Vehicle: 2009 Infiniti G37X AWD Sport with Technology Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$51415

Performance: Infiniti vehicles used to have nothing worthy to write home about. Will this ever changed with the introduction of the G37? We will find out after this test drive.

The G37 is basically an upgraded version of the existing G35. As its designation stands, G37 means it uses VQ37VHR instead of VQ35DE in G35. VQ has always been regarded as the world’s best V6 engine series. The latest 3.7 liters is no exception. With 328 hp and 269 lb/ft of torque, that is 22 more horses but, disappointing, only 1 more lb/ft of torque than G35. Throttle response is quick and linear. Power is never an issue with G35, G37 is no exception. 328 hp has made G37 one of the quickest cars in its class. Its also one of the most responsive one. While the extra 1 lb/ft of torque feels disappointing on paper, its maximum torque arrives at 5200rpm is more than acceptable. Consider the capability of this willing V6, it feels somewhat lack of torque at its displacement. The standard of all the latest variable valve timing technlogies have helped the G breaths much better than before. That means the VQ engine finally have the high-end grunt to go with the rest of the peers. Having the maximum torque at lower rpm would make this G launch so much swifter. However, there is a saving grace. G’s 7-speed automatic has low enough ratios for 1st and 2nd for swift launch. While the 6th and 7th are certainly tall enough for comfortable highway cruising. Its manumatic mode has rev-matching capability to encourage performance driving. The paddle shifters have worked exceptionally well in this case.

Handling: For the 1st time ever, G’s AWD version started to offer sports package since 2008 with G35X Sport. This model soldiers on with the 2009 G37X. What the sports package does is to add stiffer suspension and shocks, as well as larger 18″ wheels. This sports package really does for the G. It makes the G handles exceptionally well with its excellent ATTETS-AWD. Its also one of the world’s most sophiscated AWD ever available. Its able to transfer up to 50% of power to the offending wheel without traction. That means if any one of the G’s wheels got stuck, it can keep moving. The sports suspension has matched this AWD to provide confidence-inspiring handling. The steering provides decent feedback and response, with enough weight for confidence. G’s VDC, or Vehicle Dynamic Control, works hand-in-hand with ATTETS-AWD. This electronic stability control won’t step in until the AWD can’t save the nasty. That means it adds an extra protection on top of the existing stiff chassis, a decent suspension setting and security of AWD. On top of that, there are minimal body rolls while under and oversteers are well-tempted. This sports suspended G has a ride quality that is matching with the rest of the class, as an added bonus.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, G has provided decent enough pedal feel and response. Its modulation is easy to control and modulated. ABS only steps in without unwanted intervention is an added bonus.

Interior: As with all the Infinitis we have tested before, the latest G is loaded it to the ninth. Everything from power seats to dual zone climate control are all standard features. However, they still haven’t figured out the way to mold out interior with plastic and leather materials that are high-quality. We still have felt too much cheap plastic pieces and leather has a tiny feel. It just feels unacceptable in a luxury car costing 51 grand.

What makes the G really sad is the level of versatility. Its not only lack of a proper fold-down rear seats, its opening is narrow and cut off tight. The hight liftover is just making things worse. The ski pass through just doesn’t cut it.

Conclusion: With the introduction of the G37 sedan, Infiniti finally has a car that is worthy enough of consideration in the marketplace. Its also good enough to match with the rest of the competitions. If you are looking at the new TL, you should take a serious look at this G37 before signing the dotted lines.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Infiniti G37 sedan
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 2/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 2/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 3/5