The new Infiniti G35 is an exemplary modern-day performance sedan with a spirited 3.5-liter V6 that can boast a compelling 306 hp. Once you secure yourself into its well-bolstered, adjustable, perforated leather seats, ignite the six pistons with the touch of the start/stop button, and step through the gears by means of steering wheel mounted paddles, the intentions of this sedan are immediately evident. And, yet, just as it can be a thoroughly engaging drive, the G35 is supple and supportive enough for multi-state jaunts. It helps that its cabin is exquisitely quiet - you can hardly hear the wonderful bellow of the exhaust with the windows up, but that loss is made up by the fact that incessant road noise is hardly apparent.
The cockpit envelops its passengers with a higher quality of materials than the older model. Especially worthy of note is the unique aluminum work styled after Japanese Washi paper (which got high marks from all who made a seat imprint). Drivers are treated to an electro-luminescent gauge cluster that moves in unison with the tilt and telescopic steering wheel, part of the $2,350 Premium Package. This package also includes a host of other creature comforts, including both Bluetooth connectivity and the Infiniti "Studio on Wheels."
The center stack uses a thoughtful, ergonomic design with a BMW iDrive-like interface. However, unlike the frustrating iDrive, Infiniti's Controller interface is a pleasure to use. While it has the gratuitous large dial, direct access menu/command buttons make it much more functional. Many of the controller's functions are redundant due to steering wheel buttons, climate and audio controls. A 7-inch touchscreen monitor displays the system menus and projects images from the backup assist camera, discreetly mounted in the trunk trim panel. The monitor is also used for navigation, a $2,100 option, which includes a 9.5GB music HDD, voice recognition, XM satrad, compact flash drive (for MP3s) and a 6-disc CD changer.
Bose is becoming ubiquitous in factory rides and, not surprisingly, was contracted for the sound system, but with one big difference. Unlike typical car interior development, Infiniti collaborated with Bose at a very early stage for its "Studio on Wheels," providing Bose the freedom to develop the audio system without constraints or compromises. In fact, Infiniti engineers designed the front door panels around the Bose audio components - completely opposite the norm. The result is a 3-way system up front with each of the doors containing a 1" tweeter, a 3" midrange and a 10" neodymium magnet subwoofer. Yes, that's correct. A 10" sub per front door, specifically used for upfront bass. An additional 10" Nd sub is mounted to the rear deck that helps distribute the low frequencies evenly throughout the cabin. Rear passengers get their mids and highs by way of 6 11/42" fullrange speakers mounted in the back doors.
One more set of speakers, a pair of 3" neo mid/high-range drivers sit centered atop the dash. It's natural to assume this is a 5.1-channel audio system, but that isn't the case. The "Studio on Wheels" is strictly a stereo affair and won't playback anything other than 2-channel media. Center channel information is derived from the stereo channels and used to help deliver a stable, center image and improve soundstage depth.