DRIVEN: 2005 Infiniti G35x

By Mark Atkinson
Photos courtesy Infiniti Canada

Since its introduction in 2003, the Infiniti G35 has come the closest yet to knocking the BMW 3-Series off its perch as the most desirable small performance-oriented premium offering. Others, like the Lexus IS300, had tried to match the Bimmer’s sweet package of balance, response and power, but it was in vain, and Munich’s best-selling automobile came out unscathed.

The G35 sedan has been much lauded for its combination of nimble, predictable rear-wheel-drive chassis – shared with the Nissan 350Z, Infiniti FX, and now the upcoming M35/45 – and it’s powerful 260-horspower six-cylinder engine. When the G35 coupe – certainly the best looking car available for under $100K – was launched shortly thereafter with a 295 horsepower version of the 3.5-liter VQ engine, it was only a matter of time before the more potent power plant would make it’s way under the sedan’s hood.



For 2005, that’s exactly what’s happened, although both the sedan and the coupe share a revised tune now worth 298hp @ 6,200 rpm and 270 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm. Both are available with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.

Look out BMW.

While Infiniti has yet to introduce a wagon version to compete against the 3-Series Touring – although there is one offered in Japan that would take very little to bring over – the company has bolstered the G35 lineup by offering a full-time all-wheel-drive package to the sedan, creating the G35X.



The all-wheel-drive is essentially the same ATTESA E-TS system found in the FX series, and traces its roots back to the fire-breathing Nissan Skyline GT-R. It’s rear-biased, as befitting the original car’s driveline, and can distribute power front to rear using an electromagnetic clutch. In normal standing start situations, the power is split 25/75 to improve acceleration and then reverts to 0/100 during normal cruising until needed. It can even to 50/50 in ‘snow’ mode up to 19 km/h for ultimate control and bad-weather stability.

The G35X only comes with the five-speed automatic transmission, which is initially disappointing, but Infiniti has tweaked the slush-box with enthusiasts in mind. A manual shift mode come standard – slide the console shifter to the left from Drive, and then push/pull for downshifts and up-shifts. The really trick thing is that Infiniti has succeeded in replicating one of the best things about shifting gears yourself – the matched-revs downshift. The car’s computer automatically blips the throttle on downshifts, which is something entirely in character for a premium sport sedan.



On the road, the G35X exhibits great stability, and the all-wheel-drive is seamless in its operation. While the two-wheel-drive version is known for it’s willingness to be steered with the throttle – and perform some lurid tail-out slides – the extra traction afforded by all four wheels delivering the power means that you’re more likely to find understeer at the limit.

It would be fair to say that the G35X more than holds its own in the snow as well, and shutting off the stability control makes for a very predictable partner in wintry parking lot fun…

The penalty for all that fun, though, is the added weight of the all-wheel-drive system, which increases from 3,482 lb in the two-wheel-drive models to 3,668 lb in the G35X.



One of the main criticisms leveled at the original was its somewhat underwhelming cabin for what was supposed to be an entry-level luxury car – hard, cheap plastics and a so-so design were the biggest gripes.

Well, Infiniti took those complaints into account, and substantially revised the G35’s interior for 2005. A matt-silver finish on the center console is tasteful, while the texture of the dash and door panels is much improved. The drum-style HVAC vents on the dashboard need to be seen to be believed, but work well and are intriguing in their design. Everything falls easily to hand, and the GPS/Navigation system fitted to our tester (a $3,400 option) is one of the best out there.



Our tester also came with the $2,900 Premium interior upgrade package which features a power sliding tinted glass sunroof with one-touch open/close, tilt feature and sliding sunshade; reclining rear seatbacks with adjustable outboard head restraints; driver's seat memory linked to steering column; dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with rear vents; one-touch open/close rear windows with auto-reverse feature; power tilt and telescopic steering wheel; and Infiniti’s Intelligent Key, which allows you to keep the key in your pocket while the vehicle’s operating.

The sedan also gets a revised front fascia as well, which brings it in line with the more attractive coupe’s version.



Base price on the G35X is $42,890, while our tester rang in at $50,457 with the Premium and Navigation packages, plus $1,267 for freight and PDE. That’s about $7,000 to $8,000 less expensive than a comparable BMW 330xi or Audi A4 3.2, and it’s more powerful than either.

Perhaps the best thing about the G35X is that it’s ultimately a preview to the upcoming Nissan GT-R, which will be based on the same platform – and probably share components with – the G35 coupe, only with a manual transmission, a twin-turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive.

We’re waiting for the phone call…