Infiniti G37 Convertible: 1-Year Review And Road Test

The Infiniti G37 Convertible stands out in the luxury sports car segment with its retractable hardtop, potent V6 powertrain, and refined cabin. Over months of varied driving—from city commutes to spirited backroad runs—this model proved to be a versatile companion that balances thrill and comfort. Powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine producing 325 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, it delivers strong acceleration while maintaining everyday livability.

Design and First Impressions: Style That Turns Heads

From the moment you approach the G37 Convertible, its aggressive styling commands attention. The sleek lines, bold grille, and 19-inch alloy wheels give it a muscular presence that rivals European sports cars. The aluminum hardtop folds away in about 25 seconds, transforming it into an open-air cruiser without compromising structural integrity or cabin noise levels.

Unlike fabric-top convertibles, the hardtop provides superior wind isolation and security, making it ideal for year-round use. With the top up, headroom exceeds that of the fixed-roof G37 coupe, even with a sunroof, ensuring taller drivers feel at ease. The exterior boasts HID headlights, fog lamps, and power-folding mirrors, adding to its premium appeal.

Powertrain Performance: V6 Muscle Meets Real Roads

At the heart of the G37 Convertible is Nissan’s renowned VQ37VHR 3.7-liter V6, shared across the G lineup. It propels the car from 0-60 mph in around 5.5 seconds in the heavier convertible form, a slight trade-off from the coupe due to added reinforcements weighing over 400 pounds. The seven-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters responds crisply, though some testers note a brief hesitation under hard acceleration.

Highway passing power is effortless, with the engine’s broad torque band keeping revs low for relaxed cruising. Sport models benefit from upgraded brakes—four-piston fronts and two-piston rears—paired with summer performance tires for confident stopping. While the engine emits a throaty growl at high RPMs, it can feel coarse under extreme loads.

This table highlights how the convertible’s weight impacts sprint times but maintains competitive figures against rivals like the BMW 3-Series.

Handling and Ride: Balanced for Enthusiasts

The G37 Convertible’s chassis tuning emphasizes liveliness over outright grip. Hydraulic power steering delivers precise, quick responses, with Sport variants featuring an even quicker ratio. It exhibits playful oversteer on twisty roads, making it more engaging than some softer luxury rivals like the Mercedes E350.

However, the added mass from the folding roof makes it feel hefty in tight corners, and the ride can firm up over potholes—better suited for smooth pavement than battered urban streets. Refinement shines on motorways, where wind and road noise remain hushed with the top up.

Interior Comfort and Technology: Luxury with Limits

Inside, heated leather seats with ample adjustability cradle front occupants during long hauls. Dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a Bose premium sound system with headrest speakers elevate the experience. The hard-drive navigation is intuitive, complemented by keyless entry and HID lighting.

Rear seats, however, are best for children or short trips—legroom vanishes with front seats adjusted back. Trunk space shrinks to 2 cubic feet with the top down but expands to 10.3 cubic feet when up, practical for weekend getaways.

• Front Seating: Supportive, heated leather with excellent adjustability.
• Rear Seating: Tight for adults; suitable for occasional use.
• Infotainment: Bose audio, navigation, Bluetooth—feature-packed for its era.
• Build Quality: Solid, with minimal rattles even after top-down miles.

Reliability and Long-Term Ownership Insights

Over extended testing, the G37 Convertible demonstrated strong reliability. The hardtop mechanism operated flawlessly, folding and unfolding without hitches. Fuel economy averaged 20-25 mpg combined, respectable for its power. Minor gripes included occasional vibration at high revs and a firm ride on imperfect roads.

Maintenance costs align with luxury norms, with Infiniti’s warranty providing peace of mind. Compared to peers, it offers better value, undercutting BMW and Lexus pricing while matching performance.

Daily Driving Practicality: Beyond the Glamour

Weekdays brought surprising usability. The hardtop’s quick operation allowed top-down commutes in mild weather, while its coupe-like isolation suited rainy days. Parking proved straightforward despite the size, thanks to rearview cameras in loaded trims.

Winter tires would enhance versatility, as the standard summer rubber limits foul-weather grip. Overall, it excels as a grand tourer rather than a pure track weapon.

Comparisons with Rivals: Where It Shines

Against the Lexus IS C, the G37 edges out with superior power and manual transmission availability. The BMW 335i offers sharper handling but at higher cost and complexity. Audi A5 competitors match tech but lack the Infiniti’s tail-happy dynamics.

Modifications and Upgrades: Personalizing the Drive

Owners often add exhaust systems for a richer note, suspension kits for sharper turn-in, or IPL packages for 348 hp boosts. These enhance without voiding warranties if professionally installed.

Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs

Expect 18 mpg city, 28 highway—thirsty in stop-go but efficient on open roads. Insurance and tires reflect its performance bent, though lower than German alternatives.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

• Pros: Potent V6, refined hardtop, engaging handling, value pricing.
• Cons: Firm ride, limited rear space, reduced trunk with top down.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Infiniti G37 Convertible reliable for long-term ownership?

Yes, it shows excellent durability in extended tests, with minimal issues beyond routine maintenance.

How does the hardtop compare to soft tops?

It offers better noise isolation and security, folding in 25 seconds for open-air fun.

What’s the 0-60 time for the Sport model?

Around 5.5 seconds, slightly slower than the coupe due to weight.

Can adults fit in the back seats?

Only for short trips; it’s tight with front seats in place.

Is a manual transmission available?

Yes, in Sport trims, praised for driver involvement.

Final Verdict: A Convertible Worth Considering

The Infiniti G37 Convertible blends luxury, performance, and practicality in a package that rewards enthusiastic drivers. Its hardtop versatility and V6 punch make it a standout, even years after production. Ideal for those seeking style without sacrificing usability.