Acceleration

Base sedan, auto.	Base sedan w/Sport susp., auto.	AWD G35x w/Prem. Pkg.	Base coupe, man.	Class Average
7	7	7	8	6.7

Eager V6 satisfies at most any speed. Automatic transmission smooth, alert, but slightly dulls takeoff response; still, a brisk 6.0 sec or so 0-60 mph. Manual-transmission models a bit quicker, helped by precise, short-throw shift action.

Fuel Economy

Base sedan, auto.	Base sedan w/Sport susp., auto.	AWD G35x w/Prem. Pkg.	Base coupe, man.	Class Average
4	4	4	4	4.6

No opportunity to measure, but expect overall averages of 16-18 mpg. Infiniti recommends premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Base sedan, auto.	Base sedan w/Sport susp., auto.	AWD G35x w/Prem. Pkg.	Base coupe, man.	Class Average
7	5	7	3	6.7

Taut, stable, helped by longish wheelbases, solid structures. 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., auto.	AWD G35x w/Prem. Pkg.	Base coupe, man.	Class Average
7	8	7	8	7.1

All G35s grippy, agile--a near match for targeted BMW 3-Series--though European rivals have an 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., auto.	AWD 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 in coupes, lower in sedans.

Controls

Base sedan, auto.	Base sedan w/Sport susp., auto.	AWD G35x w/Prem. Pkg.	Base coupe, man.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.7

Coupe or sedan, cabin generally well-designed. Main-gauge cluster moves with tilt steering wheel, but wheel rim can mask power-mirror controls. Climate system readouts are displayed at top of dashboard, remote from climate buttons--a minus to some testers. Power-seat controls mounted unorthodoxly on seat cushion beside console. Navigation screen rises from dashtop; system thankfully does not incorporate audio or climate functions. Cabin assembly quality, most interior materials on target for the class, but plastic more evident than in Audi, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes rivals.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base sedan, auto.	Base sedan w/Sport susp., auto.	AWD 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-drive comfort. Coupe has special driver seat with softer cushion, though its more prominent side bolsters can interfere with arm movement when shifting manual transmission. Coupe with sunroof snug for six-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., auto.	AWD G35x w/Prem. Pkg.	Base coupe, man.	Class Average
6	6	6	3	5.5

Sedans have above-average head and leg room on firm, well-contoured bench, but limited width, driveline hump thwart uncrowded three-abreast travel. Sedan Premium package oddly substitutes manual backrest recliners for standard power adjustment. Coupe's front seats power forward and back to ease entry/exit, but some twisting still required. Coupe's body design limits head room for taller passengers, but leg room surprisingly good.

Cargo Room

Base sedan, auto.	Base sedan w/Sport susp., auto.	AWD G35x w/Prem. Pkg.	Base coupe, man.	Class Average
4	4	4	1	4

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

Value within Class

Base sedan, auto.	Base sedan w/Sport susp., auto.	AWD G35x w/Prem. Pkg.	Base coupe, man.	Class Average
8	7	8	5	5.9

These Infinitis lack the brand prestige of rivals from Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes. And they don't quite match them for refinement or interior materials. But in performance, style, space, and available all-wheel drive, the G35s are good alternatives--and generally more affordable too, making them worthy Recommended picks.

Total Score

Base sedan, auto.	Base sedan w/Sport susp., auto.	AWD G35x w/Prem. Pkg.	Base coupe, man.	Class Average
65	62	65	48	61.4

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		61
High Score		72