Stable and supple
Another feature that stands out with the new M is its 4-Wheel Active Steering and sport-tuned suspension. Together, they enable the near 5-meter long car to be impressively manoeuvrable and agile. The suspension's firm grip on the road inspires further confidence; the experience behind the wheel of this car is what separates it from the universal crop of Japanese luxury cars.
Well-judged steering and powerful brakes compliment the drive, no doubt about it. Where I do have doubts is with the dizzying number of electronic driving aids. The intelligent ones, I can almost understand. Intelligent cruise control (ICC) and brake assist (IBA) make sense as they provide a supplemental threshold or grace period for those times where we're not “all there”. The forward collision warning system, tied into the IBA is nothing short of panic-inducing in certain low speed situations. The lane departure warning and prevention along with the blind spot intervention systems do little more than disassociate the driver from his or her responsibilities.
G or M?
Unless an Eco Pedal (an attempt at manipulating throttle inputs electronically for green purposes) and the Forest Air ventilation system with Breeze mode are two gadgets that you absolutely want, the G is a better bet.
If I could have said with certainty that the M makes you feel like a star or at least generates envy from all those that see you at the wheel of the car, I would have noted that the M was a worthy purchase. But, seeing as though the G is special and carries a glimmer of BMW-ness in its aura, the choice is easy.
The new M is nice but just not nice enough. This car wants to compete with the big boys such as the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class (let's face it, the Acura RL, Cadillac STS AWD and Volvo S80 AWD are simply not up to the task), all of which are roughly $3,000 to $9,000 more expensive for the same level of kit. Most buyers in this category will readilly opt for the German car and spend the extra dough simply for the standing and styling even if the M is a better deal. In my opinion, if the M was more German than Japanese, it would fare much better.
Another feature that stands out with the new M is its 4-Wheel Active Steering and sport-tuned suspension. Together, they enable the near 5-meter long car to be impressively manoeuvrable and agile. The suspension's firm grip on the road inspires further confidence; the experience behind the wheel of this car is what separates it from the universal crop of Japanese luxury cars.
Well-judged steering and powerful brakes compliment the drive, no doubt about it. Where I do have doubts is with the dizzying number of electronic driving aids. The intelligent ones, I can almost understand. Intelligent cruise control (ICC) and brake assist (IBA) make sense as they provide a supplemental threshold or grace period for those times where we're not “all there”. The forward collision warning system, tied into the IBA is nothing short of panic-inducing in certain low speed situations. The lane departure warning and prevention along with the blind spot intervention systems do little more than disassociate the driver from his or her responsibilities.
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| In my opinion, if the M was more German than Japanese, it would fare much better. (Photo: Mike Goetz/Auto123.com) |
G or M?
Unless an Eco Pedal (an attempt at manipulating throttle inputs electronically for green purposes) and the Forest Air ventilation system with Breeze mode are two gadgets that you absolutely want, the G is a better bet.
If I could have said with certainty that the M makes you feel like a star or at least generates envy from all those that see you at the wheel of the car, I would have noted that the M was a worthy purchase. But, seeing as though the G is special and carries a glimmer of BMW-ness in its aura, the choice is easy.
The new M is nice but just not nice enough. This car wants to compete with the big boys such as the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class (let's face it, the Acura RL, Cadillac STS AWD and Volvo S80 AWD are simply not up to the task), all of which are roughly $3,000 to $9,000 more expensive for the same level of kit. Most buyers in this category will readilly opt for the German car and spend the extra dough simply for the standing and styling even if the M is a better deal. In my opinion, if the M was more German than Japanese, it would fare much better.
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