling and tackling corners and high speed turns. The F10 is just too soft and floaty. Not to mention that its quite a noisy car compared to the rest.”

          You must be kidding. Living with the f10 for 7 months and I can tell you the F10 can hold corners like no other car. 50/50 weight distro and RWD is pure bliss. You are (quoting the article), comparing an axe to a scalpel.
          And the F10 is floaty? Are you sure you are OK? As far as I know, not even an Audi feels as planted as a BMW. What more the F10 vs the A6 or other cars of its class.

          And you say you spend a lot of time with Infinitis. I wonder why…

          “To them, the german’s cars are just not as reliable. They rather have an acura lexus or infiniti in their backyard.”

          Are you sure? Funny that BMW USA sales are WAAAAAAAAAAAAY ahead of Infiniti.

          http://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2012/10/bmw-group-sales-figures-usa-canada.html

          Lowest sale for BMW US in the last 3 years is in 2010 as slightly above 18k units per month.
          http://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2012/10/infiniti-brand-sales-figures-usa-canada.html

          Infiniti US: Barely over 10k monthly.

          Acura also just above 15k monthly avg.

          http://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2012/10/acura-brand-sales-figures-usa-canada.html

          Lexus is about 20k avg monthly. But that is because they are making pretty good cars like the GS. Only reason why it not selling here is cause of the lower power and not as sharp handling.

          http://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2012/10/lexus-brand-sales-figures-usa-canada.html

          Conclusion: your argument is baseless.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 27 Thumb down 4
          • green on Apr 28, 2013 at 12:02 pm

            You are making too general comparison..

            look at this, the same source you are giving:
            http://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2013/04/march-2013-best-selling-luxury-vehicles-usa.html

            1. lexus RX is the best selling luxury car.
            2. BMW 3-series
            3. Benz C-class
            4. Buick Enclave.
            5. Lexus ES Sedan
            6. Inifinity G

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 3
      • Konek on Apr 27, 2013 at 11:20 pm

        Why do you spend time with infinitis everyday? Because you are an infiniti salesman?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 30 Thumb down 2
      • whatsaysjim on Apr 28, 2013 at 4:48 pm

        I bet you’d say that the Infnitis and Lexuses are “Clinical” and “Nothing Emotional” if they were the more popular choices in the country. Hipster much?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
      • Danny Tan (Member) on Apr 29, 2013 at 3:27 am

        The Infiniti is a good luxury car. I enjoyed its comfortable and soothing character, and reported so.

        But I find it really puzzling that you tried to defend the Infiniti not with its strengths, but with its main weakness!

        Then, of all cars, you chose to mention the BMW, which is perhaps the best car here to expose that particular weakness!

        After some head scratching, I noticed the bit where you said you “spend hours on the roads each day with M35 hybrids and m37s”. That solves the puzzle – you can’t be owning TWO Infiniti Ms, so it has to be your company’s cars, making you a very biased “reviewer” indeed :)

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 34 Thumb down 1
      • Anthony Lim (Member) on Apr 29, 2013 at 5:05 pm

        dylon, thanks for your views on the matter. Paul and Danny have responded, and I’d like to put my five sen on the table too.

        Like with every other topic under the sun, subjectivity is always present in the approach to dissecting a car – one man’s looker may be Strychnine to another; likewise how a car behaves or presents itself. And yet, while no two people will view things identically to the last iota, be it a person or inanimate object such as a vehicle, when common ground presents itself repeatedly there might be some ring of ‘truth’ to the matter.

        I remember the discussion those present had during the debrief after the drive – it was certainly animated, even heated at points in how some of us viewed things and beliefs. Yet, in the area of handling not one of us ever thought the M25 superior to the 520i, superior in this case being in levels of tenacity, feel and dynamic sensation to elements of grip, traction, turn-in and follow-through etc. Compliance of ride is another matter altogether.

        In this regard, we were unified in what we perceived and felt, and we reported it as we experienced it.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 2
  • frenzyaustin on Apr 27, 2013 at 12:13 am

    To me, GS all the way. It’s definitely an eye catching car with it’s sharp design. The drive although isn’t as good as a BMW, but still serve us well. Interior wise. Last but not least, it has the Toyota reliability fame since Lexus 1st debut so you don’t worry about broken engine/gearbox/suspension. And because like what people say, it’s a overpriced Toyota, we can enjoy a car like a Conti’s and maintain it like a Camry, best for both world.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 52 Thumb down 57
    • Gordini on Apr 27, 2013 at 6:19 pm

      Yes, very reliable: ‘Toyota issued a recall on Jan. 30, 2013 for one million vehicles, including Corolla sedans, Corolla Matrix crossovers, and certain Lexus IS sedans.’

      http://www.examiner.com/article/2013-toyota-recall-one-million-corollas-and-lexus-cars-recalled

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 32 Thumb down 29
      • frenzyaustin on Apr 27, 2013 at 11:22 pm

        Recall is like software patches, bug fixing. Would you trust a software if it doesn’t patch for years and full of bugs?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 8
    • Sam Loo on Apr 28, 2013 at 11:42 pm

      Well, recall does not mean its not reliable. Its simple a preventative measure to reduce the known calculated potential risks.

      Protons never issued any recall on their power windows, in spite of the certainty that it will fail within the first 2 years. This is called irresponsible

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 10
  • can u make C-Segment Budget class? for EX. Forte VS Civic VS Altis VS Inspira VS Sylphy?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 6
  • Narmi on Apr 27, 2013 at 8:47 am

    A four door coupe shootout next? Mercedes CLS, Audi A7, BMW 6 series Gran Coupe, Porsche Panamera.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 34 Thumb down 2
  • naffo b TP on Apr 27, 2013 at 9:25 am

    Yes, my cuppa coffee tasted much better while reading this comparo.
    Interesting and unbiased review. Wondered if
    a longer term assessment would have made any difference.
    Anyway, more of this kinda stuff in future…please

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 27 Thumb down 3
  • zamer on Apr 27, 2013 at 10:25 am

    nice review..somehow at this kind of price range, the looks and brand says it all..u wont be looking at the features anymore..those are well equipped.

    by looks, audi and lexus has it. bmw only looks right when it is in m5 bodykit form. infinity? subjective, its like teana to me..jaguar could have pawn all of these

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 5
  • sudonano on Apr 27, 2013 at 11:27 am

    My list;
    1. F10 520i

    You cannot beat the king from Munich. There is this sense of the athletic stance and simplicity + luxury in it. From how the sheet metal is beautifully crafted to the intelligent powertrain and the interior finish, I say it is still the best bet. Sure, the back seats are so-so and its not flood friendly, but I say its still worth it. There is the sense of road presence with the angel eyes staring at you. Plus not to mention its brilliant handling. Brilliant!

    2. GS

    A very very close second. Looks fantastic too. Muscular and dynamic. Being a Lexus, no technical issues too. But still it may not handle as well as the F10 or as ‘prestigious’ as an A6, but still. Its just as good. Improve Remote Touch and it can challenge the F10

    3.Infiniti M25

    Never a fan of the bulbous and curvaceous body. Interior need some fixing, ie the button for Sport mode looks cheap. Still comes as a second.

    4. A6

    As much as I like the front of the A6, i find the back rather boring. Too plain. And Audi putting a multitronic CVT in it?! No way.

    It would be interesting to see a Jaguar in this….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 38 Thumb down 54
  • TSWong on Apr 27, 2013 at 11:40 am

    Interesting and insightful comparo. A job well done!! Perhaps a comparo of the SUVs in future for both premium and medium size makes please?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 8
  • Ahmadfaris93 on Apr 27, 2013 at 12:18 pm

    I really dont know why you guys didnt even include the E-class in this shootout. Very disappointing for that.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 126 Thumb down 9
  • previously SUVs, now luxurious sedans, all done with no bias and great perspectives. great job, guys!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 4
  • Good review from paultan

    but why can’t we have more review or head-to-head comparison of car that most of you reader drive like b, c, oe d-segment car?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  • Maserati on Apr 27, 2013 at 11:06 pm

    If i have to pick one , wud definately be the lexus. Bmw 520i is just underpowered. Infiniti is rubbish. Audi a6 2.0 doesnt have enough oomph.

    A merc e250 would have been the clear winner if included here

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 54
    • Konek on Apr 27, 2013 at 11:25 pm

      Of course it would be the clear winner. The e200 is the correct car to compete with the cars in this shoot out. Have you seen how cheapo the interior is? Taxi spec steering wheel etc. the e250 is miles apart from the e200.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 1
      • i like ur name! hehe

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
      • Green on Apr 28, 2013 at 11:52 am

        Benz is always a clear winnier if want to compete with BMW, Lexus, Audi or Infinity.

        Benz is a leading in luxury. their design language. signify business class.

        unless, u are looking towards something sporty huge size car.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 20
    • Sam Loo on Apr 28, 2013 at 2:07 pm

      The only Audi that has impressed me is the A6 Hybrid

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 4
      • frenzyaustin on Apr 28, 2013 at 9:37 pm

        If they priced like 5 series Activehybrid, just another day another Audi.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 5
  • aprilcoco on Apr 28, 2013 at 7:51 am

    Traditionally Mercedes E class has represented the midsize luxury segment. Why wasnt it included in this article ?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 5
    • frenzyaustin on Apr 28, 2013 at 9:38 pm

      I don’t know why too, but maybe looks too Ah Pek comparing to others?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 5
    • teamsleepine on Apr 28, 2013 at 9:53 pm

      because it’s a mercedes.the superior one!

      pointless to compare.obvious clear winner

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 15
    • e class owner on May 18, 2013 at 7:36 pm

      because mercedes e class is too good and that is too obvious, no contest n defeat the purpose of this article. everyone knows who is the best and currently leading the market but most buyers are looking for the 2nd best so that they can be “different”

      if u want the best it can meant Mercedes benz.

      from proud of owner of mercedes C class and E class.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 8
  • Leave the Mercedes E class for AH PEK OK.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 6
    • frenzyaustin on Apr 28, 2013 at 9:35 pm

      Except some recond facelifted C-Class or SL and AMG, the others just looks like Ah Pek car. I would categorized them in Camry’s group, except it’s well equipped.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 2
    • e class owner on May 18, 2013 at 7:41 pm

      only those who cant afford an E class would say such thing, such pathetic being has no shame.

      I am almost 30 years old ,and i certainly am not an ah pek and I drive the current model E-Class. I am a very fashionable and stylist young adult. So u got it wrong KID.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 6
  • Modesto.hann on Apr 28, 2013 at 1:59 pm

    Lexus and infiniti have a longer lifespan and more consistent performance over years compared to the 2 German counterparts. The German models may have better performance but the peak performance period is much shorter and drop drastically after 5 years. Just like white caucasion girls, they are damn gorgeous during teenage years, but age damn fast. Asian girls are not as gorgeous in comparison, but their beauty lasts longer and more consistently…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 50 Thumb down 5
  • Sam Loo on Apr 28, 2013 at 2:05 pm

    The current model E Class CKD version has very poor built quality.

    Really dunno how the basic E200 that costs close to RM400k can have such Proton like feel

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 1
    • teamsleepine on Apr 28, 2013 at 9:51 pm

      maybe proton the one that have the mercedes “feel” !!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 3
  • Jimmy on Apr 28, 2013 at 3:41 pm

    Sorry, I do not possess any Rolls Royce and Bentley, and do not intend to.
    To most successful men with big houses, they do not feel their bungalows are complete until the garages have at least one E-class if not S, especially when most of your friends have. Well you can have other cars like Porsche, X5, RX etc etc, but the list is not complete without Mercedes especially S-class, for sure. You may have the same feeling like this, one day. In Malaysia, there is no need to make comparison between Mercedes and others, no point.
    This article is nice for those like to read internet.
    Other than S-class, which you buy for brand and class, the rest of the car you buy for emotion; after possessing S-class, you can buy vehicles by emotions, if you like GS, you will buy it no matter what people say and no matter how high the spare parts cost are, and so on. You may even buy a car which nobody in the whole city knows how to service. How? May you ask your rich friends.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 4
    • teamsleepine on Apr 28, 2013 at 9:50 pm

      can’t compare s class dude.
      that;s the pinnacle!…even 7 series trying hard!.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 5
    • zamer on Apr 28, 2013 at 10:28 pm

      well, u might be true..but not all have the same fate to own many luxury car..

      for people who only can buy 1, this article is useful. and to be honest, e class handling sucks big time..it has the power but you need extra cautious when you do high speeds. it doesnt feel like sticking on the road

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  • Jimmy on Apr 28, 2013 at 3:46 pm

    I make comments for people to improve, stating their weak points. To influence others’ decisions to choose these luxury brands is the last thing in my mind if it ever present, because I know nobody can, for this price bracket and above.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • teamsleepine on Apr 28, 2013 at 9:48 pm

    lexus interior is epic man!..

    ..but i still pick the krauts over the japs…not the whole perception thingy…but come one!…the kraut is the leader of the pack…it is the bechmark for the japs.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 3
  • Sam Loo on Apr 28, 2013 at 11:45 pm

    In Hong Kong, the ultra rich seems to pick Rolls Royce as their car of choice. The next level down seems to pick Lexus. Benz and Beemers are losing their shine

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 8
    • NihonJidosha on Apr 29, 2013 at 11:51 am

      When people buy car of this segment. They usually want a good image, want to tunjuk muka. But the problem is Malaysian road is flooded with Mercedes Benz and BMW. And you won’t really notice when a E-Class or 5 series passed beside you. In the end, people tend to follow the trend, buy what majority bought.
      If you really want to tunjuk muka better, best way is to “Stand out of the crowd”. Jaguar XF, Lexus GS, Audi A6 are another alternative. Their eye catching abilities are tend to be higher then M&B. Especially Audi’s signature LED and Lexus spindle grill and sharp angled design.
      If SUV is included in wishlist, Evoque is the one I’m talking about. One of the best looking SUV or maybe car I ever seen.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 7
    • rally_fan on Apr 29, 2013 at 12:17 pm

      with all due respect.. hong kong is a really small car market, and does not in anyway reflect the world automotive market.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 4
    • maserattiShameLoo on Sep 16, 2013 at 10:54 am

      Stupid comment, why bother about HK, in Malaysia, people also cange their mind to go away from yr totoya 2.0E camry to other brands.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Lenny on Apr 29, 2013 at 6:37 am

    The conclusion is vague and not so conclusive . So which is the best car then ? I just want to go to the dealer and put my money into it and drive away. Lazy ah to test-test drive

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
    • BlackJKX on Apr 29, 2013 at 9:02 am

      Agree.Just use the right side of the brain.
      I go for Audi.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 3
  • Nice review. But to those who said F10 is wobbly pls drive the M-sport and with inline 6 one. It drives almost like a true sport sedan. It hugs the road so firmly and eat every corners as breakfast, lunch and dinner. Apart from that, cars which i hvnt own here seems great. Infiniti is good but only with 3.7l engine. not sure about 2.5l as i never test drove it before. Luckily they never put Merc in as merc realli look like ah pek. But story will be different if Paul compared the above with facelifted E.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 1
    • Proud on Apr 29, 2013 at 2:56 pm

      as if everyday sapu corner to the max. What a joke !

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 6
      • Well homie, i dont blame u if u r not driving an F10. But i do. and whenever i track the car. Not even modified protons wannabees can never beat me. and they never will beat a BMW. Mayb u can try to tekan the car kawkaw if u have the chance then only u speak. :) peace.. ^^

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
  • rally_fan on Apr 29, 2013 at 9:27 am

    i will choose the bmw not because i’m biased, but because it is my preference and suits me the best. I choose a car to please myself, not others. I believe it will be the same for most people who buys any of the 4 cars above.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 22 Thumb down 1
  • FrenchGays on Apr 29, 2013 at 10:08 am

    All pussy lar. I rather own a Peugeot 508. Cheap and Good.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 26
  • Paul and Danny, you should have included the Jaguar XF 2.0T for it to be a fair comparison

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 9
  • Darren on Apr 29, 2013 at 1:20 pm

    Good read, was wondering would you guys consider doing comparison of the 4×4 double cabs? I think it’ll be an awesome article

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • Proud on Apr 29, 2013 at 2:54 pm

    I will take the Infiniti, Lexus and Acura anytime of the day.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 30 Thumb down 6
  • Proud on Apr 29, 2013 at 2:55 pm

    German cars ? Forget them all. No reliability at all !

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 19
  • dear all, i would like to complement the test drivers on their unbiased and professional approach to the entire test drive review.

    sometime middle of last year, due to my personal upheaval, ie. commonly known as “male menopause”, i was in a fortunate position to decide whether to choose one of the aforesaid vehicles.

    at that time, the infiniti brand was still in its infancy as they have just opened their dealership so that ruled it out.

    as for the mercedes benz e200 cgi, although a sound business decision, after seeing 99% of the drivers coming out of the vehicle were chinaman business uncles, it was ruled out as well. i certainly do not wish to age prematurely if i was to get that car. that left me with the audi a6, bmw 520i and lexus gs250.

    audi a6, although nice and new, looks far too clinical as well as looking like a big a4 hence it was ruled out. i could also save a bundle by going for its cheaper yet mechanically similar sibling, the volkwagen passat cc. i quite like the lexus, but ultimately spending so much of my hard earned money for a branded “toyota” just didnt make sense even though it was well built and had peerless quality to boot. if i had a driver and the company was paying for it, i would definitely go for it. but i do not have a driver and i am paying for it so the most logical and personable decision was to go for the bmw 520i.

    yes, it is common sight, not by its fault as it is the best all rounder, plus it does offer a certain level of prestige, elegance and driver’s appeal that the others lack, somewhat. hence after one year of ownership, i can say i am still pretty pleased with my decision one year on, no regrets!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 8
  • SinghisKing on Apr 29, 2013 at 7:16 pm

    I too had the opportunity to try em out Oct/Nov last year. The interesting thing in Malaysia is also the dealer maturity (and attitude) for each one of the marques.

    I test drove the 520i 3 times, GS250 twice the Infinity M250 once and the Merc E200 and 250 once. I did attempt to test drive the Audi A6 but I must say I was not greeted very well by the Audi dealership and they honestly didnt seem interested.

    Though the Lexus was nice, I was moving from a Camry and to see the same cruise control stalk from Camry plus some other minor parts from the Toyota bin, I decided I wanted something different. The acceleration from the GS250 was also lacking a little.

    I quite liked the Merc 250 and at that time Hap Seng Start was giving about 40k off. However the interior of the Merc with its squarish seats didnt impress the wife who felt that it just wasnt youthful and fresh.

    I actually enjoyed the looks of the interior and exterior of the Infinity as well as the comfort. The sales person was excellent and I was seriously considering it. But after going back and driving the 520i again the BMW just had the right “package” for me – the combination of comfort, handling, acceleration, looks (exterior and interior). Th iDrive was also just the most mature and elegant compared to the rest. 5 months into my first Beamer and Im happy so far.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 28 Thumb down 2
    • welcome to the bimmer hood bro. Congratz on ur 520i. So far how is the power of 520i? never gotten the chance to try it out. End up buying last batch inline 6 528i as the 523i was under power in my own opinion. never regret bought the 528i. Massive power and awesome grunt when accelerate. Of coz its still low power in terms of global standard or US standard. But heck, why do we need so high HP and TQ in Malaysia when fast lane usually occupied by snail like cars? Right? Anyway, enjoy ur ride mate.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 1
  • Casioguy on May 02, 2013 at 1:18 am

    I test drove the Lexus GS250, E250, Audi A6, RX350 Sport, BMW528i and ended up buying the Audi A6 Hybrid. Had the car for about 10 days now and have done 2000 km with it. No regrets. Great torque all the way, silent ride and the suspension is just right, firm but comfortable at the same time. The interior is great, say what you want – minimalist and very functional. Had two passengers in the back on a trip from KL to Muar and both slept soundly all the way and woke up refreshed. Cars tend to give way when the Audi is behind them on the highway, probably due to those DRLs…I have a lot more positive comments but enough for now.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 2
  • Haven’t tried the M25, but I agree with your findings between the A6, 520i, and GS 250. I think the BMW tops the class in terms of outright driving ability, but as Danny pointed out, the GS 250 is a revelation. The sound that its V6 makes is just such a giggle, I really could not believe it came from a Lexus.

    Great review, fellas!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
  • Bowie on May 08, 2013 at 1:07 pm

    The M25 with 7.5K redline … seriously high rev engine …
    If you have heavy foot … it’s another world …

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • e class owner on May 18, 2013 at 7:30 pm

    well done mercedes benzzz.. dont even have to compete to know that they are the best in everywhere. the past , the present n the future.. mercedes will always rule n leader the market

    dulu kini selamanya

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 6
  • Mann Bell on Apr 07, 2014 at 6:47 pm

    gila orang malaysia zaman sekarang… share experience pun kena hentam kau kau punya

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • IKMAL HAMDY on Apr 08, 2014 at 4:44 pm

    Just buy your favaourite maa..You suka beli laa.. Lu punya wang. Apa mau bising-bising. Semua kereta robot pasang jugak..you langgar lori lu mati jugak..Haa mau syok beli Abrams la..kasi tembak apa apa kereta lu tadak suka. Hidup apa mau gaduh gaduh? Mati punya jam satu orang saja masuk kubur. Kereta tak boleh bawak maa haiyaaa…respect la orang punya choice..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Observer on May 15, 2014 at 4:55 pm

    Car reviews are subjective, but credits to the reviewers for their unbiased (i think) opinion.

    people buy car with different mind set or criteria: those have a tight budget limit will always consider the price factor, some F1-driver wannabe always put performance on top of their list, a family-minded guy will think twice for the comfort and safety of his loved one he will ferry around, those like to show off will look for the most flashy brand/model, some will just go for the external appearance, and then they are some who just follow what his friends around him are driving, etc etc etc….

    to be honest, i think you can’t go too wrong with any models mentioned here. Just go with the one that makes you happy, follow your heart.

    peace

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Anti-Toyota on Jun 14, 2014 at 9:03 am

    I tend to believe the US Consumer Reports. Found them to be very accurate in their reviews as they bought most of the cars, keep records of whatever they tested and discovered and gathered feedback of many many owners. In terms of reliability, no match to Japanese brands. Even based onn Europe’s vehicles insurance report, Japanese brands are the most reliable. But of course just like finding a partner, if the person is just nice but no beauty doesn’t work all the time. The eyes must like what it sees.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Please do some reviews & comparison regarding large luxury cars like S-class vs 7 series and jag XJ.I bet that is goina be very interesting. I hope there will be no politic factor even in car’s reviews.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • larry on Apr 01, 2016 at 12:11 pm

    first of all you cannot put any nissan division car in the same class, they are simply junk. Now Lexus and Acura are a bit more reliable then the German cars but the German cars including vw, along with the rest handle feel brake an drive so much better then the japanese cars.
    I owned infinii jaguar bmw vw audi acura and mercedes so I know what im talking and so will you just drive them an you will see.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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