I took one for a spin on Monday, also black SE-L. Comments based on comparisons to a 2004 320d that I currently drive.
Good Points.......
1. Concerns about engine noise mentioned in the press are rubbish, the engine is no more noisy than my 320d.
2. The seats are very good, better than the bm, but not as supportive as the S60 D5 I've also tested
3. Legroom in the front is better than the bmw (though at 6ft3 a couple of extra inches would have been nice)
4. The stereo is one of the best I've heard + has mp3 input.
5. very high levels of grip with good handling - on a par with the bm, though slightly less feedback from the wheels
6. It's not a BMW
The not so good......
1. The gearbox isn't quite as slick as my BM, although the car only had 260 miles, so mybe not loosened up yet
2. The engine didn't feel quite as fast as my bm, also had more turbo lag. The flexabillity isn't quite so good either it feels that it wants 3rd gear at 30mph rather than 4th! Again maybe this will improve when it has loosened up.
3. The ride can feel a bit bouncy on certain road surfaces.
4. With the seat right back the wide door pillar obstructs your view to the right.
5. There is some tyre noise form the 17" tyres, definitely worse than the 16" on the BM, but not as bad as the 18" wheels I had on my old 325 sport. I think I'd be tempted to go for the standard non se car and spend the money on the MM upgrade.
6. Rear legroom isn't great, although It's rubbish in the BM too.
That's my view, at the moment I'm torn between the S60 D5 (more comfortable, powerful) or the lexus (better handling, better looking).
Hope this helps
