The Kia Cadenza is the 5-series for People Who Aren't Shallow

"Tom McParland" (tommcparland)
03/10/2014 at 10:45 • Filed to: KIA, BMW, articles

In this post I am going to compare two cars that should not be compared and make assumptions about BMW buyers; I expect a good walloping in the comments. I think we have come to a general consensus that the 5-series is no longer the drivers car it once was. And that is o.k. because few buyers (lessees) in this segment want a true drivers car. Yes, I know you, Jalopnik reader , want a 50k+ driver's car but most of you can't afford one. You only want one to be made now, so you can grab it for half price 5-7 years from now.

What is exactly so appealing about the current generation 5-series? Is it the styling? It doesn't look bad , it is certainly toned down from the E60, but I would consider the F10 just more bland than the previous generation not necessarily better looking. What about performance? You can have your choice of 4 engines with turbocharged goodness. All of them, including the 4cyl, will get the car moving nicely, but none of them really get the blood pumping. Alright, the diesel is awesome, but that is it. Features? Well sure it has your typical luxury car features but nothing special. They are mostly a la carte...and expensive.

So why are people buying these? It certainly isn't for performance...the vast majority of them on the road are 528 xDrives. A 528 starts at under 50k and is the least expensive way into a 5-series, an xDrive model will set you back around 52, but only about $30 more dollars a month on a lease. Why is the xDrive upgrade so important? I will tell you it is not because those buyers really want AWD...it is because they don't want RWD. I should also mention that the manual transmission option has been dropped for 2014. The F10 certainly isn't moving off the lots due to style, when the A6, E-class, and Lexus GS have much better curb appeal. The only reason to get a 5-series is because you want to tell people "I drive a BMW." And that is all fine, but what if you want a relatively uninspiring, mid-size luxury car, but aren't a badge snob?

Then I have the vehicle for you...the Kia Cadenza. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! but I really think the Cadenza is their best upscale offering. But wait...isn't the K900 supposed to compete against the 5-series? After all, it is RWD. True, but remember, people in this segment really don't want RWD and they also don't want to drop 60k on a KIA. In this rough economy, frugal is the new rich and the Cadenza starting at 35,100 certainly offers a frugal alternative to the BMW.

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Let's look at the advantages of the Kia...shall we? The Cadenza looks sharp in fact it looks more like a BMW than the F10 5-series. You would be surprised how many non-car people would mistake the two. You don't have to pay extra for AWD because the car comes with FWD standard. Power comes from a 3.3L V6 with 293hp, that is more than the 240hp from the 528 and pretty darn close to the 57k 535xDrive. The Kia will get 28mpg on the highway. That is a bit shy of the 33mpg from the 528 but the Cadenza will take regular fuel so that is pretty much a wash. In terms of features the Cadenza has standard Bluetooth, navigation, heated seats, and a slew of goodies that would add at least another 10 grand to a 528xdrive. And let's not forget the most important advantage to the Cadenza....the turn signals work so no one is going to think you are just another asshat in a BMW.

If you get an A6 for the style and Quattro, I understand. If you purchase a GS for the quality and reliability, that makes sense. If you choose the E-class because well...it's an E-class, you get a pass. But if you get a 5-series instead of a Cadenza you are nothing more than a shallow badge snob. Unless you get the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

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!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! is a professional car buying consultant, lover of all things automotive and a bit wagon obsessed. You can find more ramblings and plenty of carporn !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

DISCUSSION (100)

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 10:50

I love this. The Cadenza/Azera are by far some of the most underrated cars out there. They really should be the top model of the Hyundai and Kia line. Make Genesis its own brand :D

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 10:52

I hate you.

turns on turn signals on my BMW

Tom McParland > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman
03/10/2014 at 10:52

But you have a BMW that is a real driver's car.

Cyrus > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 10:53

Kinja'd!!!

offroadkarter > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 10:54

I just can't take a kia/hyundai "luxury" car seriously, sorry... I don't know if I trust hyundai enough to make that kind of purchase either.

Not saying I'd be interested in a 5 series either unless it was a M5

Most of luxury car buying IS about the badge on the front. People don't buy luxury cars for the driving dynamics, they buy them to show off to the world what they can afford and how well they are doing at life. What does it say about you if you work in upper middle management and you drive a kia to work? Even worse if Ted down in middle middle management has a new 535i.

Brian Silvestro > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 10:56

I think every buyer is just going to think him/herself, "Would I rather have a Kia, or a BMW ?"

This is the problem that makes budget luxury a hard sell.

Tom McParland > offroadkarter
03/10/2014 at 10:56

Of course it is about the badge...but what if it wasn't?

JR1 > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 10:57

Kinja'd!!!

As great as the Kia might be just get the CTS. It is gorgeous and drives like a champ. (Or at least that's what I've heard, my peasant status means I can't drive it.)

Tom McParland > Brian Silvestro
03/10/2014 at 10:57

That conundrum works against the K900 but if you are looking at a 35k Kia loaded with features vs a 50k BMW it changes the game

offroadkarter > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 10:57

Then it'd go to buyers fallback reason #2, looks. Which to me both cars are "meh" in that department.

Jagvar > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 10:57

I drove one and was impressed. In SXL trim, it's pretty special.

Tom McParland > JR1
03/10/2014 at 10:59

I really like the CTS...but remember the Caddy is good if you want a driver's car but what if you don't really care about dynamics? And you want to save 10 grand over the Caddy?

Brian Silvestro > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:00

Then people will start to get confused and start rioting.

StevenG > JR1
03/10/2014 at 11:01

What if you are not a rapper nor geriatric?

PelicanHazard > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:01

Would you say that the two markets don't really overlap, though? I would think people buy/lease the F10 because it's a BMW (and not the more common F30) to show that they can do so, whereas Cadenza buyers care less about flaunting for people's opinions and instead want a driver's car.

macanamera > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:01

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AdmiralAkbar > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:02

Kinja'd!!!

KIA & Hyundai need new logos or even a whole new brand if they're going to really have a go at the luxury market. The KIA logo is actually just bad.

Tom McParland > macanamera
03/10/2014 at 11:02

EXACTLY!

efme > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:03

what if you actually want a RWD sedan?

JR1 > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:03

Then someone will buy a used BMW, Audi, etc. As valiant as suggesting a good Kia may be, the chances of changing a badge snobs opinion on a luxury car to buy are extremely low.

McSchmalex > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:03

Am I the only one who bought an Audi S4 because it is a bad mamma jamma and not just because of the four rings on the grill?

bpromersberger > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:03

*stares at picture of my e39*

he didn't mean it baby... it's not you its the F10s.

Textured Soy Protein > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:04

I am an anti badge snob. I have a 135is and an old Grand Cherokee, but am embarrassed to tell non-car people that I have 2 cars and 1 of them is a BMW. I always make an excuse like "but I'm not rich, I just like cars" or something.

I actually do see the appeal of a car like the Cadenza, and if I just wanted some kinda comfy cruiser type sedan I would certainly consider it. But...I'm not in the market for such a vehicle.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > offroadkarter
03/10/2014 at 11:04

"Frugal is the new rich..."

When you ask Ted how much he paid to get all of the same toys your Kia comes with as standard, and he says a price $15k more than what you paid you can point and laugh at him and tell him he has a small weeny.

shitheelandtoe > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:05

I think the majority of F10s are rolling status symbols, you're right. But the 550 and the M5 are pretty serious beasts. I've test driven the 550 - before settling on a 3 because it felt smaller - and it did not feel like a barge in any way. I even flogged one at the BMW Performance Center when I took their driving school, and it flogged well, so to speak.

Nevertheless, it doesn't change your point that for a lot of F10 customers, maybe even most of them, there are better choices. My only quibble is, that kind of person isn't going to read your column or consider a Kia. And those of us who do read your column are going for the high end, more performance oriented F10s.

Tom McParland > efme
03/10/2014 at 11:07

Then you also want a driver's car...so get a CTS

Der Sportwagoner > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:07

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Well, I'm out.

Zzzzzzzzzz > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:07

People who are willing to put money on the 5 series will get it (or get an A6, Eclass etc). I don't think they care about the $15,000 they are going to save. offroadkarter is right -Kia is not a luxury automaker and the badge makes it worth a lot less than the money saved.

Now if you turn this argument against someone purchasing a base 3 series you can argue that for the same price they can get a nicely equipped car that is BIGGER and better equipped.

But to try to compete for the same market no that isn't going to happen. I wouldn't even consider it. Almost traded in my WRX for a F10 535i. Instead I went bonkers and kept the WRX and got a Lotus Elise.

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:07

With functioning turn signals

cries

Tom McParland > McSchmalex
03/10/2014 at 11:07

No the S4 is specifically designed for people like you. It is an awesome car and should be appreciated by someone who knows this.

Zzzzzzzzzz > JR1
03/10/2014 at 11:08

*cough Test drive *cough at the dealership

Ricky Weston > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:08

Personally, I'll admit I'm a badge snob. Unless it's European, I won't even consider buying one. I just can't do it. Sure, a Viper was fun to rent for a couple days, but no way in hell am I going to tell people I drive a Dodge. Or a Toyota. Or a Chevy. Or a Kia.

On the other hand, the Europeans know how to build a car. The experience is right in them. Wether it's an F10 5er, which I agree is not in any way a driver's car; a Fiat 500; or an F355. The controls are weighted differently to the Japs and Americans, the switches are better in the Euro metal, etc (and yes, I'm quite aware that Europe has produced it's fair share of junk). Euro cars are just better. To me anyway. There would appear to be a surplus of Corvette drivers around my town that would beg to differ.

efme > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:08

is the new CTS really the same length as a 5 series? its nearly 5" longer than my car. which then amazes me that a 5/cts does not fit in my garage.

Forgetful > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:08

I think you misspelled Honda Accord.

Tom McParland > PelicanHazard
03/10/2014 at 11:08

Yes the market's don't overlap at all....I was trying in a ruffle some feathers kind of way to say how good the Cadenza is against some established luxury players.

Forgetful > efme
03/10/2014 at 11:08

Kinja'd!!!

Tom McParland > bpromersberger
03/10/2014 at 11:09

I love the E39....if BMW kept making 5ers like that I would not be able to write this article.

Dolemite > JR1
03/10/2014 at 11:09

If I wanted luxury, and was frugal (and didn't care about name), I'd be taking maintenance costs and insurance into account, and I'm sure those are 1/2 as much for the Kia as a BMW.

Sonex > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:09

The Kia Cadenza is the 5-series for People Who Aren't Shallow

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This is the exact opposite of all the experiences I have had with people driving this car. They all pass me with a certain amount of 'snob' that comes with an expensive luxury car.

It's just difficult to picture Kia being a luxury brand, all of their cars are driven by adult-sized hamsters in clothes.

Cixelsyd > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:09

The BMW a la carte optioning remains my biggest gripe about BMWs. I was seriously considering one for my last car until I started really digging in comparing what you got for your money. I simply couldn't justify spending BMW money and then being charged extra for things like leather seats.

Pdexter > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:09

I really want to be supportive, but just watch that Kia interior, just watch it.

efme > Forgetful
03/10/2014 at 11:10

edit:

what if you actually want a luxury RWD sedan? (the charger is not for me. interior was not impressive at all when I sat in it)

Der Sportwagoner > McSchmalex
03/10/2014 at 11:10

Not the only one, but damn close. :)

Forgetful > efme
03/10/2014 at 11:11

Kinja'd!!!

Used E60

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:11

MKZ? lol

Tom McParland > Pdexter
03/10/2014 at 11:11

Watch it what...fall apart? Not before the lease is turned in it won't. :)

Der Sportwagoner > AdmiralAkbar
03/10/2014 at 11:11

Agreed, that logo alone says "budget car" more than anything else.

outtshined2 > offroadkarter
03/10/2014 at 11:11

"What does it say about you if you work in upper middle management and you drive a kia to work? Even worse if Ted down in middle middle management has a new 535i."

It says - that's why Ted is below me; because he isn't as smart. Basically.

PelicanHazard > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:12

Ah, ok. Carry on then. It always amuses me some of the particularly mind-bending "but but but!" comments posts like yours inspire. Especially now that it's been shared to the FP.

hatbob > offroadkarter
03/10/2014 at 11:12

1. Save $25,000 buy buying Kia instead of well specced 5 series.

2. Save another $10,000 on maintence

3. Don't buy a new car after 5 years.

4. Buy a Lister Bell stratos and tell Todd to fuck off.

Cixelsyd > McSchmalex
03/10/2014 at 11:12

How's the reliability these days?

I lust after many an Audi, but my previous experience as a VAG owner has made me very gun shy.

Tom McParland > PelicanHazard
03/10/2014 at 11:12

Thought it would be a fun post for a Monday.

tsmit > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:13

528i ....thats all it could even sort of compete with, every trim level past that pushes it's face in dirt and steals it's lunch money.

PelicanHazard > Forgetful
03/10/2014 at 11:13

What if you want a new luxury RWD sedan?

Ingaz > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:13

The only real advantage the Kia has over the bimmer is the price. Other then that, no one will choose a kia over a BMW simply because it gets 4 more mpg or comes with this or that standard.

RufusMacblorf > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:14

Hm. It's an interesting discussion, but I think you could've picked a more suitable comparison. A few years ago, the 5-series / G8 comparison was much more compelling. Both were RWD with good power, limited-slip diff, good handling, etc. The Kia is just too different, in my opinion.

Kinja'd!!!

Stupidru > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:14

Don't care about the badge but still want a luxury sedan? Solution: Buy a used Phaeton, save tons. And your boss won't make fun of you for buying a $50k Kia, because let's face it... it's going to happen

efme > PelicanHazard
03/10/2014 at 11:14

I think I need to keep on making edits. haha

what if you want a luxury RWD sedan that isn't extremely ugly, like the e60?

in manual :)

Zzzzzzzzzz > outtshined2
03/10/2014 at 11:14

Ted sucks. No seriously is there a Ted at your work place?

T off the New > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:15

Yea I'll stick with my BMW and its stereotype over a KIA any day

aleph Ruehl > AdmiralAkbar
03/10/2014 at 11:15

You mean like this one. Down here the K5, known as the Optima in NA, utilises this logo on the sport model which I reckon looks significantly better than 'Kia'.

Kinja'd!!!

Tom McParland > RufusMacblorf
03/10/2014 at 11:16

I friggin' loved the G8...that was truly a "poor man's 5-series" especially against the E60 which was still a driver's car.

Tom McParland > T off the New
03/10/2014 at 11:16

I bet you don't have an F10

Forgetful > PelicanHazard
03/10/2014 at 11:17

Kinja'd!!!

You gots to pay to play.

nauyop > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:17

Nah I'd get the 5 series just because I hate Korean stuff period.

DivideXZero > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:17

Personally, I think some of the Luxury sedans have become just ridiculous in their offerings. Is a 528xi worth $52k? I mean, before, BMW used be the "Ultimate Driving Machine", a car for people who wanted luxury but also wanted a drivers car. It was the automotive equivalent of a tailored suit. Now, it's just Jos A Bank of the rack job. Expensive but not "better". What is my money buying now?

bpromersberger > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:18

Agreed, the e39 is the likely newest 5 series I'd own.

AdmiralAkbar > aleph Ruehl
03/10/2014 at 11:19

I've seen Fortes that have been rebadged with that 'K'. It does look better but around here they're all fake and bought off ebay so even that has a bit of a stigma around it (for people who are snobs like me).

Ash78, voting early and often > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:19

The only problem is that the name sounds like furniture, which is like a notch better than an appliance. Might as well keep it going:

Kia Automan
Hyundai Chipendeo
Kia Aeron (Sued by Suzuki over the Aereo)
Hyundai Armwarra
Hyundai Sofaking (trimlines: Cheap, Cool, Sweet)

PelicanHazard > Forgetful
03/10/2014 at 11:19

Thanks for posting the generation I have an infatuation over. 10% better Monday because of it.

Although it it's pay to play, I would like maximum play.

Kinja'd!!!

Tom McParland > Ash78, voting early and often
03/10/2014 at 11:20

LOL!

oldirtybootz > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:21

But its still a huge difference in brand perception. The Kia won't impress the neighborhood when everyone else had a Benz, Lexus, Audi, etc..

Your argument makes plenty of sense, but only in a world where these types of cars are purchased for more than the logo on the front. A 528i is the equivalent of a lower priced Coach bag while a Cadenza is the most expensive bag at Kohls. The Kohls bag will do everything the Coach does for less money and probably even have a few extra pockets, but it doesn't have the letter 'C' covering every inch of the exterior and for Mrs Jones, that is the most important factor. Especially since Mrs Smith next door has a bag with 'LV' all over it. Gotta show off at Lacrosse practice, ya know.

offroadkarter > Zzzzzzzzzz
03/10/2014 at 11:23

No, unless we hired someone new that I haven't met, no.

Someone here has a brand new 328i though

Victorious Secret > Brian Silvestro
03/10/2014 at 11:23

I know the answer to that question.

It is called the CTS.

Moving on.

Tom McParland > oldirtybootz
03/10/2014 at 11:23

Really the Cadenza is the 5 series for people who can't afford the BMW...and it does a pretty darn good job at that.

DeeVeeOus > AdmiralAkbar
03/10/2014 at 11:23

Hyundai has already done this for their upmarket cars. Below are the badges they put on the Genesis and Equus.

Kinja'd!!!

Brian Silvestro > Victorious Secret
03/10/2014 at 11:24

That would be my answer too. I'm proud to be an American in this segment.

The World of Vee > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:25

I Agree!

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shieldsdb > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:25

A few months back I test drove a 528, T60, T80 and a Cadenza. I gotta say, the Cadenza was a lot nicer than the others.

I didn't notice any build quality issues. Everything lined up just fine. I didn't notice any ill fitting seems in the dash/console or carpet. And for the price, wow!

Now, do people who buy the Cadenza really worry about FWD vs RWD or AWD? Probably not. If I was going to buy a car for comfort, amenities, and price, the Cadenza would definetly be high on my list.

Was it fast/quick, not really. It did ride REALLY well. And the cabin was very quiet. Plus it has a butt load (that's a technical term) of options on it, all for under 40k.

I drove it for probably 30 minutes on various roads (hwy way, through neighborhoods, etc) and I was just as impressed as I was in the BMW. All the little gizmos work as well. I would purposely hit the turn signal with a car in the blind spot, the warning never failed (say maybe 10 or 12 attempts) to work. The adaptive cruise worked as well.

I'd say all in all, if you just want a good car (not hooning on the weekends) this might just be it. Because really, not everyone can tell the difference when driving.

Hindered23 > McSchmalex
03/10/2014 at 11:26

no.

Victorious Secret > Brian Silvestro
03/10/2014 at 11:26

You'd have to be a bit of a badge whore not to at least consider the CTS.

If not in the last generation, easily in this generation.

Hindered23 > Cixelsyd
03/10/2014 at 11:27

my 2005's reliability was shit.

Tom McParland > efme
03/10/2014 at 11:29

I think it is pretty close...but also if you want RWD and don't need a ton of power the GS F-sport is surprisingly connected compared to the BMW

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:29

I'm going to have to say that not even using my typical Ford bias, I realize they aren't technically the "same class" but at this price range I'd rather have a Lincoln MKZ or a Cadillac ATS.

I could even get an AWD ATS for a base price of 36k.

RosarchII > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:29

I own an S Class and I own a fully loaded Hyundai Azera. The Azera is an excellent car, the leather is nice and soft, the car rides great on the highway, could use a little softening up for regular roads though. I have a great panoramic sunroof that has great blinds, heated and cooled front seats with a great thigh cushion extender like on my S, heated backseats that are huge and comfortable (no heated steering wheel though), sunshades on all the back windows, navigation works great and the car looks great. I literally drove over a ladder that must have fallen off some dumbshit hick's truck on the highway and had zero damage or problems, nothing.

To be honest, unless you get a 7 Series or S class, the interiors on the cars below them for BMW and Mercedes look like cheap shit. I was driving in my uncle's ML the other day and quite frankly was disgusted by that cheap shit fake leather that was in it. I am sorry that is just unacceptable in that price range. I just find it offensive also that some of these companies are charging for backup cameras, heated seats and other things that you get standard on $30K or less cars. I'll be honest, I think if someone went out and bought a $28K Honda Accord I think that is a better buy than most of the 5 series or E Classes out there.

Quite frankly I never saw the prestige in mid-tier or below BMWs, Mercedes or Audis, there are literally billions of them on the road. I have no idea why anyone would feel snobby sitting in a car with tons of other ones just like yours all around it?

Hindered23 > Stupidru
03/10/2014 at 11:30

save tons on a phaeton? you won't save that much when you need to buy a backup car for all its maintenance.

jaredkuper > McSchmalex
03/10/2014 at 11:32

The people who buy Audis for the four rings don't buy S4's, they buy A4's.

Zzzzzzzzzz > offroadkarter
03/10/2014 at 11:32

Better than my fellow employee who says my WRX is crap and worthless and claims that Audi is the god of all cars. He drives an old Audi Allroad because it is superior.

I haven't seen it in a couple of days probably because it broke down probably due to one of the following issues engine knock, collapsed suspension (fancy air suspension minus the reliability) and I believe the exhaust fell off too. Less than 100k miles also.

I think he spent $4000 on that amazing"Daily Driver".

T off the New > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:34

Nope, e90, even if I did, opinions' the same.

rawrrawrrawrrawr1 > efme
03/10/2014 at 11:35

it's also a dodge which isn't helping out at all.

Kinja III: The Domination > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:37

It seems less like a competitor to the 5-series and CTS and more to the LaCrosse or 300. I know Kia is aiming at the BMW crowd but they are hitting the Buick crowd. Not that this is a bad thing at all.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > McSchmalex
03/10/2014 at 11:39

That's why I bought an E90 M3.

Tom McParland > Kinja III: The Domination
03/10/2014 at 11:39

You are right...KIA really isn't on the same level as the Tier 1 players like BMW, MB, Audi etc...but they are coming close and make brands like Buick, Acura, and Lincoln struggle even more

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:41

Have you driven a Genesis R-Spec?

thenewrick > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:42

Two big reasons why the 5 series is still cool:

1- Turbo tunability. Throw on a plug n play tune get another 50-100hp.

2- RWD is still better than FWD

The Dummy Gummy > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:43

You are going to make a comparison, but leave off ride quality/cabin noise/driving quality?

The ride quality is adequate for a sedan (not luxury sedan), but since you're making the comparison; I would give it an F. It would probably get a B if you compared it to its true competitors a (avalon, impala, etc).

The cabin noise is loud and unacceptable in terms of luxury.

The steering feels disconnected and unresponsive.

I am by no means a badge snob, but comparing the two and leaving off these three things is just setting up an unfair fight.

bhkjunk > Brian Silvestro
03/10/2014 at 11:44

The real question is do I want a BMW 5, or a Kia Cadenza plus a suitcase with $15,000 in it?

Tom McParland > thenewrick
03/10/2014 at 11:45

For you both of those things matter...but for the majority of 5-series lessees they don't

TulsaMtnBiker (OkieRising) > Tom McParland
03/10/2014 at 11:45

Kinja'd!!!

Why the excessive hate? Getting a bit old.

Tom McParland > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
03/10/2014 at 11:46

Yes...they are awesome. One of the best pre-owned performance values you can buy. Lightly used can be picked up for low 30's