2011 Infiniti G-Sedan

(2.5L V6 7-speed Automatic)

Pros

Athletic handling; attractive design inside and out; excellent brakes; strong value.

Cons

Road noise; not as opulent as European rivals.

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Be Sensible, but Keep the Attitude

By Mark Takahashi, Associate Editor

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?

Would it be like life without Starbucks?

Well, you can quit holding your breath. The 2011 Infiniti G25 still has the beans to get you going, even though it's a bit slower than the double-shot-of-espresso Infiniti G37 sedan. With the G25's 218-horsepower V6, you can pass more gas stations than you'd guess, yet it still has the energy you expect from a V6 engineered by Nissan. Meanwhile, the G chassis gives you the same thrill when it's heeled over in a corner and the same sense of pride when you see it in the parking lot. Besides saving you a little money at the gas pump, the G25 also saves you money up front, since its MSRP is $2,600 less than the Infiniti G37.

Think of the G25 as a single shot of espresso, not a sellout to decaf.

Among sporty sedans with luxury leanings in the Infiniti G25's market segment, the BMW 3 Series remains a perennial favorite. The entry-level BMW 328i is priced right there with the Infiniti, as is the Audi A4 2.0T. If performance isn't as important as comfort and features, the Hyundai Genesis or Mercedes-Benz C-Class will probably be more to your liking. Whichever way you might be leaning, we suggest a look at the 2011 Infiniti G25. You give up a little, but you get to keep the attitude.

The Infiniti G25's styling manages to be different but doesn't look as though it's trying too hard.

The G25 might be down on power compared to the G37, but its fun-to-drive character remains intact.

Comfortable without being boring; performance without being frantic; high-tech without being confusing. The G25 is all about balance.

 

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