2009 Infiniti G37 Sedan Review
Infiniti, it seems, can do no wrong with the G37 series. Last year the newly launched Infiniti G37 Coupe met with rave reviews for its outstanding performance and driveability. This year the G37 Sedan makes its debut to similar raves, transformed from the comparatively limp G35 of previous years. Later this year another addition to the G37 stable will be launched'¦ the G37 convertible. Is this the face of world domination? This year the G37 Sedan is being hailed as the affordable alternative to the expensive European models for its classic styling, superb handling and superior power. It may well be the antidote to the ailing economic climate for those with a penchant for luxury cars but without the bank account to justify it.
2009 Infiniti G37 Sedan Performance
The standard engine on the whole G37 range is a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 328hp and 270lb-ft of torque for the sedan. This sees a significant improvement from last year's G35 that offered a 3.5-liter with 306hp, but the real difference lies in the driving performance, which is now "awesome" as opposed to the G35's "great." The difference comes not just in the power, but in the improved refinement of the ride'¦ now it does not just feel like power for the sake of driving really fast, but power for the sake of a sophisticated and spirited driving experience.
This year a new 7-speed automatic transmission comes standard, which is a great improvement on the 5-speed automatic of last year with more available power and a smoother driving experience. Infiniti also claims that it will save fuel by offering more versatile gear ratios, but it has been criticised for less than smooth shifts upwards in the Sport mode. If the paddle shifters on the automatic transmission don't offer enough direct driving experience, there is also a six-speed manual available which is quick and responsive.
There is optional sports suspension on the Sport trim and it does add a lively feel to the drive, reminding you that this is no luxury softly-sprung tourer - quite the opposite in fact. But if the hard-as-nails suspension doesn't do it for you, the standard suspension offers enough of a sporty feel to do the job nicely.
Handling is superb, and renowned now as one of the best in the class. Cornering at speed shows off the G37 Sedan's excellent stability and minimal body lean, but the four-wheel active steering system that has become available this year shifts the already great cornering ability into another class altogether. It improves high speed and low speed handling by moving both the front and rear wheels. The speed to 60mph is around 5.4 seconds - pretty damn impressive for a sedan nearly the size of the BMW 5-Series, and if you don't mind the rambunctious racket of the V6 at high speed, then the drive is one of the more exhilarating on the road. Braking is also outstanding with 13-inch discs at the front and back.
Fuel economy on the G37 Coupe is in the range of 17/25mpg city/highway on the manual transmission, with an extra mpg on the automatic transmission. This is fairly admirable for a high performance and fairly heavy car.
2009 Infiniti G37 Sedan Interior and Features
The interior of the 2009 Infiniti G37 Sedan is comfortable and stylish and while not being quite as high-quality as the Europeans, can hold its head up amongst the competition. Seats are well-bolstered and comfortable, with plenty of legroom and good headroom (without the optional sunroof which cuts into the head space somewhat). The rear seats offer good headroom and legroom that can seat adults reasonably comfortably, although it must be said that with the front seats pushed back there is a degree of knees-up for the taller rear passengers. The trunk space is much healthier than the miniscule coupe, with 15 cubic feet available and there is a trunk pass-through for longer objects.
There are three trims on offer for the G37 Sedan: Base, Journey and Sport. The Base trim features standard 17 inch spoked wheels, leather upholstery, 8-way powered drivers seat and 4-way powered passengers seat, wood and aluminium trim, keyless access and start, steering wheel mounted audio controls, automatic climate control, xenon headlights and stereo system with MP3 compatability. The Journey trim upgrades this with 6-disc CD changer, 8-way powered passenger seat and dual-zone climate control. The Sport trim adds 18-inch wheels, sports suspension, sports rated brakes and limited slip differential.
There is a Premium Package that adds a wide range of upgrades like heated seats, iPod dock, Bluetooth and universal garage door remote. A Navigation Package is also available with real-time traffic updates and one of the easiest systems to use of any nav system we have tried. A sunroof and adaptive cruise control option is also available.
2009 Infiniti G37 Sedan Safety
Government crash tests awarded the G37 sedan five stars in all impact situations except front passenger impact which received four stars. Safety features include electronic stability control, traction control, ABS brakes and preview braking, which prepares the brakes for sudden stops. Active head restraints are standard to prevent whiplash, and the full range of airbags are standard at the front, front aide and side curtain.
Safety features:
- Stability control, ABS, traction control and preview braking.
- Active head restraints
- Front , front side and side curtain airbags
- Tire pressure monitoring system
- Emergency trunk release.
Overall the 2009 Infiniti G37 Sedan is a masterpiece of engineering that is set to give the high-priced and somewhat exclusive European coupes a serious run for their money. Combining high performance, excellent handling, luxury interior and very stylish exterior design, the Infiniti is definitely worth a test drive.