The 2011 Infiniti G25's 2.5-liter V6 sings through the rev range with such willingness and subtlety that it embarrasses the larger, more powerful V6 in the G37. In fact, this new, smaller engine in the G sedan family is utterly smooth all the way up to 7,000 rpm, at which point it has 500 rpm remaining before its rev limiter puts a firm but refined stop to the fun.
It'll never match the brute force of the 3.7-liter V6, of course, but this amply powerful and fluid engine is defined more by its sophistication than by its relative lack of power.
The G25 is no penalty box.
Still, as surprising as the little engine's performance might be, the existence of the G25 sedan itself should come as no surprise. Until now, the G has been offered only with its big V6 (3.7 liters in current form), which allows it to compete against the BMW 335i and Lexus IS 350. And compete it does, acquitting itself well in car-enthusiast comparison tests. Problem is, the world is not a car-magazine comparison test. Both BMW and Lexus sell almost 80 percent of their 3 Series and IS models with the smallest engine available. And until now, Infiniti simply handed those entry-level buyers to its competitors.
New Motivation
By tuning the new VQ25HR to produce 218 horsepower and 187 pound-feet of torque, Infiniti has positioned the G25 directly between its Lexus and BMW rivals, which produce 204 hp and 230 hp, respectively. The only available transmission is the manually shiftable seven-speed automatic, regardless of whether you choose the base rear-drive G25 or the all-wheel-drive variant called the G25x. It's the same gearbox that's offered in the G37. No manual transmission is offered in the G25 because, well, if getting people to buy the three-pedal version of your sportiest sedan is tough, getting them to opt for it in your entry-level model is near impossible. There's no demand.
It strikes a commendable balance between social responsibility and driving character.
In creating a less powerful entry-level option, Infiniti has not simply made a numb Lexus clone. The G25's engine, while not as obtrusive as that of the G37, also isn't as muted as the IS 250's V6. Nor is its chassis built to absorb every minor irregularity. As a result, even in this base car, there's ample involvement. It's a trait that has always distinguished the big-engined G sedan as well.
The entry-level G retains the superb control feel of its more powerful, more expensive brother. There's no discernible difference in steering weight and feedback or suspension damping. And the G25 retains the G37's immediate turn-in. Even the brake pedal offers the immediacy we've come to expect from other Infiniti sport sedans. The transmission can be shifted manually only from the console shifter, as the G37's magnesium steering-wheel paddles have vanished. But downshifts are still nicely rev-matched.
Dynamically, this car is on par with the 328i and is far more involving than the IS 250. Even better, the rear-wheel-drive G25 is rated at 20 mpg city/ 29 mpg highway — better than the Bimmer.
As a result, the G25 finds itself in a very good place. It provides enough power to satisfy the majority of buyers and has the fundamental solidity and material quality of the G37.
What You Get, What You Don't
Base G25s are outfitted standard with Bluetooth, push-button start, keyless entry, leather upholstery, automatic climate control and an eight-way adjustable power driver seat. The $1,400 Journey package adds a rearview camera, automatic headlights, heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and USB iPod integration.
Navigation is not available on the G25, nor are the Premium package (Bose audio system), Technology package (intelligent cruise control, active headlamps) or Sport package (limited-slip differential, four-piston front brake calipers, 18-inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension).
Material and assembly quality in the G25 are on par for the segment, which is to say, they're darn good. Certainly it gives up nothing to the 328i's well-built, if basic, cabin. Satin-finished "Shodo" aluminum trim strips surround the shifter and sweep from the doors into the dashboard. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is a nice touch and there are enough steering wheel controls that you'll rarely need to reach for the center stack.
There are no interior changes to the 2011 G25 apart from those made across the G line in 2010. The gauges retain the white-on-black layout and the center console is elevated and has polished trim.
Seventeen-inch wheels and 225/55R17 Goodyear RS-A tires are standard on the G25. The front and rear fascias, which were revised across the G line in 2010, remain the same. In other words, without looking at the badging, it's unlikely the layman will be able to discern the difference between this and the G37.
The Value Statement
Look carefully at the G25's standard equipment and it's clear Infiniti has made a solid effort to position it as close as possible to the competition.
There are a few considerations: Both Lexus and BMW give you dual-zone climate control on their base models, but you'll need to step up to the Journey trim level to get it on the G25. And you'll need to pony up for the G37 if you want the latest electronic trickery. Still, you'll pay extra for the automatic transmission in the 3 Series, and the BMW comes standard with smaller 16-inch wheels. The IS 250, though, provides a premium audio system with 13 speakers and iPod integration at the entry level. So this choice will largely come down to a buyer's priorities and whether or not they're already at their budget threshold.
And that's where Infiniti shines.
It has managed to undercut both Lexus and BMW by offering the base G25 at $31,825 including destination. That's $3,575 less than a similarly equipped 328i and $2,365 less than a similarly equipped IS 250.
At the end of the day the G25 offers a unique combination of luxury and economy, and is every bit as engaging to drive as the BMW 328i and sportier than a Lexus IS 250. It is exactly powerful enough to strike a commendable balance among social responsibility, budget consciousness and engaging driving character.
Best of all, it's not a penalty box.
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
Add A Comment »
scottalan2011 says:
09:27 PM, 10/14/2010
Stock 2011 Audi A4 2.0 Liter Quattro Premium 6 Speed Manual Tranmission
0-60 MPH 6.40 Seconds, 185 AWHP, 211 HP/258 FT-LB, 231 AWFT-LB, 0-1/4 Mile 14.7 Seconds
NEX-Nitrous Kit .046875" 3/64 Jetting, all on the stock set-up
0-60 MPH 4.78 Seconds, 249 AWHP, 283 HP/355 FT-LB, 317 AWFT-LB, 0-1/4 Mile 13.3 Seconds
NEX-Nitrous Kit .0625" 1/16 Jetting, with some slight in engine modifications
0-60 MPH 3.89 Seconds, 300 AWHP, 341 HP/433 FT-LB, 387 AWFT-LB, 0-1/4 Mile 12.2 Seconds
Nitrous works great on these Eco-boost turbos because they create maximum torque right out of the hole and the bypass valves don't over-boost the engine on the high end. You can do this on any Infiniti period regardless of the cost. Performance Exhaust, K&N Cold Air Intake, Under-drive Pulleys, and it will go even faster, run 11's.
tbone85 says:
09:54 PM, 10/11/2010
"And I'm sorry, but the supposedly "sporty" Regal isn't going to change anyone's mind about Buick - that will take some time. "
That same type of thinking was deployed by the Big 3 30 years ago. Current products are more important to my reality than past glories. A friend at work rented one a couple weeks back. I had my doubts going in, but I found it a nicer solution than the "panache" offered by the TSX I drove. It changed my mind about what Buick offers today.
There is usually a time lag between execution and perception in this business. It is a mistake for the companies in the lead to not take advantage of this space to create better products. You will be caught and passed if you sleep.
tirthankar_b says:
01:30 AM, 10/08/2010
I found very good 1-2 years loaded 2008 inifiniti g35/37s for 24 - 26k . I see the g25 to be around 2-3k cheaper in the used car market which would make it a very strong contender in 20k$ club.
carguy622 says:
10:07 AM, 10/06/2010
@blueguydotcom:
I wouldn't buy the TSX without the manual. I had driven it with the automatic. It's a snooze, and makes the car feel significantly weaker. I rarely have a full load of passengers, and use A/C sparingly, so it feels plenty powerful for me.
I would love a V6 too, but I4s have come a long way. Would I buy the V6 in the TSX if it was available with a stick? Most likely, but the I4 is more than adequate.
zoomzoom22 says:
05:01 PM, 10/05/2010
It makes me laugh when people talk about "sport" sedans like the Regal "spanking" other cars in drag races. I don't know where you guys live where speeding and driving a car to its full potential is allowed (maybe Germany?), but I live in America, and it's not allowed here.
I also find it laughable that "panache" was brought into this argument. Lexus has just as much "panache" as any German brand in the United States - I'd rather drive an IS than a 3-series or an A4. That is a straw-man argument and has nothing to do with what we're talking about here.
In the business world the rule is better late than never. Apple was late to the computer game, but look at them now. Likewise, companies like AOL weren't late at all - they were just never. Infiniti has clearly identified a target market for the G25 and wouldn't release it here if they didn't think people would buy it. A lot of you guys don't seem to understand the amount of research and money that go into decisions like this. Most buyers won't say "well turbo 4s are all the rage these days, so I'm going to skip out on the G25". They'll compare gas mileage, features, price, and perceived quality. This is also why the "panache" argument really irritated me - in today's economy, quality = panache, and Infiniti, Acura, and Lexus have quality in spades. Infiniti will sell the most G25s by offering a competitive product that is adequate enough for the AVERAGE consumer. They also don't want to cannibalize sales of the G37 by allowing customers who aren't typical (aka, average) to add similar features to the G25. That's just smart business.
Cars aren't all about drag races, horsepower, track numbers, and the like. Sometimes it sounds like I'm talking to bunch of high schoolers on here. And I'm sorry, but the supposedly "sporty" Regal isn't going to change anyone's mind about Buick - that will take some time. There are still too many cheap old Regals and LeSabres on the road, which are ugly and look like tugboats. You can tell they have absolutely no driver satisfaction built in just by looking at them.
iskch says:
11:55 AM, 10/05/2010
A bottom ladder entry level car to feed the Infinity coffers. Nothing special. A nice stepping stone alternative to get on the Infinity brand.
overbrook says:
11:34 AM, 10/05/2010
sjavieve:
FWD vs RWD means nothing on real roads with normal drivers. Nothing. The S4 is the highest form of A4 so to suggest its not really an A4 is absurd. The A4 a FWD/AWD car with lots of weight over the front wheels. Advanced AWD systems can nullify many of the disadvantages of a FWD car vs a RWD car and the S4 and TL-SHD are exaples of that.
You are right that the FWD TL can't handle as well as a SH-AWD model but at its core the top TL is still a FWD car with a transverse engine and over 60% of its weight over the front axle. In spite of this its capable of handling as well or better than the 335i which has proper weight distribution. At the end of the day weight distribution is they key advantage of a RWD car from a handling perspective. There may be other benefits like steering feel but in terms of physics the weight distribution is really all that matters. Modern FWD cars and FWD based AWD cars are capabale of delivering nearly as much handling capability as RWD cars. The differences are so small that most owners wouldnt be able to appreciate the benefits of RWD.
"Now 1487, you felt the need to bring the CTS-V and ZR-1 to this topic of the G25, I wont entertain your fantasy cars on a G25 forum, I brought up the CTS and Buick Regal (which are relevant here) and assumed we would keep it there. I could bring up examples of cars that are demonstratably faster and FAR FAR FAR BETTER with much less displacement and power than your fantasy cars but its irrelevant here when discussing the G25. "
I mentioned the Camaro as well, hardly an unattainable dream car. You said GM cars are known for having great stats and underperforming on the street. The CTS was one of your examples but the CTS weighs nearly 4000lbs. In spite of that its just as fast as an E350 and only slightly off the pace of the A6. The engine isnt the problem, its the weight of the car. The Camaro was been clocked at 5.6-5.7secs with slightly less curb weight than the CTS and if you put the DI 3.6 in a 3500lb car you can rest assured it would accelerate like a G37. I simply told you the obvious: a 3600lb car with 258lb ft will be faster than a 3550lb car with 184lb-ft. I don't see what you're debating.
youdontknowjac says:
12:26 AM, 10/05/2010
it's cheaper......... but they also stripped a bunch to get to that price point.
you get what you pay for
financeman2 says:
07:40 PM, 10/04/2010
I recently purchased a 2010 G37x. I cross shopped non sport BMW 3 series models before making the purchase. When comparing non sport models from BMW and Infiniti - I found the equipment, handling, and value was far superior with the G. I did not want a sport model of either model...the roads where I live are simply too hard on low profile tires. BMW's in particular seem prone to wheel damage from bad roads. I probably would have considered a G25x, but I don't think $1,800 in savings over a comparable 2011 G37x is worthy of the step down in power. That said, the G37 has way more power than I will ever need....but it sure is fun:-)
jmess says:
06:18 PM, 10/04/2010
Nice to see Infiniti continues not to saddle owners with RunFlat/Crap tires.