Originally Posted by ExSrAaron

I cross-shopped all of those vehicles before I leased a IS350 F Sport.

The 335 (m sport) is a superior vehicle and the margin between a Japanese/American and German vehicles is still quite large IMO.

But here I am on a Lexus forum with a Lexus. The payment I have with my IS350 is very reasonable and low enough that I can accept not driving the BMW or Audi for the next year of my lease. Back to Audi/BMW/Mercedes after that though.

Ownership Experience (5200 miles):

Comfort is great, handles poor roads well for a sports sedan. Seats are excellent, probably my favorite part of the vehicle. The entertainment system is terrible, much worse than the idrive system. I don't even bother trying to use NAV, and even the bluetooth doesn't work now. Understeers like crazy on the track, but is very easy to drive and have fun with. 8 speed transmission is ok, but not nearly as nice as the BMW's. Engine is lacking power, needs more torque down low (insert BMW here). Tons and tons of other observations I could list, but most are already listed in previous threads.

Originally Posted by RocketG35

I crossed shopped the ATS, Q50S Hybrid, TLX and the A/S3 before picking the IS350 F. Q50S Hybrid has stronger power. The car pushes you back in your seat when you floor it on the freeway. But I felt like I was driving a big car - steering and interior was what made me feel this way. It just didn't feel as athletic/nimble to me during my test drive, and the interior was strangely too big. The IS automatically made me feel like a better driver, it felt sporty and planted. I do think this is because of the steering and overall size of the interior. Also... - Driver aid/safety/feature standpoint, the Q50 is better equipped. There's just more you can get (but you have to pay for it too). - Exterior I do like the Q50- those headlights/front look pretty mean, and the car looks wide which is nice. Side profile is okay (carries the G theme). - Interior: only okay. It's definitely a bigger car inside - the IS is small - its airy and probably more comfortable for 5 (better cup holder placement!). But the design is nothing special. It just feels less designed compared to the IS. IS is sporty, fresh (get that Rioja Red!) and has a modern style. - Quality/ Reliability: it's a Toyota! Lexus has done a great job with materials/fit/finish. My G35 sedan never felt that special inside (some trim pieces never fit right), and had some mechanical problems probably about 7-8 yrs into its life. Hoping the IS does better. - Resale: Hands down, the IS/Lexus brand trumps the Infiniti. I did a KBB on comparable spec/mileage G35/IS, and I think the IS was about 30-40% higher in value compared to the G35. I had/have a G35 sedan for 13 years now. That was a great car for the time, but the Q50 doesn't seem to have stepped into those shoes very well. It isn't a drivers car - not as sporty, but instead feels more on the luxury end. So if you're into sports vs luxury, and the other factors are important to you, I highly recommend the IS350 F-sport!

Originally Posted by EZZ

Great perspective. I feel the exact same way on the Q50. It's not as good as the G35 (relative to its competitors). The IS350 is really great all around car while I felt the Q50 was a little lacking. I fear Infiniti has really lost its way recently.

Originally Posted by ExSrAaron

I cross-shopped all of those vehicles before I leased a IS350 F Sport.

The 335 (m sport) is a superior vehicle and the margin between a Japanese/American and German vehicles is still quite large IMO. Maybe I'm biased because I've had BMW's in the past, but I truly think they're better enthusiast cars IF equipped right. I also think the 335 (m sport) is the most beautiful of all the comparable sedans. The ATS was not even close, and the Q50S is a nice car but the steering was strange. Infiniti did a good job with the Q50 and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to the appropriate shopper.

But here I am on a Lexus forum with a Lexus. The payment I have with my IS350 is very reasonable and low enough that I can accept not driving the BMW or Audi for the next year of my lease. Back to Audi/BMW/Mercedes after that though.

Ownership Experience (5200 miles):

Comfort is great, handles poor roads well for a sports sedan. Seats are excellent, probably my favorite part of the vehicle. The entertainment system is terrible, much worse than the idrive system. I don't even bother trying to use NAV, and even the bluetooth doesn't work now. Understeers like crazy on the track, but is very easy to drive and have fun with. 8 speed transmission is ok, but not nearly as nice as the BMW's. Engine is lacking power, needs more torque down low (insert BMW here). Tons and tons of other observations I could list, but most are already listed in previous threads.

Best of luck!