Infiniti G offers lots of ‘bang for the buck’

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2011 INFINITI G37X SEDAN LIMITED EDITION

ENGINE: 328-horsepower 3.7-liter V-6

TRANSMISSION: seven-speed automatic

DRIVETRAIN: all-wheel drive

FUEL ECONOMY: 18 city/25 highway

BASE PRICE: $44,000

AS TESTED: $44,875 (including $875 for destination)

WEBSITE: infiniti.com

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Infiniti expands its G Sedan lineup for the 2011 model year with the addition of a new 2.5-liter V-6-equipped G25 Sedan and two uniquely equipped versions of the G37.

Now there are 10 appealing G sedans to choose from with prices ranging from $32,000 to more than $44,000. With the same vibrant exterior, pleasingly refined interior and finely tuned chassis as the G37, the new G25 provides its owners with a luxurious sport sedan that delivers plenty of “bang for the buck.”

The 2011 Infiniti G25, offered in both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, features a 218-horsepower V-6 engine mated to a smooth-shifting seven-speed automatic transmission.

Infiniti didn’t skimp on the equipment in the G25. It comes standard with leather-appointed seats, automatic climate control, full power accessories and more.

While the G25 is sure to satisfy most enthusiasts, those with a thirst for more power will appreciate the 328-horsepower 3.7-liter V-6 in the G37. The 3.7-liter V-6 delivers V-8-like power.

And to up the ante, Infiniti has taken the G37 Sedan to new heights with the addition of the new G37 Sedan Sport Appearance Edition and G37 Sedan Limited Edition.

The Sport Appearance Edition adds a front chin spoiler, rear deck-lid spoiler, uniquely styled nine-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, power moon roof and more.

The Limited Edition adds even more with a Midnight Black grille, exclusive Monaco Red leather-appointed interior, sport brakes, sport-tuned suspension, sport-tuned steering gear, limited slip differential, aluminum pedals, magnesium paddle shifters and more.

Even without all of that, the G Sedan is an attention grabber. I like the G’s athletic stance highlighted by a nicely styled front fascia and hood, as well as the sporty dual exhaust outlets and contemporary L-shaped LED taillights in the rear.

My tester was the G37x Sedan AWD Limited Edition. My tester’s Malbec Black exterior finish, which is available exclusively on the Limited Edition, provides a rich character while seemingly changing to a maroonlike color in sunlight.

Every G Sedan features a well-crafted interior with a long list of luxurious amenities. My Limited Edition tester, though, featured the Monaco Red perforated leather seats that were pleasing to the senses.

The front seats are comfortable and nicely bolstered for support. Larger folks, though, may find them to be a bit too snug. The rear seats can comfortably accommodate two adults as the center seat is quite narrow.

I like the elegant and sporty theme of the cockpit. The cabin remains relatively quiet when cruising at highway speeds, but I did notice a fair amount of engine roar in the cabin when pushing the pedal down with authority.

The 3.7-liter V-6 engine and seven-speed automatic transmission in the G37 are nicely matched. The engine is responsive and powerful (V-8-like), both from a dead stop and for overtaking other vehicles.

The seven-speed automatic is ultra-smooth when driving less forcefully, and it does well at downshifting and holding onto each gear longer when pushing quick and hard on the pedal.

Magnesium paddle shifters are included with the Limited Edition to provide drivers with the ability to manually shift the automatic.

The G delivers a well-mannered ride that is sporty without being too harsh. The Limited Edition ratchets this up several notches with a sport-tuned suspension capable of putting a huge grin on your face when taking twisty roads and highway entrance ramps.

The G’s AWD system is quick to respond when driving on slippery pavement, too. Loaded with amenities, safety features and technology, the G Sedan is a fine car that costs a lot less than its European counterparts.