Infiniti G37 Long-Term Review: What Buyers Need To Know

The Infiniti G37 stands out as a compelling choice in the sports sedan and coupe segments, blending Japanese engineering precision with American-style muscle. Over months of testing, this vehicle has proven its mettle on racetracks, highways, and city streets, offering thrilling performance without sacrificing daily drivability. Powered by a robust 3.7-liter V6 engine, the G37 delivers 328-330 horsepower, making it a formidable contender against European rivals like BMW and Audi.

Engine and Performance Deep Dive

At the heart of the G37 lies Nissan’s renowned VQ V6, enlarged to 3.7 liters for enhanced displacement via a longer stroke design. This upgrade, combined with variable valve timing and lift on the intake side, boosts output to 330 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, a notable jump from predecessors. The engine’s refinement shines through smooth operation and a pleasing exhaust burble, especially under hard acceleration, eliminating earlier gravelly noises.

Acceleration figures underscore its prowess: 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds for the Sport manual variant, outpacing competitors like the BMW 328i by half a second. Quarter-mile times hover around 13.9 seconds at 103 mph, matching or exceeding sedan siblings. The six-speed manual transmission, standard on Sport models, features short throws and a light clutch, rivaling BMW’s efforts in smoothness. For broader appeal, a seven-speed automatic provides seamless shifts, suitable for daily and spirited drives alike.

Handling and Suspension Dynamics

The G37 Sport package elevates chassis capabilities with a stiffer suspension, viscous limited-slip differential, quicker steering ratio, and larger vented brakes (14.0-inch front, 13.8-inch rear). This setup yields impressive 0.89 g on the skidpad, ensuring confident cornering. All-wheel-drive (AWD) variants like the G37x further enhance traction, making drivers feel more capable in challenging conditions without compromising agility.

Despite sharing components with the Nissan 370Z, the G37’s multilink rear and control-arm front suspension prioritizes suppleness. Highway rides remain composed, absorbing imperfections better than the stiffer Z, even with Sport tuning. Steering provides precise feedback at speed, ideal for canyon carving, while braking halts the 3682-pound coupe from 70 mph in short distances.

Design and Exterior Styling

Slightly longer, wider, and lower than its G35 predecessor, the G37 coupe measures about an inch extended overall on the same 112.2-inch wheelbase. Sport models feature a red “S” badge, reshaped fascias, sill extensions, and 19-inch wheels shod in high-performance Bridgestone tires. The design exudes muscular elegance, positioning it in the sports sedan-muscle car overlap.

• Aerodynamic Profile: Lower roofline enhances style and downforce.
• Wheel Options: 19-inch alloys improve stance and grip.
• AWD Availability: G37x adds subtle cladding for all-weather capability.

Interior Comfort and Features

Cabin quality mixes premium aluminum trim with some lower-grade plastics around controls. Sport seats offer power-adjustable bolsters for driver and manual thigh extension for passengers, providing excellent support during aggressive drives. Headroom suffers slightly in coupes with sunroofs (1.4 inches less than sedans), but rear space accommodates adults for short trips.

The dashboard integrates a color monitor for navigation, climate, and audio, with intuitive controls. Trunk space is practical for a coupe, and overall ergonomics prioritize the driver.

Fuel Economy and Running Costs

Expect mid-teens mpg in city driving and low 20s on highways for manual models, improving marginally with the automatic. Maintenance mirrors Nissan reliability, with the V6 proving durable over high miles. Brakes and tires demand attention in Sport use, but overall costs remain competitive against luxury peers.

Real-World Ownership Insights

Long-term testing reveals the G37’s versatility: exhilarating on tracks, refined for commutes, and secure in wet conditions with AWD. Minor gripes include transmission limitations in extreme track abuse (better for mixed use) and coupe headroom constraints. Reliability shines, with the engine’s 7,500 rpm redline inviting revs.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

• Pros: Explosive acceleration, sharp handling, refined V6, value pricing.
• Cons: Tight rear headroom in coupe, some interior plastics, AWD weight penalty.

Comparison with Rivals

Against the BMW 328i, the G37 dominates straight-line speed and ties in grip, offering more power for similar money. Audi A4 and Acura TL lag in acceleration, while the G37’s manual option adds engagement absent in some foes. It undercuts luxury pricing while matching dynamics.

Who Should Buy the Infiniti G37?

Enthusiasts craving V6 thunder in a luxury wrapper will love it. Families may prefer sedans for space, but coupes suit couples prioritizing style and fun. AWD models excel in variable climates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Infiniti G37 reliable for daily use?

Yes, its Nissan underpinnings ensure strong longevity, with smooth highway manners and capable handling.

How does the G37 compare to BMW 3-Series?

The G37 accelerates faster and grips equally, often at a lower price point.

What’s the best transmission choice?

The six-speed manual for purists; seven-speed auto for convenience.

Does AWD affect performance?

It adds grip without ruining fun, improving driver confidence.

Are parts expensive to maintain?

Affordable compared to Europeans, sharing Nissan components.

Final Verdict

The Infiniti G37 remains a standout for blending raw power, sophisticated handling, and luxury at an accessible price. Whether coupe or sedan, Sport or AWD, it delivers joy miles after mile.