2009 Infiniti G37
by Jim Prueter -03/2009

G37 is tops in its class

For 2009, Infiniti’s G sedan gets a name change from G35, the name it was introduced with back in 2003. It’s not particularly imaginative, but why tinker with Infiniti’s best selling moniker? After all, nothing in this price class — with the possible exception of the BMW 3 Series — comes close to the G, including the Lexus ES, Acura TL, Mercedes-Benz C Class or Audi A4.

We gave the edge to G37 over the 3 Series again this year as our Top Pick in the $25,000 to $35,000 category.

The name change to G37 actually started last year when the coupe got a larger V-6 engine, upping the 3.5-liter to 3.7 and horsepower from 308 to 330. The new 3.7-liter V-6 is based on the same 3.5 used extensively in numerous Nissan and Infiniti products. The sedan has now been upgraded, becoming the G37 sedan.

For 2009 we tested a G37xS sedan. The x stands for all-wheel drive, the S stands for the Sport option package. Non-x trim levels have rear-wheel drive. There are two other models: base and Journey. A convertible is scheduled to appear mid-year. All trim levels get the new 3.7-liter V-6 and seven-speed automatic transmission that returns 21 miles per gallon overall.

The base price starts at $33,250; all-wheel drive will cost you $2250 more. Even the base G37 comes nearly loaded, but if you’re tempted by the options like the premium package with power sliding moonroof, premium audio system, memory system for the power seat, auto-dimming inside mirror and other niceties, add $2300. Navigation package — including lane guidance system and voice recognition technology, along with rearview backup camera — is an additional $2150. So the price can easily climb into the mid-40,000s.

So remarkably near perfect is the G37, it comes close to rendering most competitive models in this class irrelevant. It offers as much cachet, more performance and attention to quality and less deprivation, all at a downright bargain price.

The G37 is seductively athletic in appearance with a style that’s more evolutionary than revolutionary. The chrome slat grille with the prominent Mt. Fiji logo is meant to resemble the razor sharp edges of samurai swords.

The windshield is steeply raked and flows back to a short rear deck with a chrome-edged spoiler built into the trunk lid.

Tight-fitting wheel openings, LED taillights and chrome-tipped dual exhausts add to the terrific looking stance. It’s classic rather than extreme, yet attractive enough to turn plenty of heads.

The standard instrument panel is wrapped with metal trim that Infiniti tells us is textured like that of fine Japanese rice paper called washi. Our tester came with the optional and great-looking real African Rosewood trim ($550) in place of the standard metal trim. Gauges have a fine dress-watch appearance with white-on-black illumination trimmed in violet hues. Gorgeous.

A large knob on the dashboard intimidates with visions of BMW’s dreadful iDrive system. Instead, the multi-function control located just below the navigation screen is easy to use with a simple menu of controls. The climate control and audio systems have their own knobs and buttons on the instrument panel.

Our tester was equipped with the optional navigation package with touch screen navigation control. All auto manufacturers would do well to make their systems as easy and logical to use as Infiniti’s BirdViewÔ.

If you like tech gadgets, there’s enough to satisfy: intelligent cruise control package, rearview monitor camera, lane guidance system, compact flash slot for playing MP3 files, XMÒ Satellite radio and a 9.5GB music hard drive with GracenoteÒ CD database, and keyless entry/start system.

Performance is incredible. The G37 will get to 60 miles per hour from a dead stop in about five seconds and cover the standing quarter-mile in just 13.7 seconds. This car screams.

Handling is remarkable with well-controlled body movement. Brakes are flawless. Some may find the ride too firm on Sport models.

The sedan seats five, but save the rear seat for kids or smaller adults. Trunk space is adequate for this sized vehicle.

In terms of safety, Infiniti includes all the expected seat belts and airbags including full-length curtain and front-seat side bags, anti-whiplash front head rests, and even a first aid kit. It earned the highest government safety rating of 5 stars in driver front and side impact crash tests and vehicle rollover.

We rate the G37 high on the surprise-and-delight scale; it’s a vehicle that’s easy to fall in love with. It is close to perfection. Looks, quality, handling, acceleration, equipment and price — all exceptional to the competition. Move over BMW, I’ll take the G37.