   Infiniti G-Series, 2006–2013. Click image to enlarge |
Review by Justin Pritchard
Vehicle Type: Sedan, Coupe or Convertible
History/Description: The latest iteration of the Infiniti ‘G’ lineup offered Canadian shoppers plenty of choice. Available in sedan, coupe and convertible variants, with available all-wheel drive (AWD) and in a higher-performing Infiniti Performance Line (IPL) variant, selection in this premium model range was world-class.
New sedan and coupe models were introduced for 2007 and 2008 model years, respectively. The G37 Convertible hit the road as a 2009 model, and a de-powered G25 sedan variant, with a smaller six-cylinder engine launched for model year 2011, increasing fuel economy to compete with models like the BMW 328i.
Available feature content, in any case, included Bluetooth and multimedia connectivity, adaptive xenon lights, climate-controlled leather seats with memory, keyless engine start, a premium BOSE stereo system, sunroof, driver computer and plenty more.
Engines / Trim: The ‘VQ25VHR’ powerplant in the mileage-focused G25 displaced 2.5 litres and generated 218 horsepower but it’s the bigger V6 engines that made the G lineup popular, which is why most examples in the used market will have 3.5 or 3.7L V6 making no less than 305 hp, and as much as 348 on IPL-tuned models. In a used G35 or G37, shoppers benefit from a healthy power advantage over many similarly-priced competitors in the used market – and especially ones from Germany.
Note that G models wearing an ‘X’ designation have Infiniti’s advanced AWD system, which is called ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split). The fully intelligent and fully automatic system is engineered not only as a bad-weather companion on snow and ice, but also as a performance enhancing implement all year round.
Models with the ‘S’ designation carry the Sport Package, which fits bigger wheels, sporty tires, tighter springs and various other precision-enhancing upgrades. Note that the X and S designations (AWD and Sport Package) could be combined.
To the delight of performance buffs, a Limited Slip Differential (LSD), rear-wheel steering and high-performance braking systems were available as well. Manual or automatic transmissions could be specified. Look for paddle-shift control with the five or seven-speed automatic transmission, and a delightfully short, stubby shifter with the six-speed stick.
   Infiniti G-Series, 2006–2013. Click image to enlarge |
What Owners Like: G owners tend to rave about an all-around balance of performance and comfort, looks, a well-appointed cabin and the great-sounding, strong acceleration delivered by the bigger V6 engines. Many owners love that the G models feel and look pricier than they are, and the majority say that where all-around luxury and performance bang for the buck are concerned, this one is hard to beat. Great handling, a long list of gadgets and the tail-happy, strongly rear drive bias to the AWD system were commonly praised, too. Some owners, after switching from a Mercedes of BMW, even say they love the G’s highly affordable repair and maintenance costs.
What Owners Dislike: Rear seat headroom, especially on coupe models, was a common gripe point – as were higher-than-expected levels of road noise on some models. Most owners wish for better fuel consumption, and owners of the G37 convertible gripe about the nearly total loss of trunk space when they put the roof down. Coupe owners hate the mounting position of the seatbelts, which require a good reach rearward to access. Further, the clutch pedal on manual-equipped models has a weird effort and lever action that takes some getting used to.
Infiniti G Owners Reviews (Trader.ca)
Common Issues: In most used reviews of German luxury cars, I frequently caution readers to start their test-drive by ensuring anything connected to an electrical signal, module or microchip works properly and as expected. With the G35/37, the electrical component issues that typically infuriate owners of those German machines look largely absent – mainly because the Japanese know a thing or two about wiring and electronics.
