2005 Infiniti G35 Test Drive

Couper Duper

The Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe is faster and handles better than the Audi TT or BMW 330Ci--and it costs about $5,000 to $10,000 less.

Interior

The G35 Sport Coupe is considerably smaller inside than the sedan. In fact, it shares no sheet metal or external dimensions with either the G35 sedan or the 350Z. The car is about a foot longer than the Z and about four inches shorter than the G35 sedan -- although it has the same wheelbase as the sedan.

We tell you about these external specs because they have a big impact on the internal proportions of the G35 coupe; the car has a bit less front headroom than the G35 sedan, a lot less rear headroom and legroom, as well as less front and rear hip space. Compared with the BMW 330Ci Coupe, the G35 Sport Coupe has slightly better headroom; it is otherwise the equal of the BMW in nearly every internal dimension (but neither could be called cramped).

Stacked against either the Mercedes-Benz CLK or the G35 sedan, however, both the BMW and Infiniti coupes are clearly meant to feel intimate. And you really couldn't use these cars' backseats for long hauls with adults, though kids would be fine.

Infiniti reps make it clear that their aim was to create a GT car feel, not that of a two-door sedan. To that end, not only did they make the cabin tighter, but they also gave the driver his own contoured seat that's firmer than the passenger seat and has stiffer bolsters than exist in the sedan.

Still, Infiniti says that 85% of its Sport Coupe buyers will get the five-speed automatic rather than the six-speed manual (more on this in the Performance section), mostly in the $31,400 Leather model. Beyond the obvious (leather seats, auto transmission), this car gets a power-adjustable driver's seat, dual folding rear seatbacks -- opening a space from trunk to cabin -- seat heaters, Xenon headlights and outside heated mirrors.

All cars get an auto-down driver's side window, dual temperature controls and dual 12-volt plugs on both sides of the center console; the driver's side has a slot just under the jack, so you can stow a cell phone there and plug it in to charge without having the cord stretched throughout the cabin, a smart feature.

Another clever idea: on-door cup holders. Why has it taken carmakers so long to figure out that a Coke can parked over by the driver's shin is far superior to one in the armrest or anchored above the CD changer -- where it's poised to be spilled on the audio system or tipped over during a downshift?

Elsewhere, controls are also smartly situated, with the entire gauge display moving as you tilt the steering wheel (same as the sedan), so your hand position is never compromising your view of the instruments. The air vents can be moved up and down as well as laterally, also a carryover from the sedan. All this makes sense, as does the meaty and easily gripped steering wheel.

In sum, things are spare, tidy and highly ergonomic in the G35 coupe, if not especially luxe. The silver plastic meant to look like metal that waterfalls from the dash down the center console is a somewhat glaring example of how Infiniti knocks dollars off its sticker versus the 330Ci. Nevertheless, we think that's a minor objection since most buyers will be happy to save the $5,000 to $10,000.