SPENDING WISELY

BEST VALUES IN CARS, TECH, TRAVEL & ENTERTAINMENT

Home > Spending Wisely > Cars > Column

COMMENT

BUZZ UP

DIGG THIS

DRIVE TIME: RECENT COLUMNS

PLUS: OTHER COLUMNS

FEATURED SLIDE SHOW

What You Need to Know About
Your Money-Market Fund

Make the right moves to save time and money.

Top 5: SPENDING WISELY TOOLS

TODAY'S MOST E-MAILED STORIES

PLUS: See Our Slide Shows

KIPLINGER'S MONEY POLL

Do you think this recession will become a depression?

DRIVE TIME

Car Review: Infiniti G37

The affordable BMW fighter

By Jessica Anderson

March 21, 2008

Sticker price: $35,215
Dealer cost: $32,441
Horsepower: 330
MPG: 18 city, 24 highway
3-yr resale value: 62%
5-yr resale value: 52%
Cargo space: 7.4 cu. ft.

Highs: High resale value; top-notch ride and handling
Lows: Tiny trunk; no options available on base model

The second act of the Infiniti G series makeover -- following last year’s redesign of the G35 sedan -- is the 2008 G37. The new G coupe adds seductive sizzle to the more-sedate sedan.

RELATED LINKS
	Get Complete Data Profile for Infiniti G37
	TOOL: Search Our New Vehicle Database
	SLIDE SHOW: See 2008 Best Cars
	Kiplinger's Car Buyer's Guide

The second-gen G coupe improves upon the old model by upping the engine from a 3.5-liter to a 3.7-liter -- thus the new nomenclature -- with 330 horses versus the old 275 (with automatic transmission).

Design-wise, the G37 isn't just a look-alike sibling with two fewer doors. It has its own identity -- it's longer, lower and more sculpted than the G35.

An affordable Bimmer fighter

But comparisons for an entry-luxury sport sedan inevitably turn to the benchmark BMW 3 series. Starting at $35,215, the G37 is priced just under the BMW 328i Coupe ($36,075) -- which was new for 2007. But the G coupe has the edge on the 3 series in a few other key areas.

First, the G37's 330 horsepower is a lot more than the 328i's 230 hp. To get even close, you have to upgrade to the 335i Coupe (300 hp), for another $5,500. Inside, form and function marry well on the G37 -- exquisite materials and colors create a sporty, stylish look -- but the 3 series interior shouts utility.

The G coupe also bests the Bimmer in resale value and repair costs. One more upside to the G is the navigation package. The Infiniti system ($2,200) is hard-drive based, offers over 9 GB of music storage, and has a touch screen—which makes finding your way that much easier. BMW’s $2,100 iDrive system is DVD-based, and not nearly as user-friendly.

More From Our Car Buyer's Guide

Got a question? E-mail Mark at cars@kiplinger.com

READER COMMENTS