Just In: Infiniti G35x

We just bought a redesigned 2007 G35x luxury sports sedan for our test fleet. Over the last few years, we've received several forum inquiries from readers in inclement climes asking how the all-wheel-drive G35x performed. (We tested a rear-drive G35 back in 2003.) Given that the previous-generation, rear-wheel-drive G35 was something of a sled, traction-wise, in the winter, it isn't a big surprise that quite a few buyers consider the AWD model. Not surprisingly, with winter just around the corner, the vast majority of G35's for sale at dealers here in the Northeast appear to be AWD G35x models. 

First impressions?

• In what seems like an incredibly obvious and redundant statement, this 3.5-liter, 306-horsepower V6 sports sedan feels fast. Compare that impressive output to our Mercedes-Benz CLS500 (road tests are available to ConsumerReports.org subscribers only), whose 5.0-liter V8 yielded 302 horsepower. 
• We were impressed by the electronics in the Infiniti M35x we tested last year, but the G35's optional navigation system goes a step further. The G's nav and audio system can now be controlled from either the touch screen or the dashboard's multidirectional controller--a nice touch.
• Hard keys remain for quick access to all common audio and climate control functions. The voice-control feature works well, too. Even without reading the instructions, I was able to program in a navigation destination while driving home from the distant dealer (while stuck in slow-moving traffic in a rainstorm).
• For someone whose parents ordered new cars from the factory without cassette players, I found that the G35 has a staggering variety of audio media. Of course, you can play CDs - but the nifty Gracenote technology can display song and album titles. Beyond that, you could play MP3 files stored on a compact flash card. Or, you can record CDs onto the navigation system's hard drive and play them back later. Given all of these options, I guess it's not a big deal that the six-disc changer is located back in the on-the-small-side trunk instead of more conveniently fitted within the dash.

The G35 is definitely on the sporty side of our upcoming mid-level luxury sedan group, which will include the redesigned Lexus ES350, the freshened Saab 9-5 and updated Nissan Maxima.

--Tom Mutchler