When it comes to fast luxury sedans, the Infiniti G measures up to the four-doors from the established German brands. The Infiniti G is the smart, subversive choice in the market, the one that makes its statement with an edgy 3.7-liter V6 engine instead of just an oversize grille. So imagine our horror when we heard talk of a G sedan with a smaller, more sensible 2.5-liter V6 engine. Would this be a discount special, an Infiniti with generic ingredients instead of the real thing?
As much as we love screaming horsepower, we understand the need for affordable rides with sensible engines, even in the luxury realm. Enter the Infiniti G25 sedan, a new addition to the G family making its debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The G25 will be identical to the G37 sedan in nearly every regard—same front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, same snappy styling, same competent chassis—but packs a less-powerful engine. It will be positioned as the entry-level Infiniti, providing a lower stepping stone into the brand.
Base G25s are outfitted standard with Bluetooth, push-button start, keyless entry, leather upholstery, automatic climate control and an eight-way adjustable power driver seat. The $1,400 Journey package adds a rearview camera, automatic headlights, heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and USB iPod integration.
Navigation is not available on the G25, nor are the Premium package (Bose audio system), Technology package (intelligent cruise control, active headlamps) or Sport package (limited-slip differential, four-piston front brake calipers, 18-inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension).
Material and assembly quality in the G25 are on par for the segment, which is to say, they're darn good. Certainly it gives up nothing to the 328i's well-built, if basic, cabin. Satin-finished "Shodo" aluminum trim strips surround the shifter and sweep from the doors into the dashboard. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is a nice touch and there are enough steering wheel controls that you'll rarely need to reach for the center stack.
Overall, the 2011 Infiniti G25 can be described as firm, but not harsh. The car feels solid and well constructed. Imperfections in the road surface are felt but prove not at all intrusive. Likewise, wind and road noise are present, but not so loud as to be bothersome.
Drivers of various sizes should easily find their optimal position thanks to well-shaped seats and a tilt-and-telescoping steering column (the instrument panel moves with the wheel, ensuring optimum visibility). Rear-seat accommodations are roomy, with just enough head- and legroom for the average adult, though the seat cushions are mounted a bit low.
The 2011 Infiniti G25's pleasantly familiar exterior combines with modern details that seem appropriate for a vehicle that touts its high-tech credentials. Wraparound headlights and a contoured grille are Infiniti hallmarks, as are the muscular bulges on the hood. Inside the cabin, the design is slightly more subdued and austere. The rounded dash and a good portion of other surfaces in the cabin are soft to the touch and well grained. Elements are tightly fitted and devoid of squeaks and creaks.
Who should consider this vehicle
Unless power and performance are primary concerns for your luxury sport sedan decision, the 2011 Infiniti G25 is an excellent choice. There's more than enough power for the average driver, in a well-mannered package. Plus, buyers can save some cash up front, as well as down the road in fuel economy compared to the Infiniti G37.
Seventeen-inch wheels and 225/55R17 Goodyear RS-A tires are standard on the G25. The front and rear fascias, which were revised across the G line in 2010, remain the same. In other words, without looking at the badging, it's unlikely the layman will be able to discern the difference between this and the G37.
The engine in question is a DOHC, 2.5-liter V-6 rated at 218 hp and 187 lb-ft of torque. A variant of Nissan’s VQ engine—which in 3.7-liter form powers the G37 and Nissan 370Z, among others—the 2.5-liter mill was previously found in the Chinese-market Infiniti EX25 and the Japanese M25. There are no official fuel-economy ratings yet, but Infiniti tells us to expect an increase of about 1 mpg over the G37 sedan’s 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway. That’s a pretty disappointing number for such a dramatic power loss, but perhaps not as devastating as the news that the only transmission choice is a seven-speed automatic.
The power ratings are far below the 328 hp and 269 lb-ft offered by the big-brother G37 sedan, and lag slightly behind the 230 hp and 200 lb-ft offered by the inline-six in the BMW 328i. Still, the numbers are close enough to take on the 328i, just as the G37 offers power on par with BMW’s turbocharged 335i.
Overall, the 2011 Infiniti G25 can be described as firm, but not harsh. The car feels solid and well constructed. Imperfections in the road surface are felt but prove not at all intrusive. Likewise, wind and road noise are present, but not so loud as to be bothersome.
Drivers of various sizes should easily find their optimal position thanks to well-shaped seats and a tilt-and-telescoping steering column (the instrument panel moves with the wheel, ensuring optimum visibility). Rear-seat accommodations are roomy, with just enough head- and legroom for the average adult, though the seat cushions are mounted a bit low. reference:www.caranddriver.com,www.insideline.com,www.edmunds.com
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