Back in March, I recommended you check out the 2009 Infiniti G37 Sedan, likening it to an unexpectedly delightful meal from a tried-and-true restaurant.
Specifically I gushed about how the high-tech luxury car had a powerful performance that matched its picture-pretty looks. That left-me-giddy experience was why I was more than a bit pleased when the manufacturer asked me to test and tell you about the 2010 G37 Coupe.
Everything I had read about the car told me it was a bit sexier, a bit flashier and a bit more high-tech than the 2009 sedan. That was all true. The only problem was that the “bit more” here and there ended up making the car much less appealing — at least to me — than its plainer older sister.
2010 Infiniti G37 Coupe AWD
» Engine: 3.7-liter V-6, 330 hp
» Transmission: Seven-speed automatic with Drive Sport Mode
» MSRP: Starting at $39,150
In fairness, I am likely in the minority with this opinion. Consider that Car and Driver, Cars.com and Automobile (full disclosure — the last two publications are ones for which I write) have given the past models of the Infiniti G37 Coupe major thumbs up, lavishing them with all types of kudos and awards.
The problem, to me anyway, was that the 2010 model has become so high-tech that it’s better suited to a true auto geek than a regular driver.
The low profile is sporty and sexy but it left a passenger and me — both of us in the 5 foot 6 inch height range — feeling like we should open the sunroof to stick our heads out, despite major maneuvering with the seat controls. I can’t imagine anyone other than children sitting in the back of the car — it’s low-slung roof would make it nearly impossible to sit upright.
Unfortunately the very heavy doors — much like the ones on the sedan — added to the misery of entering and exiting the coupe. They were so heavy that, once again, it was difficult to hold them so they didn’t smash into another parked car as one maneuvered into or out of the Infiniti’s seat.
Once in the cabin, the look is clean and lush and — again — very high-tech. But in this instance high-tech is so high that you need an owner’s manual constantly at the ready to figure out the audio, lower the seat, and adjust the climate control.
Clearly, there is also a lot to love about the Infiniti G37 coupe. The power is incredible thanks to the 330-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 engine with seven-speed automatic transmission with Drive Sport Mode. The coupe I drove was all-wheel drive with snow mode. Obviously I couldn’t test that out, but the same mode in the 2009 sedan I tested performed exceptionally well in a late-season storm.
Again, I’m willing to concede that the comfort controls and adjustments with which I struggled were more the result of my personal deficiencies than those of the car.
All I will say is make sure to take at least a few test drives in this model — and try all the bells and whistles — before you commit to this sports car.
