The Infiniti M37 has a stirring V6 and is pretty well equipped, but its performance pampers rather than excites and the cabin has some issues with ergonomics. If it behaved like a “370Z saloon” that just had shots of Red Bull, the M37 could have been the one to beat in this test.
Chrysler’s 300C was nearly victorious here. This spacious “Yank tank” has the most character, a value-driven price tag and a certain rarity that guarantees some exclusivity in crowded Singapore. But we couldn’t overlook the 300C’s inconsistent build quality (even though it’s much better than before) and “heavy going” performance.
The GS350 doesn’t have the M37’s raciness and the 300C’s roominess, but it overcompensates with a long list of on-board goodies, excellent refinement, an impressive ride-and-handling package, and rock-solid quality throughout. The Lexus is one wickedly cool car that executives would aspire to own.
Lexus GS350 3.5 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type V6, 24-valves
Capacity 3456cc
Bore x stroke 94mm x 83mm
Compression ratio 11.8:1
Max Power 316bhp at 6400rpm
Max Torque 378Nm at 4800rpm
Power to weight 191.5bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Rear
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 6 seconds
Top Speed 228km/h
Consumption 9.8km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 225g/km
SUSPENSION
Front Double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs
TYRES
Type Bridgestone Turanza ER33
Size 235/45 R18
SAFETY
Airbags 10
Traction Control ABS with VSC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4850mm
Width 1840mm
Height 1455mm
Wheelbase 2850mm
Kerb Weight 1650kg
Turning Circle 10.6m
BUYING IT
Price $307,000 incl. COE
Warranty 5 years/100,000km
+ Most airbags here, class-leading amenities, athletic acceleration
– Highest price, least lounging space in the cabin, lacklustre steering
Chrysler 300C 3.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type V6, 24-valves
Capacity 3604cc
Bore x stroke 96mm x 83mm
Compression ratio 10.2:1
Max Power 286bhp at 6350rpm
Max Torque 340Nm at 4650rpm
Power to weight 158.8bhp per tonne
Gearbox 8-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Rear
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 7.6 seconds
Top Speed 240km/h
Consumption 10.3km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 227g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs
TYRES
Type Goodyear Eagle F1
Size 245/45 R20
SAFETY
Airbags 7
Traction Control ABS with ESC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 5066mm
Width 1905mm
Height 1492mm
Wheelbase 3052mm
Kerb Weight 1801kg
Turning Circle 11.5m
BUYING IT
Price $269,200 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Coolest “gangsta” character, largest cabin, sense of impregnability
– Less refined than the rest, weak air-con, lukewarm powertrain
Infiniti M37 3.7 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type V6, 24-valves
Capacity 3696cc
Bore x stroke 95.5mm x 86mm
Compression ratio 11:1
Max Power 320bhp at 7000rpm
Max Torque 360Nm at 5200rpm
Power to weight 186.6bhp per tonne
Gearbox 7-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Rear
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 6.2 seconds
Top Speed 250km/h
Consumption 9.8km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 235g/km
SUSPENSION
Front Double wishbones, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs
TYRES
Type Dunlop SP Sport Maxx TT
Size 245/50 R18
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with VDC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4945mm
Width 1845mm
Height 1500mm
Wheelbase 2900mm
Kerb Weight 1715kg
Turning Circle 11.2m
BUYING IT
Price $280,000 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Most rev-happy motor, most positive steering feel, most commodious boot
– Poorest fuel efficiency, incomplete infotainment, no paddle-shifters
Related story: Lexus GS350 review
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