Infiniti G Saloon (2009 – 2013) Review
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
Infiniti G Saloon (2009 – 2013) At A Glance
Ultra exclusive, smart and understated looks, very comfortable and well finished interior, high standard equipment levels.
No diesel engine, limited dealer network.
The G37 saloon was one of the first Infinitis on sale in the UK and among those that's been designed appeal more to European tastes. This is the entry-level model and is similar in size and price to the BMW 3 Series and the Lexus IS. It's also available as a coupe and a folding hard top convertible. The comparison with the Lexus is a key one, because Infiniti is Nissan what Lexus is to Toyota: upmarket brands that aim to entice buyers away with smart looks, good levels of spec and decent performance.
Infiniti makes much of its sporting ability, which marks it apart from models from Lexus, which tend to focus on comfort. That's why you'll find the Nissan 370Z's engine under the bonnet - a 320bhp 3.7-litre V6, which is smooth and refined, yet offers urgent performance when required. It's much closer in character to the driver-focused BMW than a Lexus IS or Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
The Infiniti dealer network is small, but focused on providing exceptional service. Infiniti prefers to give a handful of owners a truly memorable buying and owning experience rather than offer run-of-the-mill service to a larger number. That translates into the kind of bespoke service that Rolls Royce and Aston Martin customers have come to expect. Each customer get their own 'account manager' as a single point of contact for as long as they own the car. Owners are also entitled to free pick and and delivery for servicing within a range of 150 miles - which means that owners don't need to worry about how far away the nearest Infiniti centre is - which is pretty handy as at the moment there are barely a handful with the main centre located in Reading, Berkshire.
Reviews for Infiniti G Saloon (2009 – 2013)'s top 3 rivals
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
Infiniti G Saloon (2009 – 2013) handling and engines
- Engines range from G37x to G37
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 19–27 mpg
The G37's sporting potential is underlined by the fact that it's fitted with the same engine that's in the Nissan 370Z. It's a 320bhp 3.7-litre V6 which powers the G37 to 62mph in 5.8 seconds. Although not quite as quick as something like a BMW 335i, it's more than respectable and with 359Nm of torque available at 5200rpm, provides a sporty drive that's rewarded with enthusiastic gear changes. It's also relaxed and quiet on the motorway and makes a fine long distance cruiser.
The G37 does a good job of pleasing the driver. Standard cars are rear-wheel drive, which provides an engaging and lively drive. It corners with precision and surprisingly little bodyroll, with an excellent level of grip. Drivers looking for a bit more traction can opt for a G37X, which is all-wheel drive. It splits power between the front and rear axles up to 50:50 when required for added stability. In everyday driving it's rear-wheel drive, but when required, it sends power to where it's needed.
The G37S is the most driver-focused version and benefits from sports suspension, four-wheel steering and sharper responses - especially when it comes to cornering. It's also a little easier to drive around town, too, thanks to the four-wheel steering. At lower speeds, the rear wheels will turn in the opposite direction to the front ones, reducing the turning circle. When the car's travelling more quickly, all the wheels turn in the same direction.
There's a choice between a six speed manual gearbox, which is standard, and a smooth-shifting seven-speed automatic that comes with steering wheel-mounted paddles for manual changes. The one big fly in the G saloons ointment is the lack of a diesel engine - something which most buyers of cars this size choose. The G37 averages just 26.7mpg with the manual (26.9mpg if you choose the automatic) whereas something like an Audi A4 3.0 TDI which is almost as quick from 0-62mph, returns an average of 42.8mpg.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| G37 | 27–27 mpg | 5.8–5.9 s | 246–248 g/km |
| G37x | 26 mpg | 6.0 s | 255 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Infiniti G Saloon (2009 – 2013)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
87%
Real MPG
19–27 mpg
MPGs submitted
6
Infiniti G Saloon (2009 – 2013) interior
- Boot space is 450 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4770–4780 mm |
| Width | 1770 mm |
| Height | 1447–1470 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2850 mm |
Drivers and passengers are both well catered for, with six airbags, a seven-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, an automatic dimming rear-view mirror, automatic lights and wipers and an MP3 player socket. Opt for a GT and you'll add leather trim and heated front seats, while those in the S are sports seats.
The driving position is multi adjustable in eight ways on even the standard car, while the front passenger has a four-way electrically-adjustable seat. Forward visibility is good, although the thick rear pillars make the view out of the back a little restricted. This isn't much of a problem at lower speeds thanks to a handy reversing camera (available with the multi-media navigation system only) with on-screen guides to help you park. On the move, it's all very user-friendly with steering wheel audio controls and large easy-to-read dials. Some would say that there are too many buttons and dials for a luxury car, though other owners may see this as a welcome change from BMW's iDrive and Audi's MMS one-dial system.
The interior is comfortable too, with a good ride, supportive seats and little noise from either the road or engine. The materials are high quality and used in a coherent way to provide an interior with an upmarket feel. At night Infiniti's trademark purple backlighting is soothing and distinctive. A number of changes were made to further refine the cabin materials and ambiance for 2010, which were all requests from customers. The bootspace on offer compares well to the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. With 450 litres, it's capable of holding at least a couple of suitcases.
Standard equipment from launch (September 2009):
G37 models in standard trim come with xenon adaptive cornering headlights, self-healing Scratch Shield paint, Electronic Stability Program, vehicle-speed-sensing power steering, eight-way power driver's seat, four-way power passenger's seat, front and rear parking sensors, smart access I-Key and push button starter, cruise control/speed limiter, reclining rear seats, fourteen-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, six airbags, six-disc, seven-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, LED rear tail-lights, leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, an auto dimming rear-view mirror, aAutomatic lights and wipers plus aux-in connectivity.
G37x add Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and the seven-speed automatic transmission with manual mode and magnesium shift paddles.
G37 GT models get leather upholstery, a 10-way power driver's seat with electric lumbar adjustment, an eight-way power front passenger seat, heated front seats and I-Key memory for driver's seat/wheel/mirror positions.
G37x GT is based on the G37 GT and adds Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and the seven-speed automatic transmission with manual mode and magnesium shift paddles
G37S comes with 4-Wheel Active Steer (4WAS), a Viscous Limited Slip Differential (VLSD), recalibrated suspension settings, an enhanced braking system, aluminium pedals and footrest, leather sports seats (heated), 14-way power driver's seat, eight-way power front passenger seat, a tyre pressure monitoring system and ten-spoke 18-inch alloy sports wheels.
Infiniti G Saloon (2009 – 2013) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4770–4780 mm |
| Width | 1770 mm |
| Height | 1447–1470 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2850 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1709–1801 kg |
| Boot Space | 450 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 20000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £31,846–£40,645 |
| Insurance Groups | 45 |
| Road Tax Bands | L |
| Official MPG | 25.7–26.9 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
On sale until September 2013
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Auto 4dr | £34,935 | 26.9 mpg | 5.9 s |
| GT Premium 4dr Auto | £37,875 | 26.9 mpg | 5.9 s |
| S Premium Auto 4dr | £40,645 | 26.9 mpg | 5.9 s |
| x S 4dr Auto | £39,005 | 25.7 mpg | 6.0 s |
On sale until February 2012
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| x GT 4dr Auto | £36,579 | 25.7 mpg | 6.0 s |
| x GT Premium 4dr Auto | £40,305 | 25.7 mpg | 6.0 s |
On sale until March 2011
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 4dr | £31,846 | 26.7 mpg | 5.8 s |
| GT 4dr | £33,205 | 26.7 mpg | 5.8 s |
| GT Auto 4dr | £34,772 | 26.9 mpg | 5.9 s |
| GT Premium 4dr | £36,391 | 26.7 mpg | 5.8 s |
| GT Premium Auto 4dr | £37,959 | 26.9 mpg | 5.9 s |
| S 4dr | £35,186 | 26.7 mpg | 5.8 s |
| S Auto 4dr | £36,753 | 26.9 mpg | 5.9 s |
| S Premium 4dr | £38,372 | 26.7 mpg | 5.8 s |
| x 4dr Auto | £35,084 | 25.7 mpg | 6.0 s |
On sale until July 2009
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 37x Auto | £33,400 | - | - |
| 37x GT Auto | £34,700 | - | - |
Model History
September 2009
The G Saloon went on sale in the UK as Infiniti launched into the market. It's available in the UK in five well equipped versions. Whether ‘entry' model, luxury GT, all-wheel drive x, or sporting S with 4-wheel active steer, all the G37 Saloons are powered by the 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine, compliant with forthcoming Euro 5 emissions standards, mated to a six-speed manual transmission (with optional seven-speed automatic transmission with magnesium gearshift paddles).
High performance comes with 0-62mph taking just 5.8 seconds and a top speed limited to 155mph. Fuel economy on the combined cycle is 26.7mpg with CO2 emissions of 248g/km. The seven-speed automatic betters this with 26.9mpg and 246g/km, while the auto's acceleration to 62mph is only marginally slower at 5.9 seconds - still fast enough to beat many sports cars.
The all-wheel drive models are badged with an ‘x' and use the sophisticated all-electronic torque split system from the EX and FX crossovers. Power distribution is constantly adjusted from 50:50 to 100 per cent to the rear - so that maximum traction is always available on slippery surfaces, but crucially without compromising the G37's rear-drive handling feel. The seven-speed automatic transmission is standard. The G37x accelerates to 62mph in 6.0 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 149mph. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 25.7mpg while CO2 emissions are rated at 255 g/km.
The S is the sportiest G37 Saloon and proves it not just with sports seats and aluminium pedals but with engineering changes designed to bring out the maximum potential of the super-stiff G37 chassis and its sophisticated suspension. Chief change is the addition of 4-Wheel Active Steer. This varies the front steering ratio and adjusts the geometry of the rear suspension according to steering input and vehicle speed. With the limited slip diff, four-piston front brakes and recalibrated suspension, handling is taken to a new and higher level.
As well as its sophisticated styling and dynamic driving characteristics, the Saloon offers class-leading room for four/five adults. Equipment is good. Infiniti particularly prides itself on the G37's safety credentials which include standard cornering xenon headlights and a bonnet that pops up in an impact with a pedestrian, providing a potentially life-saving ‘cushion'.
March 2010
The G Saloon was enhanced for 2010 witha more dynamic look and revised interior, with state-of-the-art infotainment technology available. The changes are subtle but effective - as one glance at the sharper new front-end styling reveals. More sculptural, more distinctive and more indicative of the 320bhp under the bonnet of every G37, the new look moves the Saloon visually closer to its sportier two-door cousin, the G37 Coupe.
New front light clusters - still with xenon adaptive cornering headlights as standard - and a fresh-looking iteration of the familiar double-arch Infiniti grille are the main component changes, proving the rightness of the original design. A redesigned under-bumper section with recessed, wide-set foglights (previously the fogs were set into the main light clusters) gives the 2010 G37 Saloon a more purposeful edge to its already striking visual impact. The rest of the G37 Saloon's body is untouched.
Changes in the cabin are just as subtle but equally tailored to meeting owners' expectations. For instance, the Rosewood interior accents are now high gloss, the leather hues slightly lighter and there's the option of a new Wheat leather colour combined with a black dashboard and upper door trims. Reinforcing the G37's impression of quality is a new aluminium trim design, reminiscent of Japanese calligraphy, along with a redesigned centre console based on that in the EX and FX crossovers. Improving both legibility and design cohesiveness, the gauges and LCD instrument display now use white as background colour. For the first time, Infiniti's much-praised information and entertainment platform, Connectiviti, is available in the Saloon following on from its G37 debut in the Convertible earlier in the year.
The HDD (hard disk drive) based system connects all manner of modern technology, from MP3 players to mobile phones, with seamless efficiency. Connectiviti+ takes things a stage further with a 30GB Music Box and innovative satellite navigation system which, among its long list of functions, can even access built-in Michelin's Red and Green Guides to take you to the door of a top restaurant or hotel.
Three new exterior colours are available for 2010 models: Smokey Quartz, Graphite Shadow and Vibrant Red. All are Scratch-shield paint, of course. Other features unique to the G37 Saloon are its charismatic V6 with VVEL valve technology and its chassis options of rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive and four-wheel steer for the most sporting S version.
April 2012
Combining dynamic performance with the safety of intelligent all-wheel drive, the G37x S is the latest addition to the Infiniti G Saloon line-up in the UK. It is the first time Infiniti's sportiest S grade has been available with AWD in the G range. Previously only the GT was available with AWD.
Like all G models, the G37x S is powered by a 316bhp (320PS) 3.7-litre V6 mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifts - a combination that delivers 0-62mph acceleration in just 6.0 seconds. And with Infiniti's torque-sensing AWD system aboard, the swift pace is available virtually irrespective of weather or road surface. The car has a top speed of 149mph and an official combined fuel consumption of 25.7mpg (11.0 l/100km) with emissions of 255g/km.
The newest G model costs from £38,979 and bears all the style, features and technology that set the Infiniti brand apart. The sole AWD model in the G line-up for 2012, the G37x S is distinguished by S hallmarks such as red S badges, 18-inch Sport design alloy wheels and smoked lens headlights. Inside, features include sports seats, with 14-way electric adjustment for the driver, and aluminium pedals and footrest. The G37x S also comes with the Multimedia pack of hard disk drive (HDD) navigation and music systems, 10-speaker Bose ® Premium Sound System, reversing camera and high resolution touch screen.
Like every G model sold in the UK, leather seat facings, Shodo aluminium trim, adaptive bi-Xenon lights, Scratch Shield paint, i-Key smart access, electrically adjustable front seats and steering column, and heated front seats are standard. The only option for any G model is metallic paint (£577).
The G37x S takes its place in a new-look G line-up. The flagship G37 S Premium (£40,619) builds its credentials with keen drivers thanks to 4-Wheel Active Steer (4WAS), sports suspension, sports brakes and Viscous Limited Slip Differential to get the most from the balanced rear-drive chassis. It also comes with Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) among a suite of electronic safety aids.
Two GT models, both now in rear-wheel drive form only, make up the entry point to the range. The G37 GT costs from £34,909 while the GT Premium - with Multimedia pack and sunroof among its extras features - costs from £37,849 OTR.
The G family in the UK is completed for 2012 by the G37 Coupé (from £36,359) and G37 Convertible (from £45,235), both of which continue unchanged.
