I came across this thread while doing some research for my next possible purchase. I currently drive an '07 Camry but I am now looking for something more sporty, more involving and more dynamically capable and an Infiniti product seems like a good choice.
In my line of work I am constantly traveling between North America and Europe. In Europe I often have to visit various locations where my firm has suppliers etc. I prefer to drive, partly because I love driving and also because it allows me to see much of the European countryside. I tend to rent Mercedes' cars because I find them very comfortable and soothing for long journeys on the high-speed European highways, especially on the German highways.
Anyway, I've been very impressed with the Mercedes' cars I've rented. Many rental agencies offer you the choice of diesel and gasoline-powered cars and I've tried my fair share. Let's begin with the diesels. I've rented a current C class with a new engine from Mercedes. These motors are very refined, agile and the fuel economy was impressive. Needless to say, I was very pleased with the car and I hope that someday Mercedes' will offer them in the United States.
Next, I've tried the C class in C180 Kompressor and C200 Kompressor guise, the latter with a 6-speed manual. A quick search on the Internet tells me that these are the same engines with different settings. Both engines are new. They're refined, responsive, have a great sound and feel like 6-cylinders. Yes, that's right. They feel like 6-cylinders. You'd need to drive them to believe what I am saying here. These are a far cry from the 4-cylinders Mercedes' sold in the US with that little sport coupe car a few years ago. At higher speeds, the engines were fairly quiet, too. A downside was the 6-speed manual, which felt rubbery and imprecise. I think the C180 Kompressor had the 5-speed automatic (unless it's offered with their excellent 7Gtronic now) and I actually preferred it to the manual, even though I prefer manuals (and I'm not the youngest anymore).
So, if Infiniti should get these engines, I wouldn't have a problem with it. These are great engines, which also have been greatly received by the British automotive press (the only European reviews I can understand since my French and German is non-existent!). Besides, these Infiniti's with Mercedes' engines will most likely be for markets outside of North America.
Regarding the platform issue, Mercedes' sells more cars globally than Infiniti. Infiniti receiving Mercedes' platforms makes more financial sense than the other way around. This move would allow Infiniti to save huge sums of money (as well as Mercedes due to economies of scale).
Also, the engines that Mercedes' produces are very reliable. Mechanically, Mercedes is pretty solid. What plagues some models are small electrical gremlins. That's not to say every Mercedes' suffers from them. My son-in-law's (married to my daughter) early 2000 Mercedes E430 has been bulletproof for example. They also have a 2010 GLK350 which has been wonderful to them.
My wife and I have been debating whether or not to even purchase a BMW or a Mercedes, although I am still leaning towards an Infiniti, preferably a G or M sedan. The new 2.5 engine sounds interesting and as I will be spending more time in the United States again, I can finally get rid of the Camry and purchase a car that will bring more smiles to my face.
