CTC Review: 2009 Infiniti G37x Sedan

[williewonka]

Jaeger  yes, at the time I had access to a 2008 G35x, 2009 BMW lineup.   I'm not against ordering, but its one of the those things I feel needs to be said, plus in the current economic climate, ordering is getting tough, they want to move units in the lot.   Again, I personally thought the pkg 1 had a lot in it for 4k, the tech package didn't do it for me.

Mitlov summary is very good, he hit it right on the head with the "It's priced against cars like the 328i and the IS250 while delivering performance like the 335i and IS350.  ..." etc.

But he also nailed it with "But for some reason, I just can't get excited about it.  "  Me too.  You know what drove me nuts in the G, was that damned clock in the middle of the dash.  The whole interior didn't do it for me, but that thing seemed (to me) a deal breaker, I have no idea why (and I understand how stupid that sounds)

I personally thought if you really loved driving, the 335i was just an AWESOME car (price be damned), it just felt so much better than anything else, but then, I didn't drive a A6 or anything like that either.

[wing]

I love the clock, I can actually see the time!

[Oz]

One of the main reasons I bought a Volvo and not look at BMW is so that I don't have to be associated with BMW or Audi snobs.

You bought a car because you're concernd about what other people will think of you?

Good, because we'd rather not be associated with losers like you.

[Jaeger]

Audi Lover is either a troll, or he's a satirical persona someone created to make fun of high-end luxury-car buyers (my bet is still on the latter).  Don't lose any sleep over him.

Probably the right call and definitely good advice.

I haven't driven the G35--Infiniti doesn't have any dealers in Oregon outside of Portland (one of the only luxury brands to do that)--but it's hard to deny that it's a raging good deal for what it delivers.  It's priced against cars like the 328i and the IS250 while delivering performance like the 335i and IS350.  And in terms of sporty factors (handling, feedback, etc), from what I've read it's second-best in class after the 3-Series.  And the achilles heel of the first-gen G35--an interior woefully inadequate for a luxury car--has been corrected.  Even before you factor in its good statistical reliability, the G's a compelling argument.

Agreed with the above.  Being number 2 behind what has been the benchmark sports sedan for a couple decades isn't a bad thing.  Doing so in only their second model generation and at a substantial savings are also good things. The interior is very nice and I love the clock.

But for some reason, I just can't get excited about it.  I'm not sure why--this is such a great car for someone with my tastes--but on an emotional level, it does absolutely nothing for me.

Perhaps if you drove it, it might generate an emotional appeal.  For me, driving dynamics are what create the strongest emotional response.

Jaeger

[Oz]

Please providea link to that comparo if you are able. 

Its in the may print issue but there's buzz in forums all over. You can google if you like, but here's a link to bimmerfest talking about the article:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=363969

[vdk]

I wouldnd mind an infiniti, but here are some issues that bug me are that infiniti dealerships are shared with Nissans and there are tech that work on both Nissans and Infiniti. Same goes for Toyota/Lexus too.
 Nissan reliability is somewhat shoddy if you get a bad piece, is infiniti in the same boat? I had a nissan maxima and it was the worst car I ever owned and sold it for peanuts.
Since the service dept is the same, Nissan service dept is not the best for warranty claims...I would suspect they treat Infiniti owners the same.

My 2.5 cents

And for VW and Audi. And Merc and Smart.  As long as they know what they're doing I really don't see a problem there.

[Jaeger]

Jaeger  yes, at the time I had access to a 2008 G35x, 2009 BMW lineup. 

Fair enough, but it also needs to be said that the G37 offers a BUNCH more horsepower, not to mention 2 more forward gears (in the automatic) than the car you tested.  Either would amount to a significant upgrade over the G35.  Together....  well, I'm sure you catch my drift.  Still has that clock though.   

Thanks for the link Oz.  I'm sure I'll read the print review soon enough. I'm paritucularly interested in what they had to say about the Acura relative to this group of competitors.

Jaeger

[vdk]

One of the main reasons I bought a Volvo and not look at BMW is so that I don't have to be associated with BMW or Audi snobs.

You bought a car because you're concernd about what other people will think of you?

Good, because we'd rather not be associated with losers like you.

There's quite a bit of stereotypical truth there. But then same goes for Infiniti and Lexus.

[goonboy]

First of all

For the Volvo owner who bought instead of buying a bimmer...  purposely not buying a SUPERIOR vehicle because it is associated with snobs does not make any sense to me.  I hope you enjoy driving around in a glorified Ford.

In regards to pricing for the G37... let it be known that even on a base G37 you will fairly easily be able to secure a minimum $2,000 discount.  On a 328 or 335?  Forget it...  Mind you BMW's include 4 yr maintenance and better resale value, but inferior reliability.

I have only driven earlier models of both the G and the 3 series and I have to say I was not overly impressed with the G(35).  I mean it was a fine automobile, but the Japanese will never be able to duplicate the solid, Teutonic feel of a German vehicle. 

[goonboy]

Also, the G37 has significantly upgraded from it's bargain bin 'Altima' interior and looks quite handsome to me.  Certainly the BMW uses better quality materials, but is too bland and austere for my liking.  I don't know why Audis are considered to have the best interiors.  Too many switches and cheap red lcd readouts ala 'Pontiac G5' = TACKY.

[greengs]

First of all

For the Volvo owner who bought instead of buying a bimmer...  purposely not buying a SUPERIOR vehicle because it is associated with snobs does not make any sense to me.  I hope you enjoy driving around in a glorified Ford.

In regards to pricing for the G37... let it be known that even on a base G37 you will fairly easily be able to secure a minimum $2,000 discount.  On a 328 or 335?  Forget it...  Mind you BMW's include 4 yr maintenance and better resale value, but inferior reliability.

I have only driven earlier models of both the G and the 3 series and I have to say I was not overly impressed with the G(35).  I mean it was a fine automobile, but the Japanese will never be able to duplicate the solid, Teutonic feel of a German vehicle. 

At the end of 2008 and early 2009 I received 2 quotes from the local dealer willing to give me 8-10K off leftover 08 models without any negotiating basically.  Right now they have up to 3500 in free upgrades and you can easily get 4-5 % on top of that through CCC reports.

As for the C&D article it's suppose to be in the new edition coming out soon.  It's not the first time the 328i beat the G35/37 though.

[Bullet Blue]

BMW doesn't charge extra if you want a manual transmission. Infiniti does for some reason and it starts at $45 grand. One of the main reasons why I did not bother with Infiniti when I was shopping for my new car.

That said, if the transmission choice does not bother you I think the G is great value.

[The Mighty Duck]

At the end of 2008 and early 2009 I received 2 quotes from the local dealer willing to give me 8-10K off leftover 08 models without any negotiating basically.  Right now they have up to 3500 in free upgrades and you can easily get 4-5 % on top of that through CCC reports.

As for the C&D article it's suppose to be in the new edition coming out soon.  It's not the first time the 328i beat the G35/37 though.

End-of-year clearance and recession discounts are hardly a fair basis for comparison.  I think it's accurate to say that BMW is less open to negotiation than Infiniti...  when my parents traded in their Q45 a couple years ago, the BMW dealer offered them $11 000 less on their trade than the Infiniti dealer.  I can accept that the Infiniti dealer might offer a bit more, but $11k?  Needless to say, they bought an Infiniti...

[goonboy]

At the end of 2008 and early 2009 I received 2 quotes from the local dealer willing to give me 8-10K off leftover 08 models without any negotiating basically.  Right now they have up to 3500 in free upgrades and you can easily get 4-5 % on top of that through CCC reports.

Are you talking about the G or the Bimmer here?  I assume you are talking Infiniti....

[johngenx]

A friend of mine just finished the lease on his G35 and has found that the Germans are pulling out all the stops to compete.  He leased a C63AMG for $30/month LESS than a new G37X.  He's missing AWD, but he has 451hp of tire shredding power.  The Mercedes is probably not as well made (though MB is making strides) but he leases in perpetuity, so he doesn't care.

BMW, Audi and Mercedes were all working VERY hard to earn his business.  He said it was not unlike GM with cash-back, dealer rebates, and so on.  The final price on the C63 was well below $60K and with subvented leasing, his payment is ridiculously low.  It's a good time to be in the market for some cars...

[greengs]

At the end of 2008 and early 2009 I received 2 quotes from the local dealer willing to give me 8-10K off leftover 08 models without any negotiating basically.  Right now they have up to 3500 in free upgrades and you can easily get 4-5 % on top of that through CCC reports.

Are you talking about the G or the Bimmer here?  I assume you are talking Infiniti....

BMW.  Times are tough for everyone now, except Subaru, Kia and Hyundai haha.

[vdk]

First of all

For the Volvo owner who bought instead of buying a bimmer...  purposely not buying a SUPERIOR vehicle because it is associated with snobs does not make any sense to me.  I hope you enjoy driving around in a glorified Ford.

In regards to pricing for the G37... let it be known that even on a base G37 you will fairly easily be able to secure a minimum $2,000 discount.  On a 328 or 335?  Forget it...  Mind you BMW's include 4 yr maintenance and better resale value, but inferior reliability.

I have only driven earlier models of both the G and the 3 series and I have to say I was not overly impressed with the G(35).  I mean it was a fine automobile, but the Japanese will never be able to duplicate the solid, Teutonic feel of a German vehicle. 

Ouch Mr. Fanboy....  Glorified Ford my arse, have you seen a Volvo lately?

[mmret]

I will admit there is something unique about the Volvos, whether its better or worse than XYZ car is a matter of your goals.

[goonboy]

vdk

Yes, Volvos are still decent cars, but a far cry from what they once were in terms or reliability and longevity.  They just don't do anything that well or that poorly.  People's tastes have evolved from wanting much more than just a really safe, durable car and Volvo really has not kept up with the times thanks to the lameduck stewardship of Ford.  Not bad cars, but so many better choices.  Volvo has no identity.

[goonboy]

johngenx

I am so encouraged to hear about your friend snagging a C63 for such an awesome deal because that is the car I hope to buy sometime next year if my business ventures pan out later this year. 

C63= American muscle car meets German sophistication and technology.

ausgezeichnet! = kicks ass!