2008 Infiniti G35x AWD Review

49 Responses to “ 2008 Infiniti G35x AWD Review ”

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• BEAT :
  April 23rd, 2008 at 9:24 am
  
  

  Great Review!!!

  I think I need a helmet after seeing that the G35 Cockpit. I mean look at that it’s amazing and I always like the g35.

  It is not a slow car. now a days on newer engines you need a little push on the gas pedal to accelerate better like what I am doing with my 08 Lancer. It feels heavy but the engine can take more grunt than you expected.

• Jason :
  April 23rd, 2008 at 9:39 am
  
  

  I think it’s a beautiful car. I guess one man’s blah is another man’s restrained sense of class. I’d rater err on the side of less then more, when it comes to scoops, angles, creases, vents, and bling.

  Otherwise you end up with…

  http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_413/car_photo_206849_5.jpg

• RobD :
  April 23rd, 2008 at 9:43 am
  
  

  I have driven a bunch of 2007-8 G35x’s as loaners
  when my 2006 G35 RWD is in for service. I must
  say I agree with the review except for a couple
  items. I don’t mind the dash in my older model at
  all. I prefer not to have everything be on the
  LCD display. I have the Nav display but it
  can be hidden when not in use. I like the
  more minimal dash in my car. The other item is
  speed. Floor the G35x and you better hold on!
  It’s quite fast, and feels faster than my
  298 bhp and much lighter G35. I’m not fan of
  automatics but this one shifts quickly and smoothly. The rest of the
  review is spot on. The steering is heavy, and
  it handles poorly compared to mine, but it’s no slouch
  in this area to be clear. And in the snow
  it’s pretty awesome, leaves my RWD in back in the
  garage.

• zerofoo :
  April 23rd, 2008 at 10:44 am
  
  

  Full disclosure: I own a 2007 G35X

  That said, why did I buy it?

  I live in the North East - it snows here and I couldn’t bring myself to buy an SUV as my daily driver.

  This car has more grunt than a 328xi, and I didn’t want to spend 10 grand more on a 335xi.

  Yes you can’t beat the precision of German steering, but this car comes very close. I like high-effort steering.

  My wife was also very happy that our daughter and her car seat fit nicely in the back of this car. It would not have fit well in the back of the 328xi.

  Finally, the interior is well thought out and beautiful. The 3 series interior feels like the designers held back hoping you would opt for a larger monthly payment on a 5 series.

  G35X -> Bigger, powerful, fun to drive for the money.

  328xi -> smaller, more tossable, a little less power.

  -ted

• sean362880 :
  April 23rd, 2008 at 10:51 am
  
  

  I’ve always liked the G35 mostly because of the engine. It’s a shame that so much of the juicy V6 goodness is squandered in the switch to AWD.

  I think that RWD sports cars which are modified for AWD never really work. They feel like trucks. Audis and Subarus work because the cheaper models are FWD, and the chassis is set up to understeer anyway.

• jkross22 :
  April 23rd, 2008 at 11:10 am
  
  

  The last time I drove one of these was in ‘04 and was the auto RWD version. What a hoot! I liked that it seemed to have more room than a 3, with more power. Sounds like the playing field has been leveled somewhat, but I still wonder how much handling difference there really is between the 3 and G. For us city dwellers, most “corner carving” occurs on freeway on/off ramps.

  I believe this ride is still a bunch less expensive than a 3, no? The G with 306 hp starts at roughly $33k with sport package, and the 335i starts at $43k with it’s sport pkge. Is there really a 10 grand difference in handling?

• Jonny Lieberman :
  April 23rd, 2008 at 11:26 am
  
  

  jkross22:

  The problem with comparing anything to the 335i is what’s under the 335i’s hood. While the 3.5-liter Nissan VQ is a great engine, the 3.0-liter twin-turbo I6 is a superlative engine. A game-changer. I don’t have enough accolades.

• Joe O :
  April 23rd, 2008 at 11:28 am
  
  

  I’ve only driven the G35 Sport 5-speed auto, in 2007. I was very impressed with the car’s power, transmission, and smooth ride. It felt large to me in turns (granted I drive a car that weighs 700 pounds less), but hunkered down very nicely.

  My wife and I would’ve bought one, instead of our new Legacy GT 5-speed, if not for the lack of fold-down rear seats, teeny tiny trunk opening, and some awkward interior items like the cheap-as-a-kia cupholders (that are also only about 1 inch deep).

  That being said, the salesperson who dealt with us at Infiniti was the best dealership experience I’ve had. Ever. I know that’s 100% personality, but we nearly bought from that guy because he knew how to deal with us, and didn’t treat our ~25 year old appearances with disdain.

  Joe

• Joe O :
  April 23rd, 2008 at 11:30 am
  
  

  Lieberman - I love that engine…..I can’t wait to see what BMW does in ~2009-2012 with adding brake regeneration, stop-start technology, de-coupling alternator, and other efficient dynamic items. I’d expect the 335i to be capable of a rock solid mid 20’s mileage in mixed driving.

  Joe

• whatdoiknow1 :
  April 23rd, 2008 at 11:31 am
  
  

  In far to many ways a 3 series is a crappy penalty box compared to a G35 that it is not funny! Yeah, yeah, yeah, a 3 series might handle better than a G35, but in the real world so fraekin what! Come on these cars are nothing more than everyday commuter vehicles for about 95% of the owners. Even the majority of “enthusiastic” 3 series owners are NOT going to explore the limits of their 3 series beyond maybe 7 or 8/10ths of its potential if that! Needless to say a 7 or 8/10 the far more powerful g35 will simply spank a 328i all day long.
  Once we get past the notion that a 3 series is a better track car and can honestly identify what we really need in an EVERYDAY car the G35 RWD/ AWD starts to look a good deal superior than an equally priced 328i/xi.

  The G35 is what it is! An excellent car for less than $40,000. It is powerful, it handles very well, it looks very good, and it has a nice interior that is fully of features. Does a 3 series handle better, yes it is the smaller lighter car, is it not? Regardless, a 328i can only chase after the more powerful G35’s taillights on a good day. A 328i might handle a sharp corner with more grace but the G35 can use its superior power to always gain the advantage. Once equiped with a pricey autobox the 328i is a relatively sluggish vehicle in its class. Nevermind a 328xi, that thing feel like a 4cyl Accord in terms of power. Equiped to the same level of equipment and a 335xi is at least a whopping $10,000 more than a G35x! In all honsesty the g35 is the better looking car between the two. While I will admit that the 3 series has a sleeker interior the G35 does have better materials.

  IMHO anyone purchasing the more expensive G35x over the G35 understands that there will be a compromise in terms of weight and handling. On top of that what is the point of an AWD “luxury” car without All-season tires installed, which will also detract from the fine handling of the RWD G35 sport. This the trade-off of owning a RWD biased car in areas that do experince winter weather.

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