A G35C test drive from the viewpoint of a Bimmer owner...

I've heard so much about the Infiniti G35C that my curiosity got the better of me and I took a test drive yesterday (1/12/03).


Dealer: Infiniti of Montclair, CA

Model: G35C, 6-speed (naturally!), Premium Package, Navigation,
the works, in "Give Me A Ticket, California Highway Patrol"
Red!


Positives:

Very, very comfortable seats, lots of power, excellent stablility. I took an off ramp of the 10 at 80 mph (CHP, you did not read that!)


Drawbacks:

I've driven a BMW, and this is no BMW; I admit that I'm not used to (I think this is the correct term) a "short-throw, close-ratio shifter". I thought the shifting was hard and very rough.

To be fair, I'm not used to a Sports Suspension; I thought the ride was stiff and harsh, but I think I'd probably think the same of a similarly equipped Bimmer!

The instrument panel tends to disappear in bright sunlight; at points I couldn't read the tach or speedometer.

Bimmers have often been criticized for an overly "busy" dash, but I found the G35C to be very busy - I think the Navigation contributed a lot to the overall "busyness".

I must say that the G35C is an excellent combination of power, handling, luxury and comfort in a reasonably-priced package!

However, the shifting, handling and exhaust note of the Bimmer is superior (oh, I can say this on this forum and not have to reach for a Kevlar vest! )

What was the sticker on the G35?

Great observations. Almost did the same thing yesterday. Probably will do it this afternoon instead. I'll post my feedback as well.

Originally posted by StLChris
What was the sticker on the G35?

Sounds like the ~$37k model.

Originally posted by webguy330i
Sounds like the ~$37k model.

Yep, I think the actual sticker was something like 36,900; it wasn't any less!

Just for fun, see if you can get a test drive in a 350z. I thought it was insane compared to the sound of the G35c, it'd be interesting to see your viewpoint on it.

I drove a G35C about a week ago.

It was *after* I drove the sedan.

I figured if I found the sedan a harsh ride (remember, I have H&R / Bilsteins on the 540), that I would *hate* the coupe. Perhaps it was those expectations that led me to be so surprised in the coupe. It was a 6 speed, no NAV. I found the ride *very* nice- similar to the Z4, in fact.

One thing I *DID* like in particular was running through the gears, which (I have the UUC on the 540) was shorter and less notchy than my 5. In particular, I enjoyed turning off the traction control and getting a VERY defined chirp- nay SCREECH- from the rear wheels. I was nearly hooked-

Until my friend and I got into his '97 740 and drove away. Something about a big ole V8 with the German wrappings that feels like home.

Nnice write-ups to both Car for mom and Topic Review PropellerHead

The G35C seems to be more of a sports car then the 3er . . . I hvean't driven or even sat in a coupe yet but it looks like you sit much lower down in it