CTC Review: 2009 Infiniti G37x Sedan

[CD_Editor]

Day 1:

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Although it's a little tough to give up an S8 for more pedestrian digs, I am only moving slightly down the price range of the luxury segment as I take a pit stop at Infiniti.  This week, I am behind the wheel of the new 2009 Infiniti G Sedan, as they call it; the G37x is a car designed to battle it out with the likes of the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class, Audi A4 and Lexus IS.   More ...

[Jaeger]

I had no idea the base model was so affordable.  I thought for sure it would start over $40k.  Where does a BMW 335i start?

Jaeger

[wing]

335i starts at $48,900

[Demosthenes X]

It really annoys me the way Infiniti requires their packages to be stacked.  The Premium package is a total waste...  the only features it contains I would want are Bluetooth and the iPod input.  But the Technology package is pretty cool, and offers reasonably good value, up to the point that you realize the Tech package is effectively a $7500 option.  :/

Otherwise, I really dig Infiniti.  And they're hardly the only ones guilty of package stacking, to be fair.

[mmret]

One would imagine that Infiniti is more willing to deal than BMW though, mitigating some of that option stuff.

But I agree the Prem package is ridiculous.

[Audi Lover]

A poser 3-series imitator, with its only claim-to-fame being cheaper, lower quality interior, worst-in-class low impact collision bumper damage, and albeit more reliable (which then again is really more of a concern for budget conscious consumers, and not really the luxury buyers it would like to believe it is targeting).

If saving money is all you aspire to, I suggest getting a honda accord v6 instead.  Better bargain in my opinion.  Also, I think it is more reasonable to compare the G37 to the 328, not 335.  335 rips it to shreds, thank you.

[vdk]

A poser 3-series imitator, with its only claim-to-fame being cheaper, lower quality interior, worst-in-class low impact collision bumper damage, and albeit more reliable (which then again is really more of a concern for budget conscious consumers, and not really the luxury buyers it would like to believe it is targeting).

If saving money is all you aspire to, I suggest getting a honda accord v6 instead.  Better bargain in my opinion.  Also, I think it is more reasonable to compare the G37 to the 328, not 335.  335 rips it to shreds, thank you.

Ahh.. for fack's sake dude..

[Demosthenes X]

A poser 3-series imitator, with its only claim-to-fame being cheaper, lower quality interior, worst-in-class low impact collision bumper damage, and albeit more reliable (which then again is really more of a concern for budget conscious consumers, and not really the luxury buyers it would like to believe it is targeting).

If saving money is all you aspire to, I suggest getting a honda accord v6 instead.  Better bargain in my opinion.  Also, I think it is more reasonable to compare the G37 to the 328, not 335.  335 rips it to shreds, thank you.

 

[sacch]

Audi Lover: Can you please provide some relevant facts to support your claims?

[gut]

The rpm at the max torque is a pretty important piece of data for me. It kind of tells me how I have to drive the car if I want to drive fast. There are two groups of engines here (as per paragraph 1): German, and Japanese. Germans are having the max torque at lower rpm's at 1400/2400/3000 rpm, where Japanese are at higher rpm's at 4800/5200, with a note that IS is not in the same league, as they have only 2.5 lit model with xDrive. So, G37x really doesn't have what it takes to compete with Germans in that class. It could compete with some other cars, like Cadillac CTS 3.6 SIDI AWD (max torque at 5200 rpm), but I don't think that Infinity buyers are interested in Cadillac and vice versa.

Bottom line, this could be an addition in the analysis on who is buying G37x and why, as it seams certain it is not because of the engine.

[HOMAFAN]

Audi Lover: Why does auto mags like Car and Driver say their neck to neck in comparisons. Unless you drive these cars back to back and give full characteristics comparo you don't have the rights to make those statements. One of the main reasons I bought a Volvo and not look at BMW is so that I don't have to be associated with BMW or Audi snobs.

[inco]

It really annoys me the way Infiniti requires their packages to be stacked.  The Premium package is a total waste...  the only features it contains I would want are Bluetooth and the iPod input.  But the Technology package is pretty cool, and offers reasonably good value, up to the point that you realize the Tech package is effectively a $7500 option.  :/

Otherwise, I really dig Infiniti.  And they're hardly the only ones guilty of package stacking, to be fair.

Tech package on the G37 at $7500 must be a lot different than on the Cube - it's only $800  more as per Wing's post this morning. 

[greengs]

Audi Lover: Why does auto mags like Car and Driver say their neck to neck in comparisons. Unless you drive these cars back to back and give full characteristics comparo you don't have the rights to make those statements. One of the main reasons I bought a Volvo and not look at BMW is so that I don't have to be associated with BMW or Audi snobs.

Latest C&D article shows once again:

1 BMW 328i
2 G37
3 Audi A4
4 Acura TL

While he may have sounded a little snobbish there is a reason why the 3 series always seems to come out on top and outsells the competition, even if some owners are the way they are.

[Jaeger]

Audi Lover: Can you please provide some relevant facts to support your claims?

You're in for a long wait.  AudilLover has done little but make utterly preposterous statements in order to get a reaction.  I'm still waiting for him to explain why Audi drivers would be offended if the manufacturer made their cars more reliable. My suggestion: don't feed the troll.

Audi Lover: Why does auto mags like Car and Driver say their neck to neck in comparisons. Unless you drive these cars back to back and give full characteristics comparo you don't have the rights to make those statements. One of the main reasons I bought a Volvo and not look at BMW is so that I don't have to be associated with BMW or Audi snobs.

Latest C&D article shows once again:

1 BMW 328i
2 G37
3 Audi A4
4 Acura TL

While he may have sounded a little snobbish there is a reason why the 3 series always seems to come out on top and outsells the competition, even if some owners are the way they are.

A little snobbish? 

Please providea link to that comparo if you are able.  Andn please explain how that supportive of AudiLover's assertion that the G essentially isn't in the same league and buyers would be better off with an Accord, hmmm?  Did you happen to notice from your reported list that they ranked the G ahead of his precious Audi?  You think he's going to rely on this as a reference point?

Most of the automotive press seems to think that the Beemer is better, but that the G is close.  Closer still when price is a factor.  That's hardly the same - or even close - as the suggestion that buyers shouldn't even consider the G.

I'm just sitting here thinking that a 330hp premium rwd sports sedan for $38k sounds mighty fine.  I can live without most of the other toys.

Jaeger

[Jaeger]

335i starts at $48,900

Ouch.  May I also ask where it tops out?

Jaeger

[ovr50]

"One of the main reasons I bought a Volvo and not look at BMW is so that I don't have to be associated with BMW or Audi snobs."

A very trivial reason to avoid driving a car that offers driver enjoyment....but up to you. 

I now drive a BMW, but did not for the years 1987 thru 2007, a 20 year period. During that time, I don't recall meeting any ppl who were acting "superior" just because they had a BMW or an Audi. I think the "snobbery" thing was invented to give non-BMW owners a reason not to have one......

Just to help prove my point, Jaeger, it's "Bimmer", not "Beemer" which refers to the BMW motorcycles......

[williewonka]

I recently did a comparo myself between the two, and although the G starts less it adds up fast.  The stacking is a real pain in the rear.  BMW is bad for that too.

Also, note, the difference in price between the G Coupe and the G Sedan is significant (8k I think)

The real nut baller is that ever G Sedan I test drove had either one or BOTH packages.  To say the car is a 38k car is only if you are willing to order.

If you want power seats, dual climate, a decent stereo and most importantly TILT STEERING you need a 4k option pkg.  *** (upon looking at my notes I wrote during the comparo, this may have meant power tilt, dunno, just scribbles, but I did write it down for a reason, not sure why)

I could do without the high tech pkg (although I did like Intelligent Cruise).   Regardless, in the real world, its a 38k car + 4k pkg + 500 paint (or something like that).

Real starting price, 42,500 RWD, 45-46k for AWD.

Please note, starting price for a RWD 328i is 39k, similarly equip'd 328i, 45k, 328xi , 48k

So, they're close at least.  The G has way more HP, but it doesn't really feel like it.   I'm not always sure we should compare the 328i vs G, 335i vs G seems closer on spec sheet, but the other is closer on price.

Anyways, I bought the 328xi, love it.   

G35x was awesome car, never understand why Infiniti and BMW drivers can't appreciate that both cars kick arse.

(all prices, config was based on notes I wrote during my comparo last oct, I also had a Lexus IS250 AWD in comparo and an Audi A4)

[Jaeger]

To say the car is a 38k car is only if you are willing to order.

That's almost certainly true.  But I don't mind ordering and waiting to get the car I want without the stuff I don't (or can live without).

I take it you were comparing the G35, not the G37 with the BMW 328?

Jaeger

[Mitlov]

Audi Lover is either a troll, or he's a satirical persona someone created to make fun of high-end luxury-car buyers (my bet is still on the latter).  Don't lose any sleep over him.

I haven't driven the G35--Infiniti doesn't have any dealers in Oregon outside of Portland (one of the only luxury brands to do that)--but it's hard to deny that it's a raging good deal for what it delivers.  It's priced against cars like the 328i and the IS250 while delivering performance like the 335i and IS350.  And in terms of sporty factors (handling, feedback, etc), from what I've read it's second-best in class after the 3-Series.  And the achilles heel of the first-gen G35--an interior woefully inadequate for a luxury car--has been corrected.  Even before you factor in its good statistical reliability, the G's a compelling argument.

But for some reason, I just can't get excited about it.  I'm not sure why--this is such a great car for someone with my tastes--but on an emotional level, it does absolutely nothing for me.

[sweetadad]

I wouldnd mind an infiniti, but here are some issues that bug me are that infiniti dealerships are shared with Nissans and there are tech that work on both Nissans and Infiniti. Same goes for Toyota/Lexus too.
 Nissan reliability is somewhat shoddy if you get a bad piece, is infiniti in the same boat? I had a nissan maxima and it was the worst car I ever owned and sold it for peanuts.
Since the service dept is the same, Nissan service dept is not the best for warranty claims...I would suspect they treat Infiniti owners the same.

My 2.5 cents