2011 Infiniti G25x Review (video)

The nutshell explanation of the new Infiniti G25x’s raison d’être goes like this: it’s a G37x-- but with the big V6 yanked in favour of a smaller one.

Specifically, Infiniti’s 3.7 litre, 328-horsepower mill gets a pink slip, and a new 2.5 litre mill is dropped in its place. The 1.2 litre reduction in displacement results in a drop of 110 horsepower to 218. The ‘x’ in the model’s name means it’s got All Wheel Drive (AWD), if you’re wondering. Rear-drive is standard.

Outside, shoppers get the same sleek, elegant and nicely dressed looks, including a touch of chrome to brighten things up, and the trademark slatted Infiniti grille up front. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com)

So, it’s a car from Nissan’s luxury performance brand with less performance. Sounds a little odd-- but today, more shoppers than ever are more concerned with better fuel economy and less concerned with all-out firepower. Of course, this lower-powered model also lets shoppers keep a few more deniros in their pockets, too.

Virtually no compromise
Thankfully, removal of some of the G sedan’s ponies hasn’t required drivers to compromise greatly. The tester was just as nicely loaded as a comparable G37x your writer drove last winter. Engine aside, it’s basically the same car.

Outside, shoppers get the same sleek, elegant and nicely dressed looks, including a touch of chrome to brighten things up, and the trademark slatted Infiniti grille up front. In typical Japanese style, the G25x is nicely restrained and far from a blinged-out attention seeker. Aspiring rappers probably won’t even give it a second look.

High tech, meet luxurious
On board, drivers are treated to a leather-lined blend of comfort, luxury and technology. The tester got a fully automatic climate control system, fantastic high-end Bose stereo, intelligent key with push-button start, a driver information centre, motorized steering column and a Bluetooth phone interface.

The mainly-black cabin was brightened up with bits of chrome and aluminum, and the whole thing feels and looks classy and sophisticated with a decidedly high-tech appeal. Extra points for the comfortable seats, gorgeous instruments, good visibility and snug but not tight feel. Roominess should prove adequate for four adults of average size on a road trip.

On board, drivers are treated to a leather-lined blend of comfort, luxury and technology. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com)