2005 Infiniti G35: Road Test
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2005 Infiniti G35 ▼
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- MSRP: $30,750 -$33,350
- Invoice: $28,288 -$30,671
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Our road test for the 2005 Infiniti G35 includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Infiniti G35 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Infiniti G35, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Infiniti G35 help you decide if a 2005 Infiniti G35 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base sedan, auto. | Base sedan w/Sport susp. pkg., auto. | G35x w/Prem. Pkg. | Base coupe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 6.6 |
With automatic transmission, stoplight racers may want more takeoff punch, but G35s are nonetheless satisfyingly fast. Test '04 automatic-transmission coupe and G35x both did 6.2 sec 0-60 mph; test '04 manual coupe felt even faster. Expect more-powerful '05s to be quicker still. Eager V6 a good match for smooth, rapid-shifting automatic transmission, feels even more alert with short-throw, precision-feel manual gearbox.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base sedan, auto. | Base sedan w/Sport susp. pkg., auto. | G35x w/Prem. Pkg. | Base coupe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
Test '04 rear-drive sedans with automatic transmission averaged 17.9 mpg. Test '04 G35x models averaged 15.8-17.3. Test '04 manual coupe averaged 17.0. Expect similar mileage from '05 models. Infiniti recommends premium-grade fuel for all G35s.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base sedan, auto. | Base sedan w/Sport susp. pkg., auto. | G35x w/Prem. Pkg. | Base coupe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 6.9 |
Taut, stable, helped by long wheelbase, solid structure. Unwanted body motions well-checked, but large bumps occasionally pound through, especially on models with sport suspension.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base sedan, auto. | Base sedan w/Sport susp. pkg., auto. | G35x w/Prem. Pkg. | Base coupe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7.1 |
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, models with 18- and 19-inch wheels can be tossed slightly off course as low-profile tires fail to absorb shocks. Strong brakes.
QUIETNESS
| Base sedan, auto. | Base sedan w/Sport susp. pkg., auto. | G35x w/Prem. Pkg. | Base coupe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 6.8 |
Lusty engine note in rapid acceleration, a background baritone at cruise. Road noise evident on coarse surfaces, especially with 18- and 19-inch tires. Wind noise moderate, though lower in sedans.
CONTROLS
| Base sedan, auto. | Base sedan w/Sport susp. pkg., auto. | G35x w/Prem. Pkg. | Base coupe, 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 sedan, auto. | Base sedan w/Sport susp. pkg., auto. | G35x w/Prem. Pkg. | Base coupe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 7.4 |
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. Visibility good in sedans, very confined aft in coupes.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base sedan, auto. | Base sedan w/Sport susp. pkg., auto. | G35x w/Prem. Pkg. | Base coupe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 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's Premium Package includes manually adjusting backrest recline, a feature not all testers find useful. Coupe's front seats power forward and back to ease entry/exit, though it still requires some twisting. Coupe's body design limits head room for taller passengers, but leg room is surprisingly good.
CARGO ROOM
| Base sedan, auto. | Base sedan w/Sport susp. pkg., auto. | G35x w/Prem. Pkg. | Base coupe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 |
Sedan's trunk is 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 sedan, auto. | Base sedan w/Sport susp. pkg., auto. | G35x w/Prem. Pkg. | Base coupe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 5.9 |
Infiniti isn't as prestigious a brand as BMW, Lexus, or Mercedes. And it doesn't quite match them or Audi for refinement or interior materials. But in performance, style, space, and available all-wheel drive, the G35 earns our Recommended label as a credible and less-expensive alternative to rival models from those automakers.
Total Score
| Base sedan, auto. | Base sedan w/Sport susp. pkg., auto. | G35x w/Prem. Pkg. | Base coupe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | 62 | 65 | 49 | 61.6 |
Total Score: 60
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