2009 Infiniti G37

Introduction

Unification is a wonderful thing. In terms of Infiniti's G37, it applies not only to the renewed union of coupe and sedan models but also to the line's harmonious blending of performance and luxury. Last year's coupe model became the first to wear the G37 badge, owing to its larger and more powerful 3.7-liter V6 engine; the sedan model, however, retained the G35 name, in keeping with its carry-over 3.5-liter V6. Now, with the 2009 sedan also gaining the larger engine, the lineup is once again unified under one banner.

Thanks to the stiff structure and ideal weight distribution provided by Nissan's second-generation FM platform, not to mention that brawny V6 power plant, the 2009 Infiniti G37 has performance entrenched in its bloodline. But the G37 is about far more than just going fast -- it also boasts an attractive cabin, a plethora of high-tech features and a suspension that's supple enough for the daily commute. The G37 is further enhanced this year by a new seven-speed automatic transmission, which promises slightly better fuel economy and acceleration than last year's five-speed. A retractable hardtop convertible model is also expected later in the year to broaden the G37's appeal.

Infiniti's G series was already one of our favorites, and its standing rises even higher considering its improvements for 2009. As usual, however, there's a plethora of great choices in the entry-level luxury segment. BMW's 3 Series, which has also been updated for 2009, remains the gold standard in this class, though the G37 handily outperforms the 328i for about the same price. Other models, such as the Audi A4/A5, Cadillac CTS and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, have their own particular strengths and are well worth taking for a spin. But the G37 is definitely worthy of your consideration. Its unification of performance, comfort and style is a wonderful thing indeed.

For Pricing information, see our Pricing page.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2009 Infiniti G37 is an entry-level luxury sport coupe and sedan offered in four trim levels: base, Journey, G37x and Sport 6MT. The base G37 comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels (18s on the coupe), xenon headlights, keyless ignition and entry, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, full power accessories, power front seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker audio system with a CD/MP3 player, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.

The Journey trim level adds automatic headlights, dual-zone climate control, a six-CD changer and added passenger-seat power adjustments. Stepping up to the G37x all-wheel-drive model adds heated front seats and outside mirrors. The Sport 6MT trim level refers to the added performance features and the six-speed manual transmission. It comes standard with 18-inch wheels with high-performance tires (19-inch wheels on the coupe), sportier exterior and interior treatments, a limited-slip rear differential, upgraded brakes, a sport-tuned suspension and seats with added thigh and torso support. Some of the above listed trim level features are available as options on supporting models.

There are no options available for the base G37. Options for the Journey, G37x and Sport 6MT trim levels are numerous but are available only in large confusing packages that sometimes require being grouped with supporting packages. The premium package includes a moonroof, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, driver memory settings, Bluetooth, an upgraded Bose 11-speaker audio system and iPod connectivity. The navigation package can be added to the premium package and includes a hard-drive-based touchscreen navigation system with real-time traffic, voice-activated controls, a 9GB music server and a rearview camera. The technology package, which is only available with the previous packages, includes adaptive cruise control and adaptive headlights. Additional options that are available with various trim levels and packages include four-wheel active steering, a rear spoiler and interior wood trim.

For more Style information, see our Compare Styles page.

Powertrains and Performance

Powering all 2009 Infiniti G37s is a potent 3.7-liter V6 that growls with 328 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Base, Journey and G37x models come standard with a seven-speed automatic transmission featuring manual paddle-shift control and rev-matched downshifts. The Sport 6MT comes with an exclusive six-speed manual transmission. G37s are rear-wheel drive except for the new G37x, which is all-wheel drive.

In testing, an automatic G37 Journey sprinted to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. For G37s equipped with an automatic transmission, fuel economy rings in at an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 21 mpg in combined driving; Sport 6MTs have 1 mpg less across the board. The all-wheel-drive G37x registers 18/25/20 mpg.

For more Performance Data, see our Specifications page.

Safety

The entire 2009 Infiniti G37 line comes standard with stability control, traction control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active head restraints for the front seats. Added safety equipment is included with the optional technology package, which includes adaptive headlights and pre-crash seatbelts that use the cruise control sensors to detect an impending impact and then automatically pre-tension.

In government crash testing, the G37 sedan was awarded a perfect five stars for frontal impact protection for the driver, as well as for side impact protection for all occupants. Frontal impact protection for the front passenger received four stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety hasn't reported on the G37, but last year's G35 sedan scores should still apply. That car received a top score of "Good" for protection of occupants in both frontal offset and side impact crashes.

For more Safety information, see our Safety page.

Interior Design and Special Features

The G37 offers user-friendly controls, excellent build quality and a handsome design -- the latter highlighted by such items as the car's leather-accented magnesium transmission paddle shifters and the Japanese "Washi-paper finish" aluminum trim (or optional wood trim). The front seats are comfortable and well-bolstered, and the available sport-styled seats offer even more aggressive bolstering, though they may be a bit too snug for larger drivers. Both the sedan and coupe feel like sports cars wrapped in a luxury car package, but the coupe, with seats that are mounted slightly lower than the sedan's, feels a bit racier.

The G37 sedan offers ample space for rear passengers, with the exception of the narrow center seat, which is mounted rather high, severely compromising headroom and comfort. As expected, the coupe's backseats are significantly more cramped than the sedan's. The coupe's trunk measures a modest 7.4 cubic feet, but the rear seatbacks fold down if more space is needed. The sedan's larger trunk accommodates 14 cubic feet of cargo and also includes a center pass-through for longer items.

For more Interior Features information, see our Specifications page.

Driving Impressions

The 2009 Infiniti G37's big V6 serves up thrilling acceleration, but we're not fans of the coarse noises it makes at higher engine speeds. We can't complain about the G's handling, however. This well-sorted Infiniti attacks curves with aggression and precision, yet it remains poised and compliant when driven over less-than-perfect pavement. Think of it as a world-class athlete in evening wear. Steering feel is commendable, particularly with the quicker of the two available ratios (standard on coupes, optional on sedans). This sporty setup provides excellent feedback and a pleasant weightiness that builds progressively when cornering. The same cannot be said for the optional four-wheel active steering, though, which feels artificially light at the helm.

This year's new seven-speed automatic transmission is mostly praise-worthy. Quick gearchanges are at your fingertips via the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and downshifts are executed with precise throttle blips to match revs. In testing, however, we've noticed that upshifts, even when in Drive, aren't as smooth as they should be for this class of car. Even so, this year's automatic is certainly preferable to the optional six-speed manual, which we've found to be hampered by a heavy and abrupt clutch and a lethargic shifter.