2013 Infiniti G37xs Coupe

2013 Infiniti G37xs Coupe Review

Performance with sophistication.

By: Tim Healey

Web2Carz Contributing Writer

Published: September 9th, 2013

Pin It Tweet

Luxury sports sedans and sports coupes are an interesting breed. It's difficult to balance a need for speed with the extra weight that accompanies a car laden with upscale goodies, but some brands have tried. Some have even succeeded.

BMW's made a living of blending sport and luxury, and rival Infiniti - Nissan's luxury arm - has done a decent job of aping the Bimmer crew. It's G line of sedans and coupes don't quite match the intense performance focus of the Bavarians, but they aren't slouches, either.

The formula here is simple: big power meets high tech. It's all meant for the executive that actually wants to get to the meeting a hurry.

Infiniti tossed us the keys to a G37x (the x stands for all-wheel-drive) for a week, and we managed to keep the tires intact (but not necessarily our wallets, this thing sucks gas) long enough to get a sense of what it's like to live with one.

• 

  On the Road

  Infiniti found a way to wrangle 330 horsepower out of the 3.7-liter V-6 underhood, and those ponies plus the 270 lb-ft of torque work wonders. Acceleration is swift to say the least - on-ramps disappearing short order, and passing is quick (no pun intended) work. Mustangs and Camaros beware - this thing may not look as race-ready as your pony car, but it feels just about as speedy.
  
  It sounds great, too, with a throaty growl that encourages juvenile behavior with the throttle. Those gas-pedal pushes come with a cost - the G37x swallows fuel in whole gulps - but the aural experience and the tremendous thrust make it worth it.
  
  Ride is on the stiff side, bordering on punishing at times on broken pavement, but the trade-off is razor-sharp handling, thanks to the precision steering, which has nice heft to it, in addition to being dead-on accurate.
  
  It's not as dialed in as the BMW 1-Series (one of its main rivals) but it's close. It's an absolute joy to drive, even if it does get tiresome in heavy commuting duties thanks to the boy-racer exhaust and stiff ride. It's the pony car for grown-ups.

• 

  Exterior

  Infiniti has a curvy, svelte design theme throughout its lineup, and the G follows suit. It's attractive and sporty, and despite the fact that the design is aging somewhat, it still turns heads.
  
  If it were our car, we wouldn't hide it in the garage.

• 

  Interior

  We like certain little design details, such as the analog clock in the top of the center stack. We also appreciate the nice balance of buttons and knobs. But we'd like the materials to feel a little more upscale at this price point.
  
  Coupes being coupes, the rear seat is not a good place for adults, but legroom and headroom is adequate upfront. Sports coupes being sports coupes, the seats are more heavily bolstered than the norm.
  
  The cockpit is a bit tight, but it's luxurious enough, and it does the luxury/sport balance better than the Bimmer, which has fewer features and less luxury looks for only slightly less money.

• 

  Final Thoughts

  This is a car for those with means who want to have it all - the fast car with creature comforts that also shows off one's quarterly bonus without being obnoxious about it.
  
  And it delivers. Be ready to sacrifice rear-seat space and prepare to become familiar with your local self-serve pump, but those sacrifices are worth it in a car this engaging to drive and quick off the line.
  
  True purists will opt for the similar Nissan 370Z. Those who need a rear seat and civilized respectability while still having plenty of fun will find about 330 good reasons to plunk down more than 50 large.

• 

  Specs, Features, and Prices

  Engine: 3.7-liter V-6
  
  Horsepower: 330
  
  Torque: 270 lb-ft
  
  Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
  
  Drive Wheels: All-wheel-drive
  
  Fuel Economy: 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway
  
  Base Price: $41,450
  
  Price As Tested: $51,245 (including $895 destination charge)
  
  Available Features: Bluetooth, USB, navigation, satellite radio, intelligent cruise control, brake assist, rear sonar system, rearview camera, power tilt/telescope steering wheel, premium audio system

Shopping for a used

Infiniti G37 Coupe?

Get Used Car Deals

Pin It Tweet