Beyond performance. Beyond refinement. Beyond machine. All are Infiniti’s tag lines to describe this Asian automaker’s second-generation 2007 G35 sports sedan, now available in dealerships. Throughout the G35 literature, in fact, there are several references to this new luxury sedan’s competency — beyond the traditional cold, machinelike sports sedan. Clearly, Infiniti is referring to BMW, often considered the benchmark brand in the luxury sedan class, and this German automaker’s “Ultimate Driving Machine” mantra.
When the first generation G35 appeared for the 2003 model year, we eagerly climbed aboard to determine just how well this model would fare against BMW’s world-renowned 3-series. We liked it, and found that most reactions to the original G35 were positive, describing this sport sedan’s design to be cleanly executed, and the model to be fully powered and well priced. However, since the original G35 debuted, BMW and other premium auto manufacturers have released all-new models poised to claim the top sports sedan title. This is a tough segment for sure, but Infiniti has brought its best forward in the newest G sedan.
A quick glance of the specifications sheet yields a few very noticeable attributes. First is the price. Infiniti chose not to raise the base MSRP over last year’s G35 sedan, despite its major overhaul. Certainly no one would have begrudged a sticker a couple thousand extra dollars over the starting sticker of $31,450, but Infiniti chose instead to position the latest generation G35 as competitively as possible. Even better, the G35 in Journey trim level equipped with the Premium Package — the configuration Infiniti expects to be the most popular — sells for $700 less than a comparably equipped 2006 model.
Next is the engine, and specifically the power output. Three-hundred-and-six horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque arrive from the awarding winning VQ35 3.5-liter V-6, now in its fourth generation. All available trim levels utilize this powerplant, which like the last generation’s V-6 engine should prove to be more than adequate.
Also highly conspicuous is the generous infusion of sophisticated technology. The incredible audiophile-quality Bose Studio on Wheels sound system, four-wheel active steering, touch-screen navigation, RearView Monitor, Intelligent cruise control with Preview Braking, push-button starting and adaptive headlights highlight the many available high-end features expected by the near-luxury sedan buyer.
Even the entry-level $31,450 G35 model, however, can hardly be considered a “base” version. Standard are a five-speed automatic transmission, with Downshift Rev Matching and manual control, Vehicle Dynamic Control, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock brakes, 17-inch alloy wheels inside 225/55 series tires, tire pressure monitoring, HID bi-xenon headlights, leather seat upholstery, eight-way power driver seat adjustment, four-way power front passenger seat adjustment, six-speaker single-CD audio system with an auxiliary input, 7-inch color monitor, cruise control, automatic climate control and all of the expected power electronics and instrumentation features typical of this class of vehicle.
An additional $450 bumps you up to G35 Journey status, yielding additional equipment. Eight-way front-passenger-seat power adjustment, a six-disc in-dash CD player and dual-zone automatic climate control outfit Journey models as standard. More important, however, is that all of the optional equipment packages become available at this trim level.
Stepping into G35 Sport 6MT territory costs $32,250, but also brings along a six-speed manual transmission, a limited slip rear differential, larger front and rear brake discs, 18-inch staggered wheels with 225/50-series front and 245/45-series rear tires, driver’s seat power thigh and torso bolster adjustment, manual front seat thigh extension adjustment and aluminum pedals.
Next in line is the G35 Sport model, commanding $33,450. The equipment is the same as the Sport 6MT model, save the six-speed transmission. Instead, G35 Sports employ the same five-speed automatic as base models, except gearshifts may be controlled via large and attractive magnesium paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. Both Sport variants hold exclusive access to options such as active rear steering and a trunk lid spoiler.
Finally, the $33,950 G35x AWD tops the model range. All-wheel-drive models forego the Sport’s equipment, but mix in a snow-mode indicator, heated front seats and Intelligent AWD, which Infiniti officially calls Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split (ATTESA E-TS). We think “Intelligent” is more manageable.
All models arrive with safety features that include dual-stage front air bags with seat belt sensor and occupant detection, front side-impact air bags mounted in the seats, roof-mounted curtain air bags, seat-belt pretensioners and active front head restraints.
Several packages may be applied to G35 Journey and up-trim levels. The Premium Package, anticipated to be popular, adds driver’s seat options including front heaters, memory with the steering wheel/outside mirrors, synchronization with the outside mirrors during adjustment and power lumbar adjustment. A power sunroof, the Studio on Wheels 10-speaker audio system, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel adjustment, one-touch up/down rear windows, auto-dimming rearview mirror and Bluetooth hands-free phone capability complete this package.
The Navigation Package, only available when the Premium Package (PP) is optioned, includes Infiniti Navigation, a 9.5 gigabyte music hard drive, real-time traffic information, voice recognition and the six-disc CD player mounted in the truck (the music hard drive takes its place in the dash).
Checking the Premium and Nav options boxes gives Infiniti customers access to the Technology Package, tacking on Intelligent Cruise Control, Adaptive Front Lighting, a rearview camera and Brake Assist with Preview Braking.
The power sunroof may also be included independently from the Premium Package, and the 18-inch wheel/tire package standard on Sport models can be fitted to G35 Journeys, so long as the PP, or sunroof, is included. Genuine African Rosewood interior trim may be applied to Journey and G35x AWD variants.
Both Sirius and XM satellite radio are available across the lineup.
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