Infiniti extends G series with new G25

Infiniti is moving ever so slightly down market with a new model in its G series.  Dubbed the G25, Infiniti thinks it’s the perfect counter-point to the BMW 328i.  Is it? Well that depends a great deal on ones priorities, perspective of value for money and how flexible you're willing to be with the options list.

Materially, there’s not a huge difference between the new entry level G sedan (saloon) and it’s G37 big brother.  The body is the same; the chassis is the same, as is most of the interior trim, including the leather seats. What you don’t get, or more specifically can’t get, are the “Sport”, “Premium” & “Technology” option packages. Navigation isn’t available either. The G25 also gives up about 100 horsepower to the G37.

Instead of focusing on what’s missing on the entry level G, lets go over what you do get. As stated, leather seats, which feature 8-way power adjustments for the driver and 4-way for the front passenger.  Also standard: aluminum trim, automatic climate control, 6-speaker premium audio system with XM radio, 17” alloys, Xenon HID headlights and the usual alphabet soup of safety & traction control systems.  Optional extras included: a sunroof, heated seats, a back-up camera, dual zone climate control and 18” alloy wheels.

You also get to put several thousand dollars back in your wallet.  G25 pricing in the US under cuts the G37 by about $4000 but the gap can close quickly if you start ticking the option boxes, like the sunroof and iPod integration. A loaded G25 comes within about $1500 of base G37 and BMW 328i.

Power comes from a 2.5-liter V6, making 218 horsepower & 187 ft/lbs of torque mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Rear-wheel drive is standard and four-wheel drive is optional.  0-60 mph times are in the high 7-second range. The G25 is also a bit lighter and more economical that it’s big brother, averaging about 20 mpg in the city & 29 mpg on the highway.

Infiniti has put together a stylish, fairly luxurious and well sorted value package for those more interested in cruising than outright performance. Totaling the sum of its parts, the G25 in direct competition with the Lexus IS250, not it’s big brother or the German Saloon. Whether buyers looking at the BMW 328i will cross-shop the G25 or even opt to spend a little more for the G37 remains to be seen. If you have thoughts on the subject, Autoviva welcomes your comments.  

 Pricing, options & availability for the European market G25 have not been announced.