Test Drive: 2010 Infiniti G37x Coupe

June 23, 2010

This is no tail happy coupe, however, if oversteer is your thing. Even on a particularly slick rainy day, I couldn’t get it to unstick. The G37x powered through with nary a shuffle, and if the VDC stability control was interfering, it was completely transparent. Strong and progressive brakes too, with great pedal feel.

2010 Infiniti G37x coupe. Click image to enlarge

Infiniti calls its all-wheel-drive setup ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split). The G37x operates mainly as a rear-drive car. Accelerating from a stop, the system’s active electro-magnetic centre clutch splits front to rear torque 25/75, changing to 100 per cent rear-wheel drive once at speed. A rocker switch just aft of the console shifter calls up snow mode, which puts the system into an initial 50/50 torque split and reduces throttle sensitivity. Once under way, it locks in a 25/75 ratio.

The seven-speed auto is a smooth unit. Tap the shifter to the left and you get sport mode with a more aggressive shift map. Here, you can shift manually by pushing the lever forward for upshifts (a little hesitant) and back for downshifts (sharper) with cool rev matching. Too bad paddle shifters aren’t available in the G37x – only in the rear-wheel-drive Sport models.

2010 Infiniti G37x coupe. Click image to enlarge

The G37’s interior is well crafted and uniquely presented. The touch-screen in conjunction with the angled keypad below make accessing and programming the car’s functions a breeze. An integrated multi-function information computer can be cycled to display average fuel consumption, real-time fuel economy, average speed, elapsed time, running distance, distance to empty and outside air temperature, although the latter really should be seen somewhere on the dash at all times.

The $3,750 High-Tech Package adds navigation with a new higher resolution screen, 9.3-GB Music Box Hard Drive, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth and Zagat Restaurant Guide (deep breath), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with Preview Braking, “Pre-Crash Seatbelt” system, rain-sensing windshield wipers and Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS).

The electro-luminescent “fine vision” gauges are exceptionally clear and the cluster tilts with the steering wheel so they’re always in full view: a head-slapper solution that seems so obvious in its simplicity. At night, the artful violet and white illumination of the dash and controls is a thing of beauty.

Things aren’t so rosy in the back. Leg room is tight (35 mm less than in the G37 Sedan) and anyone approaching six feet will have their ‘do firmly pressed against the rear backlight.

2010 Infiniti G37x coupe. Click image to enlarge

The trunk is a shallow affair, although the back seats do flip down, offering up a decent sized pass-through.

Styling is a subjective thing, but I can’t help thinking the Infiniti G37x Coupe’s organic lines are a little soft, lacking a certain sharpness and aggression. Opt for the RWD Sport models and you get 19-inch wheels and some body dressing that mitigates this admittedly minor complaint.

Once behind the wheel, this is a moot point. The G37x is an impressive offering – value, luxury, comfort, engaging dynamics, and quality build in a very swift package. And you’ll thank yourself for going with AWD when the snow falls.

Just don’t drive a BMW 335i xDrive to see what that extra 10 grand buys you.

Pricing: 2010 Infiniti G37x Coupe

Base price: $48,800

Options: $4,050 (High-Tech Package, $3,750; Three-Coat Paint, $300)

A/C tax: $100

Freight: $1,825

Price as tested: $54,775
Click here for options, dealer invoice prices and factory incentives

Specifications

Buyer’s Guide: 2010 Infiniti G37

Competitors

Buyer’s Guide: 2010 Audi A5/S5

Buyer’s Guide: 2010 BMW 3 Series