What is it?
This is the revised Infiniti G37 saloon. The most obvious differences from its predecessor are in the nose, where the headlight clusters mimic the look of its sister coupé, and in the cabin, whose centre console has been upgraded to a deliver the Europeans-style sophistication of the EX37.
What’s it like?
The driving experience is unchanged dynamically, which is a good thing. The four-wheel steering, which has the most natural feel of any on the market, allows the car to feel as nimble as a hardcore sports saloon but with a more compliant ride.
What makes the difference is the revamped interior, with a tasteful, full-length aluminium insert running up the centre console from the gearstick and well-chosen glass black plastics. The entertainment system has also been upgraded to the one found in the current EX37, with more readable graphics, speed camera warnings, and a inclined keypad as well as a touchscreen.
The Premium edition we tested, also bundles in the Connectiviti pack, allowing you to easily connect iPhones and the like for properly integrated music and phone calls, though these options can also be specced separately on the standard model.
The paddle-shift auto ‘box can be a bit uncouth when the car is driven gently, with some slow shifts and unmatched engine speeds, but as soon as you begin to get the car on the boil and take the engine over 3500rpm - not even halfway to its rev limit - the problems go away.
Our one big reservation is still the 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine. It’s great fun having a proper, naturally aspirated motor, but the UK market is crying out for the 3.0-litre diesel that’s working its way through the Infiniti range.
Should I buy one?
The natural competitor to the G37 is the Jaguar XF, in terms of size and mission. Thanks to its four-wheel steering, the Infiniti feels significantly more agile in a ‘chuckable’ way, though, ultimately, the Jag’s chassis is as well resolved. Where the Jag really scores is with its fine diesel engine, and with UK fuel prices it would be hard not to see the appeal.
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Re: Infiniti G37 S Premium Auto
Yes, but it is part of my job. Personally, I wouldn't ever buy a G37 over any of the European rivals, especially the XF, because of all the other drawbacks, but I think that any fair-minded, moderately competent person who drives the thing would probably be forced to agree that it is an incredibly well developed driving machine. Its agility and body control are in quite frankly staggering contrast to its desperately dull looks.
Re: Infiniti G37 S Premium Auto
So, you've driven this car and anything remotely comparable from Europe extensively enough to conclude that it is "easily" as good as any of them, correct? If so, then fair enough, although I thought the new G37 has only just been launched, so that's pretty quick work on your part.
Re: Infiniti G37 S Premium Auto
I'm not sure what your point is - by driving it of course.