2006 Infiniti G35x Road Test

Interior

2006 Infiniti G35x (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com)

What a nice place to sit in. The exterior might be aging gracefully, but the cabin is starting to feel dated. However, everything is in its right place and works well. The power tilt steering also raises and lowers the instrument pod, which is very neat. However, the '80's-style, orange-coloured readouts bug me. My test vehicle isn't equipped with the optional $2,950 navigation system, so in its place is a small storage bin with a spring-loaded cover. To get navigation, you must also check the Premium package's option box, which adds a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, the aforementioned power tilt, position memory for the driver seat and steering column, a reclining rear seatback and an intelligent key system.

The latter is pretty cool, since you never need to take out the key from your pocket; just approach the vehicle, press the button next to the door handle and the car unlocks. Once you're inside the vehicle, turn the ignition knob and the engine starts. If no key is detected within the cabin, the show doesn't start.

2006 Infiniti G35x (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com)

The power seat controls are on the right side of the driver's chair and on left side of the front passenger's chair. They're easy to reach in comparison to the usual placement of buttons on the side of the seat cushion. These seats are a great place to spend some time, as they support just about every portion of the body. In back, there are belts for three occupants, but the seat doesn't seem to be designed for more than two; the person sitting in the middle must endure a seatback that doubles as a flip-down armrest, as well as finding a place to put his feet thanks to the transmission tunnel. The two outboard passengers are treated much, much better.

Conclusion

The Infiniti G35x has a base price of $42,890. The one I'm driving this week, with the Premium package, costs a total of $46,390. That's a lot of money, but with this car, you feel as if you're getting every bit of that sum back in luxury, refinement, style and performance.

Here's a small breakdown of the G35x's all-wheel drive sedan competition:

Audi A4 3.2 Quattro with Tiptronic, 255 hp, $49,225;
BMW 330xi with Steptronic, 255 hp, $51,900;
Chrysler 300C AWD, 340 hp, $46,050;
Jaguar X-Type 3.0 with automatic, 227 hp, $43,895;
Lexus IS 250 AWD, 204 hp, $41,900;
Mercedes-Benz C350 4MATIC, 268 hp, $57,200;
Subaru Legacy 2.5GT Limited with Sportshift, 250 hp, $41,795;
Volkswagen Passat 3.6L 4MOTION, 280 hp, $44,990
Volvo S60 2.5T AWD, 208 hp, $45,995.

2006 Infiniti G35x (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com)

As you can see, there is a lot of interesting choices among this Infiniti's enemies. Although a couple in this list can stand up to the G35x for its combination of power, features and price, none can clearly outshine it, even after four years on the market. Giving the keys back to Infiniti is a painful moment indeed.

What I like:
Fantastic engine
Great performance and handling
Luxurious cabin

What I don't like:
No manual transmission offered with AWD
Orange-coloured instrument readouts look old
Tight fit for three in the back seat

CLICK HERE to view the 2006 Infiniti G35x's specifications.