Infiniti M35 Retains Top Spot of 6 Luxury Sedans

Anthony Fontanelle
November 13, 2007

Some good things do last. And one of these good things calls the maker of the Infiniti G20 radiator to celebrate.

The Infiniti M35 retained its spot as the class leader in Consumer Reports' tests of six luxury sedans for the November issue. But two versions of the freshened Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the diesel-powered E320 BlueTec and the gasoline-powered E350, are close behind the M35, with "Excellent," overall scores, reported InfoZine.

Other luxury cars tested by the esteemed consumer magazine were the freshened BMW 535i, "Very Good" overall; the gasoline/electric hybrid Lexus GS 450h, "Very Good"; and the redesigned Volvo S80, "Very Good". Prices for this group range from $45,305 for the Volvo to $60,172 for the Lexus.

According to the test, the diesel-powered E320 delivered excellent fuel economy, 29 mpg overall in CR's own fuel economy tests-comparable to that of a small sedan such as the Toyota Corolla. Fuel economy for the other vehicles ranged from a high of 23 mpg for the GS 450h to a low of 19 for the M35.

The November issue of the magazine also includes tests and ratings of two $70,000-plus ultra-luxury sedans: the $76,572 Lexus LS 460L and the $90,200 Mercedes-Benz S550. The LS 460L easily outdistanced the Mercedes in that group, achieving a 99-point overall test score; the maximum score is 100. The S550 received an 86-point score, considerably lower than the Lexus but still in the "Excellent" category.

"Both versions of the Infiniti M35 are well-rounded, nimble cars that successfully blend sportiness with comfort," said David Champion, Senior Director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut. "The M35s are as capable handling a twisty road as they are cruising the highway."

Consumer Reports recommended four of the vehicles rated - the BMW 535i, the Infiniti M35, Lexus GS 450h and the Lexus LS 460L. The Mercedes E-Class and S-Class have subpar reliability in CR's subscriber surveys, while the Volvo S80 is too new for CR to have sufficient reliability data, the company said.

Consumer Reports only recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR's Annual Car Reliability Survey of its own print and web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test, the report continued.

Full tests and ratings of the test group appear in the November issue of Consumer Reports. The reports are also available at www.ConsumerReports.org.

Source:  Amazines.com