The Infiniti G-Series coupes have, from the very start, enjoyed what many would consider an enviable description: the one car that can stand toe to toe with the unquestioned benchmark of the entry level sports/luxury coupe genre, the vaunted BMW 3-series. The Garage reviewed a convertible BMW 335i late last summer, so naturally, we were eager to see how its nearest rival compared.
Although the G37 compares well to the BMW in terms of performance, Infiniti was smart to not simply recreate a 3-series in appearance. While the BMW coupe retains the familiar, upright greenhouse of its four-door brother, the G-series Coupe is a far more sportier looking car in comparison. In doing so, I believe Infiniti has tapped into a younger, but still affluent market who could potentially be put off by the slightly more conservative BMW. If Infiniti took a little risk in going for a racier appearance, in my opinion it was a risk worth taking.
If the first generation G-series had an Achille’s  heel, it was in the quality of materials of the interior. The current car is a major leap forward, with high levels of fit and finish and little of the hard, cheap plastics that plagued the earlier cars. Our heavily optioned G37 was easy to get quickly acclimated to, with most major controls easy to understand at a glance, although it did take a moment to understand how to work the audio controls.
During our time with the G37, we drove it to ultra-lux Newport, Rhode Island, where the car had no trouble fitting in. The seats were a dream to sit in, with no fatigue whatsoever on arrival. The optional Bose audio system was crystal clear. By looking at the car, you wouldn’t think it, but with a car seat in the back occupied by my four year old son, we all still had enough room for an out of state day trip. And I emphasize day trip, because with limited trunk space, the G37 would be nearly impossible as a weekend getaway car for anything but a couple with no kids in tow.
The 3-series contender comparisons are not unfounded-the G37 is a joy to drive. Power is delivered via a 3.7L V-6, belting out a healthy 330hp. Our test car was the Journey model, which means a standard 7-speed automatic. Only the high-end Sport and IPL G37′s can be had with a six-speed manual transmission, sadly. While I sorely missed the joy of shifting for myself, the transmission never held back the performance the G37 promised. Our test car had the optional Sport Package, which added 19″ wheels with summer tires, viscous limited slip differential, as well as R-Spec high friction brake pads.
What all this adds up to is one heck of a Sports/GT car. Slicing through traffic on I-95 I was hard pressed to think of a finer ride. The G37 seemed to know my next move before I did. All the power I needed, and then some was always on tap, while wife and son sat in comfort and serenity, seemingly unaware of the awesome pace of the car. Truly impressive work by Infiniti.
Our G37 Journey started with a base price of $37,500USD. Tally up the optional Technology Package, Premium Package, Sport Package, Navigation Package, the R-Spec brake pads and rear spoiler, and we’re suddenly up to an as-tested price of $47,035.
The Infiniti G37 did not fail, or disappoint me in any respect. I was never let down by the car, and it impressed with it awesome capability. This is a car I would happily recommend to to anyone seeking a seriously sporty, luxurious coupe, but I would never buy one for myself. And for that, you have every right to think I am out of my mind. Cars of this nature are more emotional than practical buys, and when it comes down to it, as much as the G37 left me in want of nothing, it reminded me of the song “Everything You Want” by Vertical Horizon:
I am everything you want
I am everything you need
I am everything inside of you
That you wish you could be
I say all the right things
At exactly the right time
But I mean nothing to you and I don’t know why
When my week with the G37 was done, and the driver came to retrieve it, I saw a great car drive into the distance, and walked away. When I had to give up the BMW 335i, it actually hurt, it was that great a car. For certain, you give up a lot, options-wise, but for the same money as the G37 we tested, you can have a 335i coupe with the M-Sport package. Not much else. Which car works for you is a personal choice, and you will not go wrong with either. Infiniti has worked magic and has attained a nearly impossible feat in being so close to the 3-series. Well done!
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