Infiniti G25: Infiniti Thinks Big by Going Small

Infiniti G25 Sedan (Courtesy of netcarshow.com)

While all of Infiniti’s German competitors are bringing out 4-cylinder engines to increase fuel economy and keep prices in check, Nissan’s upscale brand has chosen to stick with a V6, although with lower displacement.

Harbored in the engine bay of the popular G-series, the smaller engine lacks little in power and refinement while giving entry-luxury buyers a tantalizing option. In short, Infiniti thinks big by going small.

“With the new Infiniti G25 Sedan, we’re broadening the appeal of the G Line with a model designed to provide an additional choice for buyers looking for a true luxury sedan, but who might not need the higher levels of performance provided by our larger engine-equipped G37 models,” said Infiniti VP Ben Poore.

“The G25 is positioned in the heart of the luxury sport sedan market, allowing us to bring Infiniti’s Inspired Performance to a wider selection of buyers.”

It is a car that doesn’t have to shout to be noticed.

There’s no question that almost anybody would enjoy the G37’s 3.7-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine that generates 328 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. It’s great, especially when connected to Infiniti’s intelligent all-wheel drive system.

However, there’s no cutting qualms with the G25’s plenty-stout 2.5-liter 24-valve V6 that produces 218 hp and 187 lb-ft of torque. Rear-drive is standard, but our test car was equipped with AWD—perfect for performance driving or slick roads. The 6-speed automatic transmission couldn’t have worked more smoothly. Best of all, fuel economy for the smaller engine is rated 19/27-MPG city/hwy.

Even with the smaller engine, the G loses none of its more-powerful sibling’s style. Cutting a profile like a 4-door Porsche, the smallest Infiniti looks great with its swept-back HID Xenon headlamps, wide grille, arching roofline, curvy shoulders, and high deck. Only in its second generation, the design has become instantly recognizable. Seventeen-inch alloys with touring tires look and work well.

It is a car that doesn’t have to shout to be noticed.

Comfortable Interior

Choosing a G25 negates the fancy front cushion extenders, but you won’t miss them when snuggling into the comfy heated leather-wrapped thrones. A perfect-sized leather-wrapped steering wheel is manually adjusted (instead of with motors), but as in past G models, the instruments move in unison with the steering column.

Navigation, Bluetooth, USB, and XM Satellite Radio keeps passengers in touch with the world and on their intended path. There’s no Bose audio, but I have no complaints about the sound system. And a full array of airbags protects everyone. Unlike with some competitors, real human beings can ride in the rear seats as far as their chauffeurs are willing to go.

Driving the G25 is believing. I’ve come to enjoy the G’s great balance between the crisp handling of a BMW and the comfortable cruising of a Mercedes-Benz. The interior befits a cushy Lexus and is 1,000-mile comfortable, but the chassis likes to play and always provides feedback to the driver.

The G neither copies nor surpasses either German, but it is hard to fault how the car’s behavior. No matter the speed, the G25 seems to want more. I’ve driven all of the G variants over the past decade and have enjoyed them all. The sense of understated confidence barely diminishes with the smaller engine.

Infiniti is going to face a challenge from competitors who are producing as much power and better fuel economy with 4-cylinder engines, but I doubt anybody who buys the G25 will be disappointed—especially when chosen with all-wheel-drive.

A base price of $30,950, or $37,675 as tested, seems more than reasonable for all that comes behind Infiniti’s never-ending logo.

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