There's no doubting the supremacy of BMW's 335i when it comes to near-luxury sports sedans, or is there?
Less money brings plenty of performance
This week finds me behind the wheel of Infiniti's all-wheel-drive (AWD) G37x Sport, and its exhilarating stable of 328 horsepower. That's 28 more ponies than found beneath the hood of the 335i xDrive, which sits approximately $6K higher on the price ladder than the G37x Sport.
Admittedly though, the 335i wins the torque contest hands down with 300 foot-pounds @ an ultra low 1,400 rpm in contrast to the G37 with 269 foot-pounds @ 5,200 rpm. Compensating for the torque deficit in the Infiniti product is a new 7-speed autobox. This gives the G37 an extra cog over the 6-speed Bimmer autobox, allowing it better exploitation of the engine's torque curve.
Unlike the inline dual turbocharged six-cylinder engine powering the 335i, the G37 relies upon a naturally aspirated 3.7-litre DOHC V6 to procure its propulsion. The Infiniti mill incorporates Variable Valve Event and Lift technology (VVEL) along with a Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVVTCS) to achieve its impressive punch.
Flair to match performance
Not much changes visually for 2009. The G37 remains a muscular-looking mid-size sedan with an aggressive stance and beautifully sculpted front fenders. I particularly admire its broad, flush-mounted grille.
Moving inside the G37 reveals true cockpit architecture. The bright gauge cluster is large and easily viewed from any driving position; it tilts up and down in conjunction with the steering wheel. The front seats in my tester were infinitely adjustable, and I was pleased to find an extendable seat cushion to add thigh support for long-legged drivers.
I found all primary controls and switches to be logically arranged and intuitive to use. Leg and headroom in the front is fairly abundant, I doubt many drivers would find it insufficient. Rear seat dimensions were actually a little better than I had expected, making second-class seating realistically tolerable for adults.
Less money brings plenty of performance
This week finds me behind the wheel of Infiniti's all-wheel-drive (AWD) G37x Sport, and its exhilarating stable of 328 horsepower. That's 28 more ponies than found beneath the hood of the 335i xDrive, which sits approximately $6K higher on the price ladder than the G37x Sport.
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| I was buzzed by the G37x outstanding passing performance on the highway. |
Admittedly though, the 335i wins the torque contest hands down with 300 foot-pounds @ an ultra low 1,400 rpm in contrast to the G37 with 269 foot-pounds @ 5,200 rpm. Compensating for the torque deficit in the Infiniti product is a new 7-speed autobox. This gives the G37 an extra cog over the 6-speed Bimmer autobox, allowing it better exploitation of the engine's torque curve.
Unlike the inline dual turbocharged six-cylinder engine powering the 335i, the G37 relies upon a naturally aspirated 3.7-litre DOHC V6 to procure its propulsion. The Infiniti mill incorporates Variable Valve Event and Lift technology (VVEL) along with a Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVVTCS) to achieve its impressive punch.
Flair to match performance
Not much changes visually for 2009. The G37 remains a muscular-looking mid-size sedan with an aggressive stance and beautifully sculpted front fenders. I particularly admire its broad, flush-mounted grille.
Moving inside the G37 reveals true cockpit architecture. The bright gauge cluster is large and easily viewed from any driving position; it tilts up and down in conjunction with the steering wheel. The front seats in my tester were infinitely adjustable, and I was pleased to find an extendable seat cushion to add thigh support for long-legged drivers.
I found all primary controls and switches to be logically arranged and intuitive to use. Leg and headroom in the front is fairly abundant, I doubt many drivers would find it insufficient. Rear seat dimensions were actually a little better than I had expected, making second-class seating realistically tolerable for adults.
 |
| The G37 relies upon a naturally aspirated 3.7-litre DOHC V6 to procure its propulsion. |