Infiniti G35
Infiniti G35 Review
Vehicle Highlights
A
key less-entry/engine-start system and wireless cell phone link are newly
available for Infiniti's entry-level cars for 2006. G35 comes as a
rear-wheel-drive sedan and coupe or as the all-wheel-drive G35x sedan. All use
a 3.5-liter V6. Rear-drive models have 298 hp when teamed with a 6-speed manual
transmission, 280 hp with a 5-speed automatic; the automatic includes a manual
shift gate. G35x comes only with the automatic and has 280 hp. Its AWD includes
a Snow Mode for locking in a 50/50 front/rear power split. All G35s have ABS,
front side airbags, and curtain side airbags; the coupe's curtain side airbags
cover front seats only. Also standard are leather upholstery, heated front
seats, and bi-xenon headlights. Limited-slip differential and sport suspension
are included with manual transmission, are optional for automatic transmission
rear-drive models. Coupes with sport suspension now offer Infiniti's Rear
Active Steer option, designed to improve handling by automatically steering the
rear wheels slightly. A navigation system is optional.
COMPETITION
Consumer
Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size,
price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions
similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance,
and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars. This segment is one of the
industry's fastest-growing categories.
Our Best Buys include Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Infiniti M. Our Recommended
picks include the Acura RL, Infiniti G35, Lexus ES 330, and Mercedes-Benz
E-Class.
ACCELERATION
Eager V6 satisfies at most any speed.
Automatic transmission smooth, alert, but slightly dulls takeoff response;
still, a brisk 6.0 sec or so 0-60 mph. Manual-transmission models a bit
quicker, helped by precise, short-throw shift action.
FUEL ECONOMY
No opportunity to measure, but expect
overall averages of 16-18 mpg. Infiniti recommends premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
Taut, stable, helped by longish wheelbases,
solid structures. Unwanted body motions well-checked, but large bumps
occasionally pound through, especially on models with sport suspension.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
All G35s grippy, agile--a near match for
targeted BMW 3-Series--though European rivals have an edge in high-speed
stability, steering feedback. On bumpy surfaces, models with 18- and 19-inch
wheels can be tossed slightly off course as low-profile tires fail to absorb
shocks. Strong brakes.
QUIETNESS
Lusty engine note in rapid acceleration, a
background baritone at cruise. Road noise evident on coarse surfaces,
especially with 18- and 19-inch tires. Wind noise moderate in coupes, lower in
sedans.
CONTROLS
Coupe or sedan, cabin generally
well-designed. Main-gauge cluster moves with tilt steering wheel, but wheel rim
can mask power-mirror controls. Climate system readouts are displayed at top of
dashboard, remote from climate buttons--a minus to some testers. Power-seat
controls mounted unorthodoxly on seat cushion beside console. Navigation screen
rises from dashtop; system thankfully does not incorporate audio or climate
functions. Cabin assembly quality, most interior materials on target for the
class, but plastic more evident than in Audi, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes rivals.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
These Infinitis lack the brand prestige of
rivals from Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes. And they don't quite match them for
refinement or interior materials. But in performance, style, space, and available
all-wheel drive, the G35s are good alternatives--and generally more affordable
too, making them worthy Recommended picks.
