2008 Infiniti G37: Power and Luxury? Yes! Sporty? Uh...
It's clear to anyone paying attention that Nissan's luxury division, Infiniti, has targeted those Munich-mavens of ultimate driving machines. And within the Infiniti line-up no model is more aggressive in its BMW-aping than the G35 sedan and G37 coupe. Both the G37 and the BMW 335i offer 300-plus horsepower, six-cylinder engines surrounded by sweeping body lines. Both offer aggressive suspension tuning and large wheels wearing performance tires (if you opt for the sport packages for either model). Both can be had with six-speed manual transmissions, and both portray themselves as high-grade premium performance machines.
Today I'm driving a 2008 Infiniti G37 with all the performance equipment, including the manual transmission, and there's no denying its power or luxury. The ongoiong complaints of plasticky interior bits have been quelled with this new version, and the 330 horsepower V6 can spin the rear tires at will (assuming you disable VDC). This car also possesses the cleanest, most effective iPod/iPhone integration I have ever seen. Not only does it equalize volume and allow for easy music selection through the car's native audio controls, but the display screen for artist, song title, play list, track time and play style (random, repeat, etc.) is rendered in the same soothing font and color scheme as the rest of the LCD screen's graphics. It's an automotive display almost on par with the iPhone's own high-quality pixels.
No, luxury, performance and quality are not issues with this car. Neither is price, as it beats the equivalent 3 Series by approximately $5,000. But is it the ultimate-driving equal of the 335i? No.
I think the best way to describe it is "driving big versus driving small." This refers to how a vehicle feels from behind the wheel, regardless of its actual dimensions or curb weight. For instance, the new GM Lambdas (Acadia, Enclave, Outlook) are quite large and quite heavy, but in terms of dynamic response, they all "drive small." Same can be said of the new Accord. Bigger than the last generation? Undeniably. But does it feel big and bulky? No, it "drives small."
Even the new 3 Series, which is of course larger than the E46 version, doesn't feel unwieldy when blasting down a backroad. But this G37, while weighing 100 pounds more than the BMW and being marginally larger in every exterior dimension, "drives big" by comparison -- even bigger than those 100 pounds would suggest. That's not bad from a luxury standpoint, but it simply can't match the German sedan in dynamic behavior. Everything just feels a little heavier, a little softer, a little slower to respond.
Given the way most premium coupe buyers drive their cars most of the time these relatively minor differences between the G37 and 335i don't mean much in the real world. But for fans of those trademark BMW driving traits, it's probably enough to keep them out of Infiniti showrooms.
I saw the first one of these in person in a a HD parking lot this past weekend - in this same color. I thought it looked really good and better live then any photo I've seen of the car to date.
Infiniti makes a really tempting car for the money. I think Karl hit it exactly though...it drives big. I feel the new 3 also feels and drives big too though.
Gen 3 of the Gs will be interesting as they're so close to matching BMW. And perhaps given BMW's propensity for making the 3 ever-bigger, they will match BMW as the Germans will rise up to match the size of the G.
Karl, I didn't divre none of them but the G37 has those swooping lines that are awesome. The 335i looks good too and has an advantage with the Turbo 6 engine base on the amount of torque. The G37 has the price advantage and reliability. But, I have been reading some BMW magazines and they are complaining big time about the Automatic 335i model overheating (limp mode)and BMW not doing nothing about it. If I choose a BMW I will take a Z4 M coupe (old 3.2 M3 engine); you can check the oil !
is the difference large enough to justify a $5k price premium for the BMW? No. enough said. These subjective differences are small and most owners wouldnt even notice them. The G37 is a great deal and I would sacrifice a tiny bit of sportiness (that I cant exploit on public roads) for a $5k price advantage and better interior.
the interior is only better from a design and layout standpoint, not materials. BMW still wins in that dept.
iskch- previously, non sport 335 automatics lacked an auxiliary cooler that caused the overheating issues. I believe this issue has been addressed as all 335 now feature the extra cooling capacity.
1487- I agree that Infiniti materials still aren't up to par if you want to be particular about it but the aesthetics are there and it packs plenty of visual interest. In contrast 3's interior lacks any design flair whatsoever. That's a shame because the 335's exterior is pretty much flawless and superior to the G37's.
To me it's not a 5k difference. But there are must have features for me and other features I don't care about. 6 MT335i coupe with comfort access and sport package = MSRP of 43k. That car comes with a moonroof, mem seats and adaptive xenons (something I love). To get those features on a G37 I have to get the silly premium package, tech package and navigation package on a 6MT. Infiniti won't let you order ala carte. In the end the price is 43k and the car's packed with worthless garbage like a navi system and homelink transmitter.
Of course, ED the 3 series coupe and it's a 38k car. Last month BMW had 1500 trunk money too, so many people got into on-the-lot coupes for 4k below MSRP.
I know, apples to oranges. But in my little world, the 3 ends up cheaper.
Karl,
How does the G37 do in highway-cruising mode? I've always seen this car more as a baby GT and less of a back-road hooligan, which is why I would probably go for the paddle-shift auto and use it for roadtrips.
This is a great blog entry on "driving big versus small," Karl!
The G37 is excellent for highway cruising. Plenty of torque for passing efforts (downshift optional) and minimal road/wind noise. The audio system also rocks, so as a GT this one gets the job done.
The "driving big versus small" issue is critical for people to understand. Once again, spec numbers don't tell the whole story. I like to say you can't break the laws of physics, but if you've got a first-rate engineering team you'd be surprised how far they bend.
"worthless garbage like a navi system and homelink transmitter"
You are a funny guy.
Karl, do you find the G37's exhaust roar is a little obnoxious? You can hear it a block away (just like the FX's). I see the same black coupe every morning if I'm time and it's a tad aggressive for a V6.
Karl,
Why do people feel that Infiniti needs to produce a car for $5,000 less, that is BETTER than the 335i? Is that even humanly possible? Is this the only way Infiniti will finally be validated against BMW?
As long as Infiniti is producing cars that are $5,000-10,000 less than the equivalent BMW, they will NEVER have a better overall product, when you take price OUT of the equation. It is just not possible IMO.
To me it's like saying that an F430 doesnt' handle as well as an F430 Scuderia, or a 335i doesn't handle as well as an M3. Of course not, that is the price you pay.
Thanks...
Given my experience with BMWs, I would lease the 335i but I would not be uncomfortable buying the G37. Reliability and a $5K savings tends to offset the BMW's advantage for most drivers, as it is a very nice GT and most people drive at 7/10ths the capability of a car. I always felt that the big problem with the G35 coupe was the interior, which now seems greatly improved on. Actually, I would most likely go for the new BMW 1 series with the turbo engine. To me that is the real enthusiast's car. Small not big!
Is this G37's manual better than the one in your long-term G35 (that everyone's complained about)?
Both are good choices if you want to spend that much on a car . But go check Edmunds' own "cost per mile" numbers.
I drive an E90 325i but for the same money the G35 would probably have been a better choice in almost every way except steering feel.
Well said Drew as a lot of folks always bring up the price equation regarding the 335i and G37. Its not like the G37 is giving you exactly what the 335 can and will deliver. Youre getting less car so youre going to pay less, thats logical.
As a first-gen G35 coupe owner, I agree with Karl about the car driving larger than it is. However, this is only until you are used to the car. Prior to the Infiniti, I drove an IS300 and that car really drove much smaller than it was, so I had a heck of an adjustment. I think part of the issue has to do with the raised "fenders" being visible from the driver's position, making it feel like the hood goes on forever and lead to a lack of confidence in where the car's dimensions end overall. The current generation car has the same pronounced "canard" over the fender area as well as dimensions and outward visibility that are almost identical.
I also whole-heartedly agree with the use of this car as a GT as I'm sure it has only become better with evolution. I have done the drive from MN to CO (and back) in both the Lexus and the Infiniti with the G35 being an excellent option for all day driving (for the reasons Karl stated) and the Lexus merely got the job done.
For the money, I think the G37 (sedan & coupe) offer the best bang for your buck in its class. I bet that'll change when the Genesis and equivalent coupe hit showrooms, though.
"I know, apples to oranges. But in my little world, the 3 ends up cheaper. "
In the real world, the G37 is cheaper. The 335 may have some small advantage but you arent giving up much if you go with the Infiniti. It has nothing to do with "numbers not telling the story". That is besides the point. In the real world the G37 and 335 are going to feel very similar. On the racetrack that may change but I dont think many owners of $40k sports coupes spend a lot of time at the track. Most drivers arent even skilled enough or discerning enough to understand or feel the differences Karl is talking about. This is all auto writer generated hype to ensure people that no one is catching up to BMW when it comes to the intangibles of the driving experience. Maybe they aren't quite matching BMW, but Infiniti and Cadillac are getting damn close. Close enough for me in fact. I don't tackle a lot of decreasing radius sweepers at 100mph in my regular driving but if you happen to do so maybe you should stick with BMW.
"In the real world the G37 and 335 are going to feel very similar."
Have you driven both, 1487? If you haven't, I don't think you're qualified to say that. In my opinion, a person doesn't need a finely-calibrated posterior to feel something "drives big" or "drives small."
"Have you driven both, 1487? If you haven't, I don't think you're qualified to say that. In my opinion, a person doesn't need a finely-calibrated posterior to feel something "drives big" or "drives small."
I haven't driven both but I have common sense and I have read a lot about both cars. You can say whatever you want, but the reality is they are VERY similar. The 335 is smaller and may drive smaller but my point is I don't care and the difference is inconsequential to most drivers. I think G37 sales were up big in february so obviously Infiniti is finding people that agree. It's easy to dismiss price differences (ask C&D, they do it all the time) when you arent paying for these cars, but in the real world $5k is a lot of money and you better give some good reasons why one car costs $5k more than a similar competing model.
You let me know how the 335's driving small would make on iota of difference to me as an owner if 90% of my driving was either urban stop and go or interstate cruising. I don't drive on tracks, if you do then get the BMW and be happy.
I haven't driven both but I have common sense and I have read a lot about both cars.
Nothing can replace firsthand experience.
"You let me know how the 335's driving small would make on iota of difference to me as an owner if 90% of my driving was either urban stop and go or interstate cruising. I don't drive on tracks, if you do then get the BMW and be happy."
You obviously don't tick like a spirited driving enthusiast, and hence will never "get it". Even if 90% of your driving was urban stop & go or highway cruising (it's Philly great?), it's that 10% of the time that you are carving up a deserted back road that makes it all worth it. If it doesn't make worth it for you, then you probably shouldn't be wasting your money on either car.
So, Karl, what are your overall dynamic impressions of the G37? Would it at least satisfy most driving enthusiasts? Would you consider it a sporty car?
I think it would satisfy most coupe buyers who like to think of themselves as enthusiasts (sort of like Escalades satisfy most SUV buyers who think they could charge off road -- if they ever wanted to, but they don't).
But within the group of people who call themselves enthusiasts there's a smaller percentage who will notice the heavier weight and slower response of the G37. Those people won't like it, even if they rarely get a chance to utilize the 3 Series' additional abilities on a truly inspiring road.
If I'm reading this correctly-you're saying that the G37 should be considered a "grand tourer" rather than all out sports-car, right?
Even if the Infiniti is $5000 cheaper to purchase, come resale time the BMW will have cut that price advantage. Also you get free servicing which covers some of the extra cost.
"If I'm reading this correctly-you're saying that the G37 should be considered a "grand tourer" rather than all out sports-car, right?"
Right