2005 Infinity G35X Published 05/19/2005

At first blush it appears to be just another premium sports sedan. Sure the lines of the 2005 Infinity G35 are attractive, but so are most sedans priced above $30K. But how many cars are actually designed for zero lift aerodynamics? Sculpted in advanced wind tunnels, the 2005 Infinity G35 reduces drag while eliminating lift and elevating performance. This makes those attractive lines more than just a pretty face.

Based on the Nissan 350Z platform, Infinity added luxury and function to speed and performance. Designed as a sports car the extra passenger doors and comfortably sized rear seats bring practicality to this beauty.

I came to this drive with few preconceived ideas of the car. Infinity is a boutique automaker in the mass-merchandising world of automakers. As the premium car division of Nissan, I was confident that I would like the 2005 Infinity G35X, but in reality I expected very little beyond a nice sports sedan. The first day of running mundane errands, I paid very little attention to the vehicle and found a very civilized well-behaved sports sedan. Opening it up on the second day, the G35X greeted me with a distinctive exhaust sound that spoke of performance without being offensive. The 5-speed automatic transmission responded to coaxing by a sporty romp through the gears adapting to how aggressively I used the throttle. By this time I was hooked.

Suspension set up is always a challenge for premium sports sedans. On one hand, as a luxury brand you do not want the young upward mobile executive commuting down the freeway to be uncomfortable driving a car with stiff suspension. On the other hand, you can't have a soft, unresponsive suspension for a sports car. This balance between comfort and performance is never more critical than on luxury sport sedans where the well-heeled public demands contradictory experiences. The 2005 Infinity G35X fulfills both expectations.

Infinity solves this contradiction with a liberal use of forged aluminum in its lightweight multi-link suspension. Front coil over shock absorbers offer precise sports car feel and the anti-dive geometry help to keep the vehicle flat in hard corners. It's easy to compare the Infinity G35 with the Nissan 350Z but in reality the Infinity G35 has a completely different focus.

Powering both vehicles, the Nissan 3.5 liter V-6 has consistently been ranked as one of the top ten engines in the world. This versatile powerplant can be found in various Nissan and Infinity platforms tuned from 250 horsepower in the Nissan Altima to 298 horsepower in the manual version of the Infinity G35. My all-wheel drive test vehicle with the electronic 5-speed automatic produced an extremely satisfying 280 horsepower and 260 lb-ft torque.

For me, it is the all-wheel drive format that makes this vehicle so interesting. While some may argue the broad assumption, most believe that rear-wheel drive is the preferred platform for true luxury, heavy duty and high performance automobiles. But many like the economy of space and traction front wheel drive offers. Most of the all-wheel-drive sedans in this market start off as a front-wheel drive platform. But the 2005 Infinity G35X is different. Based on a rear-wheel-drive sports car platform the all-wheel drive configuration has a noticeable driving advantage. The Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system on the G-35X can divert up to 50% of the power to the front wheels to maintain control on almost any surface. Combined with Vehicle Dynamic Control and Traction Control the 2005 Infinity G35X inspires confidence on every road.

Even the interior of this near luxury sedan focuses on the driver. With many vehicles tilting the steering wheel obscures part of the dash instrument. Not on the Infinity G35. The entire gauge cluster raises and lowers, so that visibility is enhanced no matter the position of the tilt-telescopic wheel. Audio and cruise controls are located just a fingertip away on the steering wheel so drivers can keep their hands firmly planted on the wheel.

Premium package includes luxury appointments such as power tilt-telescopic memory steering wheel and memory heated leather seats. Dual zone climate control, power sliding sunroof along with MP3 capabilities built in to the sound system is also part of the Premium packages.

Aimed squarely at the BMW 3 series and outstanding all-wheel drive vehicles from Audi, Infinity has produced a vehicle with the soul of a sports car yet the practicality for real life. There are many choices in this segment but this is one you don't want to skip if you are considering a premium sports sedan.

2005 Infinity G35X

All Wheel Drive Premium Sports Sedan

5 speed Automatic Transmission with sport shift
280 Horsepower DOHC 3.5 V-6 Engine

$37,310 MSRP as tested

17/24 EPA MPG

Additional Web only Information and Resources

For Additional Reviews: