New Car Review: 2009 Infiniti G37

By Thom Blackett

“Competition brings out the best in products and the worst in people.” – David Sarnoff

While we’d argue the validity of the latter assertion, we wholeheartedly agree with the former, especially after spending more than 1,000 miles behind the wheel of a 2009 Infiniti G37 Sedan. Entry-level by definition only, this luxurious four-door proves that there’s always a way to outdo your competition, even when that competition includes BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz.

With a starting price of about $33,000, the G37 Sedan is on par with the BMW 328i Sedan and Mercedes-Benz C300 Sport Sedan; the Lexus IS undercuts them all by about $2,000. In exchange for your hard-earned dollars you’ll get a basic warranty slightly longer (60,000 miles) than those primary competitors; a slew of safety features including six airbags, antilock brakes, and stability control; and niceties such as leather upholstery, powered front seats, and satellite radio. Move up to the pricier G37 Journey, G37x AWD, or G37S Sport and you’ll gain access to standard items like a six-disc CD changer and dual-zone climate control, with options ranging from a booming Bose surround sound system to a touch-screen navigation system with real-time traffic information and hard drive space for personal music storage. Under the hood of every 2009 G37 is a V6 engine delivering similar efficiency but more power than the Lexus IS 250/350, BMW 328i/335i, and Mercedes-Benz C300/C350.

We put that V6 engine – and the rest of the G37 Sedan – to the test during a marathon round trip excursion between Maine and Virginia. During mostly highway driving, we took full advantage of the Infiniti’s abundant passing power, yet still averaged roughly 25 mpg. The seven-speed automatic transmission usually provided smooth shifts, with leather-trimmed steering wheel paddles adding a degree of sportiness. Typical of Infiniti vehicles, the ride was decidedly firm and the steering tight and responsive. Inside the G37, which offers more interior and trunk room than the competitors we’ve mentioned, supportive seats helped prevent any backaches and the ample trunk swallowed all of our gear. More power, more space, and plenty of driving fun. Thank you, competition.

Specifications

Test Vehicle: 2009 Infiniti G37x AWD Sedan

Base Price: $33,250

Price as Tested: $43,265

Engine: 3.7-liter V6

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway

NHTSA/IIHS Frontal Crash Ratings: 5 stars (driver), 4 stars (passenger) / Good

NHTSA/IIHS Side Impact Ratings: 5 stars / Good

Also Consider: Acura TL, BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS

For more information see Road & Travel’s Infiniti Buyer’s Guide or visit infinitiusa.com.