2011 Infiniti G25, the most affordable Infiniti!

For 2011, Infiniti is introducing two new additions to its G line-up – one at either end of the spectrum. The G Coupe IPL takes the top position in terms of performance and sportivity, while the new entry-level model is the G25. The G25 puts Infiniti in a better position to compete against other brands, especially BMW with its 323i and Mercedes-Benz with its C250. The most affordable in this category is probably the Lexus IS250, available for just over $33,000.

Affordable luxury sedans have enjoyed quite a bit of success for several years already. It seems as though a lot of buyers are opting for a prestigious name brand over a better-equipped intermediate vehicle. In concrete terms, this means that entry-level Mercedes-Benzes are more popular than, say, a well-equipped Honda Accord V6 for the same price. And that’s precisely what motivated Infiniti to come out with the G25, a car that is sure to win over a lot of fans.

Comparable to the competition

The G has undergone several modifications since last year, mostly updates to the instrumentation. For 2011, little has changed aside from the two new versions. The coupe and cabriolet, however, do sport a new fascia and distinctive wheels. Everything else is identical to the 2010. The G25 is only available as a four-door sedan, so no coupe or cabriolet for the time being.

Under the hood of the G25 is the familiar 2.5-L V6, also known as the VQ25HR. It produces 218 hp at 6,400 rpm and 187 lbs-ft of torque. That’s nothing compared to the 328 horses you get from the 3.7-L V6 aboard the G37, but it’s still comparable to what the competition has to offer. Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz all offer 2.5-L V6s that produce just over 200 horses. And while these three manufacturers offer their cars factory-standard with a manual transmission, Infiniti decided to only offer a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Infiniti stands behind this decision, claiming that manual cars don’t sell well, even if they are cheaper. Although they aren’t many, there are some drivers out there who truly enjoy working the stick shift. Naturally, you can order a G25 with AWD, which is always very popular in Canada. In fact, AWD versions represent 85% of G sales.

Aside from that, the G25 is very similar to its big sister, the G37. On the outside, they’re hard to tell apart, except for the wheels. This bodes well for the G25, as it doesn’t look like it’s too basic. Same goes for the interior, where good attention to detail meets acceptable quality of materials. The instrument cluster is simple, clear and easy to read. What is especially nice is that the instruments’ pod shifts simultaneously with the steering column, so that you always have a clear view of it. Full marks for the steering wheel, which offers a great grip and really makes you feel like you’re in control of the car.

On the road

Driving the G25 is nothing like driving the G37. Less torque accounts for most of the difference, though the G25’s accelerations and pick-up also have a lot less oomph. That said, its performances are more than enough for your everyday needs. While this is no race car, it’s not under-powered, and the seven-speed automatic gearbox makes the most of the power available while maximizing fuel economy. Infiniti promises 10.3 L/100 km in the city and 6.8 L/100 km on the highway (these figures go up a little for the G25X with AWD) – honourable rates for this type of car.

Despite its more modest horsepower, the G25 has not lost all of its sport handling. It demonstrates confidence in its road handling, while the suspension strikes a good compromise between comfort and sportiness. The chassis is nice and rigid, and the steering delivers good feedback. If you push this vehicle a little, it sticks to the road and hugs corners with ease.

What about the price?

Creating this model makes perfect sense. However, there’s still an important part of the equation to consider: the price. Infiniti has yet to release the base price, which is sure to be a key factor in determining the 2011 G25’s success. With much more energetic performances, the G37 is offered at a very competitive price compared to its rivals. If the price difference between the G25 and G37 isn’t significant enough, most people will opt for the more powerful of the two! To have an edge, the G25 has to be priced competitively – and below the Lexus IS250.