Infiniti's G35x AWD is an interesting model for a luxury brand car. It doesn't highlight the comforts of driving. No, it screams for the excitement of driving. Using the robust 280 horsepower, 3.5 L V6 engine from Nissan's 350Z and featuring an all wheel drive system based on the FX35/45 mid-sized SUV series, the G35x offers a different but very memorable driving experience.

Features

I got a diamond graphite (a.k.a. silver gray) G35x four door sedan with graphite leather (a.k.a. dark gray) leather interiors. I can not drive stick, so I stuck with the automatic model. Standard equipment for the class includes automatic climate control, power-adjustable heated front seats, heated power mirrors, steering wheel audio controls, and high intensity xenon headlamps. The Smart Key system is installed such that only specially programmed keys can start the car; two master keys and a valet key are provided in addition to a wallet key that can only open the doors.

The premium package was a must buy since it adds many staples of a luxury car such as a sunroof, 222-watt Bose premium audio system with eight speakers and built into the dash six CD changer, driver's seat memory with entry/exit assist, steering wheel memory, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, reclining rear seatbacks with adjustable outboard head restraints, dual-zone climate control with microfiltration, auto on/off headlights, electrochromic auto-dimming inside mirror, one-touch open/close rear windows, HomeLink transmitter, rear air conditioning vents, and a full size spare tire.

The G35x also has as standard safety features dual stage front air bags, curtain air bags for front and rear passenger head protection, and front seat side impact air bags. Other safety features include an electronic stability program to help with skidding while driving is standard as well as anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist for quick and more stable braking. And then there is all wheel drive (AWD), but more on that later.

The Car

The G35x showcases a sporty exterior appearance that feels classy and upscale. It features the smooth curves and aerodynamic shape of many Japanese sedans. At the same time, the car vividly distinguishes itself from other Japanese sedans. Most noticeable are the vertically stacked headlights that seem to rise up from the front of the car, giving it a unique shape compared to its competition. A wide grill on the front is emblazoned with the Infiniti logo. As the car is based on the larger FX 35/45 models, the car features a longer wheelbase with shorter front and rear overhangs. The car has a smooth contour from front to back to give it a sleek styling, ending with a short rear deck.

The interior of the car is quite spacious for a sedan due to its SUV heritage. Both front and rear seat passengers will enjoy generous headroom and leg space. Oddly enough, the driver and front passenger seats feel remarkably different. The driver is the obvious focus as that side is much more comfortable and relaxing. The passenger side is harder and not as ergonomic, which may have your passenger complaining during long trips. Controls for the power seat are located on the right and are awkward to reach. Memory seating controls for the driver’s seat on the left feel more accessible. With the premium package, the rear passengers also enjoy two reclining seats.

The steering column is easily adjusted to maximize comfort and visibility. Speaking of steering, the wheel is thick with easily accessible controls for the stereo system on the left and cruise control on the right. The front panel is brightly lit with relevant information such as the odometer, speedometer, and important "idiot lights" easily visible.

The G35x still sports a relatively plain looking interior. While the quality of the interior textures is improved from the 2004 model and there is more generous placement of wood trims, there is little that is really eye-catching. The doors also share these uninspiring designs and have door locks that look similar when open versus closed. The dash is graced with a digital panel that displays the compass and temperature controls. The trademark Infiniti analog clock is prominently featured. The temperature and some of the radio controls are mixed in below with large, well spaced, and easily read buttons. What follows is the car radio, but more on that later.

While the passenger space is generous, storage in the car is limited. Since I did not get the Navigation package, a convenient storage compartment is located on the top of the dash. Two small glove compartments are provided. One larger glove box would have been nicer. The central console has a larger cushion than storage space. On the other hand, a power outlet is located here, making the space handy for cell phones. The trunk is quite small with only a large pass through in the center for larger, slender items.

All Wheel Drive, Baby!

One of the centerpieces of the G35x is the AWD system. The AWD is a computerized system that maximizes your traction in less than perfect driving conditions. In optimal road conditions, the G35x directs its power into the rear wheels. But when the car's sensors feel slippery conditions, it directs as much as fifty percent of power into the front wheels. The final result? Driving through wet and icy conditions feels similar to racing on dry roads with strong acceleration and traction control.

Note that while the AWD makes for a safer trip, it will not do a lick to save you if you practice unsafe driving habits. I have made the car slip when making sharp turns on very icy conditions, though I felt that I was able to get control faster compared to other cars. The G35x even comes equipped with an idiot light to indicate when the car slips, though you can feel the car sliding before the light goes off.

One of the costs of the AWD system is a hit on the gas mileage. The G35x reportedly gets 17/24 mpg for city and highway driving, respectively, compared to 18/25 mpg in the regular automatic G35. While driving, the car seems to average closer to 20 mpg on highway driving, probably due in part to the automatic AWD system. It adds about $1,800 to the cost, but it is definitely worth it.

The Driving Experience

The real joy of owning a G35x is the driving experience. The 280 hp 3.5 liter V6 engine (automatic transmission) provides a nice kick, going from 0 to 60 in under six seconds. On the road, this gives the G35x a zippy feel as it blows past lesser vehicles. And the sports suspension enhances the feeling of speed. The vehicle offers tight handling and excellent balance, given me a strong sense of control while driving, especially at higher speeds. Inclement weather did little to impair performance, due in strong part to the AWD system. On the highways, the G35x gave me something I have not felt in a long time. Driving this car was fun! The G35x provided a thrill that was lacking in other sedans such as the Lexus ES300.

While I don't know how to drive a stick, the G35x has a "manu-matic" mode that simulates the excitement of a manual transmission car without the dexterity and the timing. It is easily activated by pushing the shift lever to the right. From there, you can push it up and down to shift gears. The system does not completely simulate that of a manual as the computer sensors will exercise some control over the transmission. In the end, the "manual" mode feels like a fun toy than an serious option when driving.

Adding to the creature comforts of the G35x are the simple climate controls that can regulate the temperature on the left and right sides. After setting your desired temperature, the car will gradually adjust the fans and the seat warmers. For blistery days, the automatic settings are quite slow (with the exception of the seat warmers) to warm up the car. But once you are off and going, the car takes care of itself.

The G35x is not the quietest driving experience. The engine sounds are very prominent when driving. Thankfully, the stereo adjusts itself automatically for speed with the Bose audio system providing crisp sounds and heavy bass that turn your attention away from the harsh engine noise. To focus your mind more on driving than the music, the FM/AM radio can be set to search for stations of particular genres such as rock and jazz. Overall, the FM/AM radio can sound weak at times, especially when compared to my brother's Toyota Highlander. But the power of the Bose system shows when using the six CD player. The heavy bass and crystal clear sounds will hit me from all directions, making me appreciate the value of a quality car stereo.

Zoom Zoom

Overall, the G35x is a sports sedan with some luxury wrappings. It is quick and handles extremely well even in slick road conditions thanks to the AWD system. The car lacks the pampering qualities of competing models such as those offered by Lexus. But the G35x is a car for those who want to live the thrill of driving, and it succeeds in providing that experience.

Amount Paid (US$): 32900
Condition: New
Model Year: 2005
Model and Options: G35x AWD