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2012 Infiniti G

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Overview

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2012 Infiniti G Review

By Zach Vlasuk

KBB Expert Rating: 7.8

For 2012, the Infiniti G series continues its tradition of captivating car buyers looking to get what they pay for in entry-level luxury, and then some. The 2012 G offers sedan, coupe, and convertible variants, plus rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) and the choice of an efficient 2.5-liter or powerful 3.7-liter V6. The 2012 Infiniti G models have proven once again that they can not only run with the best in their class, they can do so at a lower cost to you.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you are searching for an entry-level luxury vehicle that delivers thrilling performance and a big bang for your buck, the 2012 Infiniti G series is worth a closer look.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The 2012 Infiniti G is a terrific all-around performer, but if we had to nitpick, notable grievances would include the V6 engine's excessive thirst for fuel and the coupe/convertible's meager rear seat headroom. Additionally, if you obsess over "communicative steering feel," the BMW 3 Series deserves consideration.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.8
Driving Dynamics

8.4
Comfort & Convenience

7.2
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.8
Value

7.4
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#25

out of 34

MPG

#22

out of 33

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.2 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

The 2012 Infiniti G sedan offers a new Malbec Black exterior color. The G37 sedan also receives various updates to its Limited and Sport Appearance editions, including a new graphite interior color, 18-inch alloy wheels and Black Obsidian exterior color for the Limited Edition and a new black grille for the Sport Appearance Edition.

Driving the G

Driving Impressions Every Infiniti G possesses dynamic performance credentials that only improve when coupled with the G37 Sport Package. Under normal driving conditions, the G pampers its occupants with an array of...

high-tech goodies and a comfortable ride. Drive it enthusiastically, and the G satisfies like few competitors can. The G37's tenacious 3.7-liter V6 pulls strongly on demand, whether mated to the 7-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. If you find the Sport Package-equipped G37 not sporty enough, Infiniti offers a high-performance variant - the IPL – with more power, revised suspension, and larger brakes. All G models benefit from a driver-selectable Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system that allows you to explore a generous portion of the vehicle's potential before the system intervenes. If you live in a frosty climate, or prefer a little extra traction during spirited driving, we suggest you opt for the Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system.

Favorite Features

7-inch LCD Information Screen
The 7-inch touch-screen display found in every Infiniti G features an intuitive, visually appealing interface and serves as the control center for options such as iPod integration, a hard-drive navigation system with real-time traffic and weather info, backup camera, 9.3-gigabyte music hard drive, and a CompactFlash card reader for music.

Intelligent Cruise Control
As a G37 option, Infiniti's Intelligent Cruise Control system helps maintain a pre-set distance from the vehicle traveling ahead of you. When a vehicle violates the driver's pre-set parameters, Intelligent Cruise Control will renew the predetermined distance by automatically reducing the vehicle's speed.

2012 Infiniti G Details

2012 Infiniti G Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 2012 Infiniti G's interior is exceptional both in design and in the quality of materials used. The luxurious cabin is marked by supple leather-trimmed seating surfaces and elegant Shodo aluminum trim inspired by a form of Japanese calligraphy. The form-fitting standard driver's seat features 8-way power adjustability, while sport models offer increased support with power-adjustable bolsters and a thigh extension function. Adding to the Infiniti G's contemporary architecture is a sharp 7-inch, full-color display. Outward visibility is commendable on the G sedan, however, the coupe and convertible possess high hood line and bulky C-pillars that lightly compromise visibility.

Exterior

Every iteration of the Infiniti G series comes wrapped in a well-tailored suit of sleek sheetmetal combined with subtle chrome accents and Infiniti's signature 4-bar grille design. When night falls, standard bi-xenon headlights and LED taillights provide an upscale, modern look. Both the 2012 Infiniti G37 coupe and convertible offer available 19-inch wheels, while the coupe offers an exclusive high-performance IPL edition featuring aggressive front and rear styling, side sills and rear spoiler.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Well-appointed from the start, the Infiniti G series includes leather-trimmed seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Infiniti's Intelligent Key "keyless" entry system - the key never needs to leave your pocket or purse – with push-button start, a 6-speaker audio system with an auxiliary audio jack for MP3 players, dual-zone automatic climate control, 8-way power driver's seat with a 4-way power passenger's seat and bi-xenon headlights.

Optional Equipment

To keep the 2012 G25 sedan a value-based proposition, Infiniti offers only a few options such as a sunroof and splash guards. All G37 models offer an extensive list of optional goodies, including a Bose premium audio system, sonar proximity warning system for those tricky parking spots, hard drive navigation system with 3D building graphics and advanced voice recognition, adaptive cruise control system to help alleviate the frustration associated with highway traffic, sport-tuned suspension, supremely comfortable 12-way power driver's seat and warm maple interior trim.

Under the Hood

The G25 sedan is fitted with a 2.5-liter V6 engine and 7-speed automatic transmission. The G37's robust 3.7-liter V6 is the latest iteration of Nissan's renowned VQ35-series engine. This all-aluminum engine is loaded with design elements that help reduce internal friction and increase overall performance. Matched with either a 7-speed automatic or close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, the G37 returns slightly-above-average EPA fuel economy numbers for the class. Revised engine software and a new free-flowing exhaust system enable the IPL coupe to squeeze an extra seven lb-ft of torque and 18 horsepower out of the already impressive 3.7-liter V6.

2.5-liter V6
218 horsepower @ 6,400
187 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/29 mpg (RWD), 19/27 mpg (AWD)

3.7-liter V6
(Sedan - 328 horsepower) (Coupe/Convertible - 330 horsepower) (IPL Coupe - 348 horsepower) @ 7,000 rpm
(Sedan - 269 lb-ft of torque) (Coupe/Convertible - 270 lb-ft of torque) (IPL Coupe - 276 lb-ft of torque) @ 5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25 mpg (manual), 19/27 mpg (automatic), 18/25 mpg (AWD, automatic)

Pricing Notes

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2012 Infiniti G models starts at around $33,000 for the sedan, under $39,000 for the coupe, and mid-$40s for the convertible. The performance-oriented IPL coupe comes in just under $50,000. Those figures make the G a rather attractive choice when compared to its competition – especially those with a German pedigree where opting for similar horsepower and features will end up costing significantly more. The Infiniti G's advantage gets a bit less well-defined when it comes to residual values. All models retain a solid percentage of their original cost over time. However, while the G's residual value fares better than the Lincoln MKZ, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Cadillac CTS and Audi A4, it falls just short of the projected residual values held by the Acura TSX, TL and Audi A5, and far short of the BMW 3 Series and Lexus ES 350.

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2012 Infiniti G Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 230 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.3/10

Quality

9.3/10
Reliability

9.4/10

Performance

9.5/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

9.4/10

GREAT CAR FOR THE MONEY

By FAST EDDIE (FL) on Monday, June 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"CAR IS FAST AND A PLEASURE TO DRIVE.NAV IS EASY TO OPERATE SO IS THE RADIO. THE ONLY GRIPE I HAVE IS TRYING TO RESET THE MAINTENANCE REMINDERS, READ THE BOOK MANY TIMES STILL HAVE TO GO TO THE DEALER AND HAVE THEM DO IT, CAR DRIVES LIKE A SPORTS CAR. GAS MILLAGE FOR ME AROUND TOWN IS 21-23 MPG, 28MPG ON A TRIP THATS USING REG FUEL, BOOK CALLS FOR PREMIUM FUEL"

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Excellent drive!

By Jim (WA) on Saturday, June 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,300

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Engine, handling, quality, comfort, head lights!!"

Cons: "Noise, rear seats do not fold, some cheap plastics"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"Very nice car, alot of power, tight handling, i do think it is noisy though, road noise is much higher than expected!!! Materials are nice, some areas seem cheap though like steering wheel covers, the entertainment system is not the easiest to use. Defiantly a German competitor for less cash!! i recommend!"

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Exceeded my very high expectations

By J De An (NJ) on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Power, road handling, comfort"

Cons: "No daytime driving lights (added LEDs for safety)"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Owned Chevy (early) Honda Preludes, Toyota Celica GTX and now G37x. This has "best of" all prior vehicles put together and then some. Power is terrific when needed (merging into highway traffic, overtaking slower cars on two lane roads, etc. milage surprisingly good if not lead footed all the time). Solid drive but not at the expense of comfort (for front passengers--really not designed for more than two people; buy the sedan if more than two). All controls logically laid out, stereo system (Bose)true quality; radio functions intuitive unlike my husband's new Camry--that is way too complex."

7 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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Fast. Sleek. Sporty. Off road capable.

By Bowtied (ID) on Tuesday, April 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Gorgeous In & Out. Fun to drive. AWD."

Cons: "Average Gas Mileage."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I own the 2009 Infiniti G37x Coupe. I mainly bought the car so I had something classy for looking good wherever I went. Mainly though I was looking for AWD so I could take it to go snowboarding. I just didn't want a Subaru STI or a Mitsubishi EVO. THe price was right on the G37 so i bought it. The car handles amazingly in the snow, dirt, rain & mud. The suspension gives a comfortable ride as well. It has a good amount of power for when you put your foot down. There of course ins't much space in the back. Not comfortable for anyone over 5'7"ish. Its a coupe its not made to have people in the back. The Exterior is gorgeous but the Interior puts the Icing on the cake. Leather, heated seats, Navigation, and Bose audio what else do you need."

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Fun, super sporty and unexpected!

By coolcamino (AZ) on Monday, April 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 89,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Sporty and Great handling, Very Reliable"

Cons: "Stiff suspension (LOVE IT)"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"306 Horsepower stock, rear wheel drive, all luxury options 18" wheels, paddle shifters. BOSE sounds amazing! What's not to love. Faster than a BMW 3 series and much cheaper and more reliable to own!"

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Great value, fun to drive, becoming a bit dated.

By BTB (IL) on Tuesday, April 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Value, fun without sacrificing comfort."

Cons: "Lots of them on the road, gas mileage, dated int."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"The car is great fun and the manual transmission is becoming a rarity nowadays. I like that you can have "fun" yet not sacrifice ride quality. Before this car, my daily driver was a Mercedes E550 4matic and driving in the city is more comfortable in the G37S. Crazy, right? Minor complaints would be that I never got anywhere near the stated mpg and that the controls/speedo etc. look dated compared to other cars in the segment."

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