I was walking out the bank yesterday and a really nice looking lady just randomly told me how much she liked my car. This happens on a semi-regular basis.

Also, being a geek I find the whiz-bang features to be, well, whiz-bang: The intelligent distance monitor on the cruise control works well at three different settings to automagically keep a constant distance based on the speed of the vehicle in front. The switchable lane monitor is effective and unobtrusive by telling you when you’re over the lane markings with a gentle but persistent audible nudge. This alert is especially useful when starting to feel drowsy. As mentioned, the Bose system is awesome and a little spooky in the placement of its aural signature. You feel like you’re sitting in the middle of a string quartet. I have never felt so spatially involved. Bose has the psycho-acoustic effect nailed down tight. Having both front seats with 3-setting AC/heat controls is true luxury in these days of overblown claims by car manufacturers. The [color] backup camera shows where you are about to be headed as you turn the steering wheel as well as differentiating distance by color [red being less than one foot from an object.]

My two previous cars were Q45’s and I mourned each passing until 10 minutes after driving the next. I believe the Q is going to be rebirthed in 2009. Just about the time I’ll be looking for a replacement for the M. Aaahhh! contentment now and in the future.

The Infiniti on the other hand handles well but does not have that sensual look of the Lexus.

I’d take the beauty over the performance. I want to see a sexy car, I rarely push a car so it does not matter if it holds a sharp turn at 50mph for me.

I drive a car for fun, but realize I need to comply with traffic laws and other drivers, the Lexus is plenty, believe me, and just the right balance of stability and pick up, only on long stretches do I sense a more powerful motor would eat hills as though they were flatlands..