Had my mind made up until my boss (who owns a G35x - yuck) asked if i looked at the new M. I went and drove the M35x and other than it being extremely loud, its a damn nice ride. i really liked how the backup camera operates (it has guidelines that actually move when you turn the wheel when backing up). I like the Rosewood detail (i believe its real wood and am not sure if the RL's interior trim is real wood or not)

I liked the overall feel of the interior but still feel more drawn to the RL. I have had 3 acuras since 2003 and the RL just seems like what im supposed to do. Anything im missing that would cause me not to just buy the RL?

 

The RL has real wood, unlike the TL. Also, a backup camera is available for the RL. I'm sure other people can give you more insight into that feature.

 

The M35x is an okay car, but when I test-drove one, it didn't really impress me with anything it had to offer. Plus, I didn't even think the seats were all the comfortable. The RL just felt familiar (my family has had 7 Acuras) and I thought the RL felt just right.

 

I test drove a M35 today as well, and I as well loved the back up camera with the automatic lines. However the RL feel right to me as well - althought I think you can get a base M35 with Nav for a lower price than an RL. The RL just seems right to me and the body look like nothing else out there, I feel the M35 reminds me of a maxima.

 

I drove both cars numerous times. They're both great cars and you can't go wrong. I ended up picking the RL as I wanted the CMBS (collision mitigation braking system). I had the backup camera installed too: It's not quite as fancy as the M35, but works well enough for my purposes. Good luck with your decision. I used carbargains.org to get a good price (look in sticky for recent car sales and prices for details)

 

Sat in both and liked the M a bit more than the RL.
Can't go wrong with either one.

 

When I shopped the M vs RL vs GS, the M didn't 'fit' well for me. Ergonomically, it was an 8 while the GS was a 9 and the RL a 9.5. Performance was terrific and aethetically is subjective. But the interior just didn't impress me.

Yesterday, I test drove an ES350. I don't want to hijack the thread so I'll post my comments soon. But I will say this: Sweet mother - what a car!!

 

I test drove a M35 over the summer, and I thought the build quality in the interior wasn't very good, compared to the RL.