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2011 Infiniti G25
![]() More affordable luxury doesn't have to mean a smaller car
By Malcolm Gunn
![]() ![]() Infiniti is doing something radially different . . . by keeping things the same . . . sort of.
By adding a new G25 with a smaller engine and smaller loan payment than the G37, Infiniti doesn't really need to go back to the drawing board for a new small design.
Some might argue that dropping the price by about $4,000 and cutting out 110 horsepower reduces some of the car's cachet. After all, with a $38,300 base price, which includes destination charges, the G25 is about $3,000 less than the top-of-the-line V6-powered Maxima sedan that's sold by Infiniti's Nissan parent.
However, the Japan-based automaker is clearly more interested in spreading the G-series gospel to a wider audience of potential customers than worrying about any possible erosion or crossover in Maxima sales.
![]() In fact, the G-series, with its rear- and all-wheel-drive architecture, was originally created to challenge the likes of BMW's 3 series, the Audi A4 and the Mercedes-Benz C-class sedans. Since its 2003-model-year launch, the highly regarded "G" has helped establish Infiniti as a serious rival in the entry-premium category.
One advantage of not downsizing to create an entry model is that you get a roomy, comfortable car to drive with plenty of luxury-grade amenities. In case you are concerned that the G25 is a seriously decontended ride, it arrives with standard leather-covered seats that are power-adjustable for the driver and front passenger. Also standard is climate control, aluminum trim, remote keyless start and a six-speaker audio system with satellite radio capability.
Where the G25 and G37 part company, of course, is the powertrain. The G37 has a 328-horsepower 3.7-litre V6, while the G25 makes do with a 218-horsepower 2.5-litre V6.
![]() Given the fact that the G25 has 30 per cent less power than the G37 and is only slightly lighter, a more modest rate of acceleration is definitely in the cards. A seven-speed automatic transmission is all that's available for G25 whereas the G37 can be ordered with a six-speed manual.
As well, G25 buyers will also have to rely on the aftermarket if they wish to add a navigation system, as that option is absent. That said, the G25 comes with dual-zone climate control, rearview monitor and heated front seats and outside mirrors. Selecting the Touring Package option gets you a power-operated moonroof, premium Bose audio system, rearview monitor plus a few other goodies.
The two G25x models include much of the Touring Package content in addition to a host of AWD-exclusive items.
Infiniti is obviously banking on a brace of buyers seeking the look and feel of a luxury sedan, but who are willing to sacrifice a degree of performance to save big bucks when signing on the dotted line. If that seems like a fair trade-off, then the G25 might me just your portal to privilege-class driving.
What you should know: 2011 Infiniti G25
Type: Rear- /all-wheel-drive entry-luxury sedan
Engine (hp): 2.5-litre DOHC V6 (218)
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Market position: Infiniti has fine-tuned its least expensive model by lowering the price by reducing the size of the base V6 engine. As a result, the new G25 should be a more attractive alternative for luxury buyers on a budget.
Points: Attractive design maintains exact look of pricier G37; Rev-happy 2.5-litre V6 should still provide some driving fun; Seven-speed automatic transmission interesting, but a six-speed manual would also be welcome; No navigation-system option is really unacceptable on any vehicle purporting to be luxury-oriented sedan.
Safety: Front airbags; side-impact airbags; side-curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes; traction control; stability control.
L/100 km (city/hwy): 10.3/6.8
Base price (incl. destination): $38,300
By comparison
Lexus IS 250
Base price: $34,850
Base luxury sedan features 204-hp V6 and available all-wheel-drive.
Acura TSX
Base price: $34,800
Fully loaded entry-luxury model offers six-speed manual transmission.
Volvo S40
Base price: $34,000
Entry-level Volvo sedan comes with peppy 227-hp five-cylinder turbo engine.
Malcolm Gunn is an automotive writer based in Moncton, NB, and a regular contributor to CarTest!
Posted February 28, 2021. © CarTest.ca TM
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