Acceleration

Base sdn	Leather sdn w/Sport Susp., nav. sys., auto.	AWD Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg.	Leather cpe, man.	Class Average
7	7	7	8	6.4

With automatic transmission, stoplight racers may want more takeoff punch, but G35s are nonetheless satisfyingly fast. Test automatic-transmission Leather coupe and AWD Leather sedan both did 6.2 sec 0-60 mph; test manual coupe felt even faster. Eager V6 a good match for smooth, rapid-shifting automatic, feels even more alert with short-throw, precision-feel manual transmission.

Fuel Economy

Base sdn	Leather sdn w/Sport Susp., nav. sys., auto.	AWD Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg.	Leather cpe, man.	Class Average
4	4	4	4	4.6

Test rear-drive sedans with automatic transmission averaged 17.9 mpg. Test AWD sedans averaged 15.8-17.3. Test manual Leather coupe averaged 17.0. Infiniti recommends premium-grade fuel for all G35s.

Ride Quality

Base sdn	Leather sdn w/Sport Susp., nav. sys., auto.	AWD Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg.	Leather cpe, man.	Class Average
7	5	7	3	7

Taut, stable, helped by long wheelbase, solid structure. Unwanted body motions well-checked, but large bumps occasionally pound through, especially in Sport Suspension sedans and 18-inch-wheel coupes.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base sdn	Leather sdn w/Sport Susp., nav. sys., auto.	AWD Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg.	Leather cpe, man.	Class Average
7	8	7	8	6.8

All G35s grippy, agile--a close match for targeted BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class--though European rivals have edge in high-speed stability, steering feedback. On bumpy surfaces, coupes with 18-inch wheels can be tossed slightly off course as low-profile tires fail to absorb shocks. Strong brakes.

Quietness

Base sdn	Leather sdn w/Sport Susp., nav. sys., auto.	AWD Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg.	Leather cpe, man.	Class Average
7	6	7	3	6.7

Lusty engine note in rapid acceleration, a background baritone at cruise. Road noise evident on coarse surfaces, pronounced with 17-inch tires, intrusive with 18s. Wind noise moderate, though lower in sedans.

Controls

Base sdn	Leather sdn w/Sport Susp., nav. sys., auto.	AWD Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg.	Leather cpe, man.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.7

Sedans, coupes share generally well-designed cabin. Main gauge cluster moves to match steering-wheel tilt, though wheel obscures power-mirror controls. Climate-system readouts display at top of dashboard, remote from climate buttons--a minus to some testers. Unorthodox power-seat controls mount beside console, susceptible to spills from nearby cupholders. Navigation screen rises from dashtop; system thankfully does not incorporate audio or climate functions. Assembly quality and most interior materials on target for the class, but higher number of plastic trim pieces separate it from Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base sdn	Leather sdn w/Sport Susp., nav. sys., auto.	AWD Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg.	Leather cpe, man.	Class Average
8	8	8	6	7.2

Good room in sedans, but some testers say cushions too firm for long drives. Coupe has special driver seat with softer cushion, though its more-prominent side bolsters interfere with arm movement when shifting manual transmission. Coupe with sunroof snug for 6-footers, and seatbelts require annoying stretch to reach. G35 steering wheel doesn't telescope, as in many rivals. Visibility good in sedans, very confined aft in coupes.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base sdn	Leather sdn w/Sport Susp., nav. sys., auto.	AWD Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg.	Leather cpe, man.	Class Average
6	6	7	2	5.6

Sedans have above-average head, leg room on firm, well-contoured bench, but limited width and a driveline hump thwart uncrowded 3-abreast travel. Sedan Premium package includes manually adjusting backrest recline, a feature not all testers find useful. Coupe sized for two small adults, with difficult entry/exit.

Cargo Room

Base sdn	Leather sdn w/Sport Susp., nav. sys., auto.	AWD Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg.	Leather cpe, man.	Class Average
4	4	4	2	4

Sedan's trunk large for the class. Lid hinges don't intrude, but opening won't swallow larger objects. Standard center ski pass-through, but no folding seatbacks. Coupe seatback folds, but opening to trunk limited. Good interior storage space.

Value within Class

Base sdn	Leather sdn w/Sport Susp., nav. sys., auto.	AWD Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg.	Leather cpe, man.	Class Average
8	7	8	5	5.8

Infiniti isn't as prestigious a brand as BMW, Lexus, or Mercedes, and doesn't quite match them or Audi for refinement, detail finish, and materials. But in performance, style, space--and now all-wheel drive--the G35 is a credible and less-expensive alternative to rival models from those automakers.

Total Score

Base sdn	Leather sdn w/Sport Susp., nav. sys., auto.	AWD Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg.	Leather cpe, man.	Class Average
65	62	66	48	60.8

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		60
High Score		71