2006 Infiniti G35X
Short review of 2006 Infiniti G35X
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Price as tested: CDN$46690
In just a few years, G35 has really dragged itself from one of the better cars in its class to the bottom ones for one reason: competitors have gaining grounds really fast.
While its merits like excellent VQ35DE powerplant that bumps out 280hp and 270 lb/ft of torque, with superb refinement and responsiveness. Along with a docile and responsive chassis, that combines swift steering response remain intact. The rest of the package has fallen way behind the competitions.
Yes, its ATTETS E-TS rear-bias AWD system is an effective one. One still found G35′s tail tricky to handle during oversteer, unlike the controllable ones you feel in a 330i even with DSC-3 completely off. On the other hand, this AWD lacks the control and fool-proof engineering that made Audi’s latest 40/60 split Torsen Quattro so entertaining when letting the tail out.
Infiniti has upgraded the el cheapo interior that finally catch up with the competitions, sort of. Still, the unfriendly ergonomics and tacky aluminum trim executed poorly after all these years. Power seat switches are located on the seat bolsters instead of on the door panel or on the side of the seats. The stereo control is more designed for RHD than LHD. Infomation center for stereo and dual zone climate control washed out during sunlight. Green instrumentation feels cheesy in 21st century. Lastly, I also found some serious dash rattles in our tester which is totally unforgivable in a 46k luxury car.
With the all-new G just around the corner, Infiniti needs to move fast because competitors act equally quick. Just selling on the fastest luxury car for the lowest price doesn’t mean its the best car at all. It needs to have an overall package that combines class, which current G35 seriously lacks, style, performance, quality and dynamics to win those over.
Overall rating: 2/5