By KBB.com Editors
KBB Expert Rating:
Note this revealing fact: Infiniti offers a genuine, stir-your-own 6-speed manual gearbox on every G37 body style. Performance with refinement is the message here and for 2013 the Infiniti G37 series continues to captivate hearts and minds with stylish good looks, modern technology and exceptional road manners. And, obviously, we aren't the only ones noticing: The G37 family is Infiniti's best-selling line. And it's a diverse line, with sedan, coupe and convertible body styles, rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) and two IPL (Infiniti Performance Line) limited-production specials. The G37s get categorized as "near-luxury," but that feels unfair somehow. These cars are all there.
If you want an entry-level luxury vehicle that delivers thrilling performance, handsome styling and lots of bang for your buck, the 2013 Infiniti G37 series is worth a close look.
The 2013 Infiniti G37 is a terrific all-around performer, but if we had to nitpick, grievances would include the V6 engine's 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.
What's New for 2013
The cars themselves get few changes but the lineup is rationalized for 2013. The 4-cylinder G25 Sedan and base model Coupe go away. Both sedan and coupe lines offer the same Journey, AWD (G37x) and Sport 6MT packages. The lusty IPL (Infiniti Performance Line) Coupe gets a Convertible stablemate.
Driving Impressions Every Infiniti G37 pampers its occupants with a comfortable ride, a strong sense of refinement and an array of high-tech goodies. But drive enthusiastically and the sportiest Infiniti satisfies like...
few competitors can, with accurate steering, crisp brakes and a planted feel. The responsive 3.7-liter V6 pulls strongly, whether mated to the 7-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. Should you find the Sport 6MT package not quite sporty enough, Infiniti offers a higher-performance variant, the IPL (Infiniti Performance Line) on the coupe or convertible bodies, with more power, tauter suspension and larger brakes. All G models benefit from a driver-selectable Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system that allows you to explore pretty far out toward the edge before the system intervenes. If you live in a frosty climate, or prefer a little extra traction driving out of corners, you can opt for the Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system on the coupe or sedan (with automatic transmission only).7-INCH LCD INFORMATION SCREEN
The 7-inch touch-screen display found in every Infiniti G37 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 and hard-drive (9.3-gig) and CompactFlash card music access.
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 that distance becomes shorter than the driver's pre-set parameters, Intelligent Cruise Control will renew the predetermined distance by automatically reducing the vehicle's speed.
Interior
The 2013 Infiniti G37'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, soft-sheen "Silk Obi" aluminum trim. The form-fitting standard driver's seat features 8-way power adjustability, while Sport 6MT models offer increased support and 12-way adjustability (adds bolsters and thigh extensions). Complementing the G37's contemporary architecture is a sharp 7-inch, full-color display. Outward visibility is commendable on the G37 sedan, but the coupe and convertible sacrifice a little for their racy C-pillar contours.
Exterior
Every iteration of the Infiniti G37 series comes wrapped in a well-tailored suit of sleek sheet metal 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 2013 Infiniti G37 coupe and convertible offer available 19-inch wheels, and both can now be ordered in the exclusive high-performance IPL edition, which adds aggressive front and rear styling, side sills and a rear spoiler.
Well-appointed from the start, the Infiniti G37 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.
All G37 models offer an extensive list of optional goodies, most of which are wrapped into Premium, Navigation and Technology packages. There's 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 to help alleviate the frustration associated with highway traffic, sport-tuned suspension, supremely comfortable 12-way power driver's seat and warm maple accents.
The G37's robust 3.7-liter V6 is the latest iteration of Nissan's renowned VQ35-series all-aluminum DOHC engine. Highly sophisticated variable valve timing and lift beats the normal tuning compromises to benefit power, drivability and efficiency. With either a 7-speed automatic or close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission - offered on all three body styles, to Infiniti's credit - the G37 has EPA fuel economy numbers that are slightly above average for the class, and impressive considering the cars' performance potential. Different engine-management software and exhaust plumbing make the engine fractionally stronger in the coupe than the sedan, and the IPL versions squeeze out a little more still.
3.7-liter V6
328 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm (Sedan)
269 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm (Sedan)
330 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm (Coupe, Convertible)
270 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm (Coupe, Convertible)
343 horsepower @ 7,400 rpm (IPL Convertible)
273 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm (IPL Convertible)
348 horsepower @ 7,400 rpm (IPL Coupe)
276 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm (IPL Coupe)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/27 mpg (Coupe/ Sedan, automatic), 18/25 mpg (Coupe/Sedan, AWD), 17/25 mpg (Coupe/Sedan, manual; Convertible, automatic), 16/24 mpg (Convertible, manual)
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRPs) for the 2013 Infiniti G37 models start at just under $38,000 for the Journey Sedan, about $41,000 for the Journey Coupe and around $48,000 for the Convertible. The AWD G37x is about $1,500 higher than those amounts and the Sport 6MT models about $4,000 higher. The aggressive IPL models run almost $52,000 for the Coupe and $62,000 for the Convertible. Among German nameplates, those with similar horsepower and features cost significantly more. The residual-value story, however, is less clear-cut. Though a G37 will retain a solid percentage of its original cost over time, and fare better than the Lincoln MKZ, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Cadillac CTS and Audi A4, it does fall a bit short of the projected residual values of the Acura TSX and Audi A5, and well short of the values of the BMW 3 Series and Lexus ES 350.
To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Infiniti G vehicles for sale near you.
Based on 228 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.
Review this carBy J De An (NJ) on Tuesday, May 14, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "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."
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse
By Bowtied (ID) on Tuesday, April 23, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "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."
2 people out of 3 found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse
By coolcamino (AZ) on Monday, April 22, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 89,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "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!"
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse
By BTB (IL) on Tuesday, April 16, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "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."
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse
By Doc (FL) on Thursday, April 11, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 14,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "Inovative, great features for the $$, FUN<"
Cons: "Gas Mileage"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9
"I have had 4 Infinit's. My First a 2004 FX 35, I still own. This is my 3rd "G". Had a 2007 G35X, a 2009 G37S Coupe & this one. All In ALL, This is the Best looking, best performing of all the later 3. The FX stands alone as a unique and extremely comfortable touring & Road car. (the seats alone are AWESOME"
4 people out of 4 found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse
By bullgator (TX) on Sunday, April 07, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,200
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "price is much better than the germans, bang for $"
Cons: "10Oz door holder for coffee is awkward, and tiny"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9
"i really just wanted a standard but the sport but it only comes with the journey. fit and finish are great, but how much trouble would it be to provide a human a cup holder ( like the automatic version i drove ). the design is superb, very sexy, but it only comes in black-on-black. the body curves are sweeping, but the doors ding if you look ay them wrong. the nav user interface is easy, but the iphone 5 bluetooth interface doesn't work without much pain. it corners and accelerates beautifully, but i'm told it will eat front tires.so it's great, but..."
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse
advertisement
why ads?advertisement
why ads?