Edmunds: 2011 BMW 550i vs. 2011 Infiniti M56 Comparison Test
- Thread starter HighestOfHigh
- Start date
I have read and seen reviews for this Infiniti M and the car garnered a good reception. It appears to be an interesting alternative to the Germans and I wish Infiniti the best of luck; they seem to be doing a much better job than Lexus.
However, I'd have to go with the BMW, because it looks better and it seems the more balanced car. Where's the Infiniti is more aimed at being sharp, the BMW is aimed at being sharp and subtle, so yes, definitely the BMW for me.
However, I'd have to go with the BMW, because it looks better and it seems the more balanced car. Where's the Infiniti is more aimed at being sharp, the BMW is aimed at being sharp and subtle, so yes, definitely the BMW for me.
coolraoul
Torque Titan
I've always liked Infinity, for some reason, and I find the new M very very nice. Sure the sports pack has to go, looks better as standard, but I find it very unique, quite elegant, and definitely upscale-looking. The interior is nice too, but less convincing.
However, I would choose the BMW here, looks more mature, serious and premium here. And certainly drives that way too.
But I wouldn't rule the Infinity out, especially I was a bit tight on budget!!
However, I would choose the BMW here, looks more mature, serious and premium here. And certainly drives that way too.
But I wouldn't rule the Infinity out, especially I was a bit tight on budget!!
You know, I'll give Nissan props for not trying to emulate Germans here. We need diversity; let the Japanese make JAPANESE looking cars, and let the German, allow their designs to remain authentic. Hyundai, for example, is trying to emulate, while Infinite, just kind of did their own thing here.
That said, I don't like Japanese styling so much, and I think the Infinite isn't ugly, but at the same time.... It is. I.e, it isn't so well resolved, and it isn't a timeless design, nor shape.
The interior also isn't serious, and teutonic enough for me, but it's like a "Japanese Jaguar" kind of thing (actually, the exterior is too), and again, that's a good thing: Diversity. I will say, the interior actually feels a bit better than it looks like it would feel.
BMW all the way for me. Pretty much a down the middle home run for them. Second best car in the segment, for sure.
That said, I don't like Japanese styling so much, and I think the Infinite isn't ugly, but at the same time.... It is. I.e, it isn't so well resolved, and it isn't a timeless design, nor shape.
The interior also isn't serious, and teutonic enough for me, but it's like a "Japanese Jaguar" kind of thing (actually, the exterior is too), and again, that's a good thing: Diversity. I will say, the interior actually feels a bit better than it looks like it would feel.
BMW all the way for me. Pretty much a down the middle home run for them. Second best car in the segment, for sure.
Here are some photo's from a comparison between the Infiniti and an E-Class. IMO, the E does a great job of showing how, although curvaceous and luscious in some respects, the M56 looks very portly and porky. It shows to me also, how much more timeless a well done, sleek and classic 3-Box Sedan shape will always be.
Notice how in some of these pics, the Infiniti literally looks like an SUV/Crossover, next to the E. I hate when Sedans have that effect.
Notice how in some of these pics, the Infiniti literally looks like an SUV/Crossover, next to the E. I hate when Sedans have that effect.
HighestOfHigh
Cornering Kingpin
^Actually they both look fairly decent in those photos. The E-class offers more business where the Infiniti is more pleasure. All depends on your personal taste.
HighestOfHigh
Cornering Kingpin
You need to join an "Infiniti Haters" club.
HighestOfHigh
Cornering Kingpin
You know this conversation is starting to remind me of school children. One kid comes up to a fat kid and laughs. Another comes up and says, "wow he is fat". Then another comes up and talks about how the fat kid walks. Then another one hits the fat kid. Then another one comes up and pokes the kid in the stomach. After a while, it just becomes over kill.
Klier says the interior is ugly...then someone agrees. Then someone says the infiniti is porky...then someone agrees. Then someone says the back lights have a problem....
The cycle never ends.
Klier says the interior is ugly...then someone agrees. Then someone says the infiniti is porky...then someone agrees. Then someone says the back lights have a problem....
The cycle never ends.
Tarek
Cornering Kingpin
I really respect the M56 but yeah the E definitely looks better inside out IMO.
HighestOfHigh
Cornering Kingpin
Hahaha, who would even pay for an Infinity?
The car looks like a mess, big mess!
Trust me, the car is well worth it. The spoiler used on the model tested is questionable, but the M is a great car.
Hahaha, who would even pay for an Infinity?
The car looks like a mess, big mess!
Have you even driven one? I have got to drive an M25,which really impressed me from drivabilily point of view,but the looks turn me down.
Everyone praises the BMW because it`s a BMW but this company is clearly loosing it`s performace edge in favor of luxury in the sports sedan arena.
At 4380lbs. the 550i is too damn heavy. (the E550 weighs 4,034lbs. and the 4-Matic E550 weights 4,145lbs.)
(Even the CLS63 is lighter at 4270lbs.)
The steering of the 550i is also noted to be vague with a longer through manual shifter compared to the previous model in almost every article Ive read. BMW is clearly leaning towards a more luxury car with this new 5er.
(No meaning to get off topic but this makes be believe the M5 will loose it`s touch)
At 4380lbs. the 550i is too damn heavy. (the E550 weighs 4,034lbs. and the 4-Matic E550 weights 4,145lbs.)
(Even the CLS63 is lighter at 4270lbs.)
The steering of the 550i is also noted to be vague with a longer through manual shifter compared to the previous model in almost every article Ive read. BMW is clearly leaning towards a more luxury car with this new 5er.
(No meaning to get off topic but this makes be believe the M5 will loose it`s touch)
Wolfgang
Kraftwagen König
Interesting.
To compare, Mercedes-Benz produced the 500SEL S-Class starting in fall of 1979 weighing 3682 lbs.
Spiegel - designer Bruno Sacco - engineer Werner Breitschwerdt
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