The Infiniti G35 and G37 Coupes were grand tourers known for being as easy on the eyes as they were on their owners’ wallets. Based on Nissan’s FM platform, which underpins its more famous Z cars, the coupes also shared mechanicals with sedan counterparts that borrowed their name, if not their beauty. Athletic and powerful, the G coupes held their own dynamically with the shorter, lighter and ostensibly more-focused Z, while providing more cargo space, small back seats and undeniably better looks. And today they can be had for well below $20k, giving them a rare combination of performance, style, and […]
The Infiniti G35 and G37 Coupes were grand tourers known for being as easy on the eyes as they were on their owners’ wallets. Based on Nissan’s FM platform, which underpins its more famous Z cars, the coupes also shared mechanicals with sedan counterparts that borrowed their name, if not their beauty.
Athletic and powerful, the G coupes held their own dynamically with the shorter, lighter and ostensibly more-focused Z, while providing more cargo space, small back seats and undeniably better looks. And today they can be had for well below $20k, giving them a rare combination of performance, style, and value that make them true affordable classics.
A coupe in two acts
Infiniti introduced the G35 Coupe in 2003, setting a high bar for luxury-adjacent affordable performance coupes. It came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 hp. Within a few years, power was bumped to 298 hp in manual-equipped cars. Paired with either a 5-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual, the G35 delivered a 0–60-mph time of 5.5 to 6.0 seconds. A viscous limited-slip differential and 19-inch wheels came either as standard equipment in manual-transmission cars or in an optional package during the first few years of production. Brembo four-piston brake calipers were available up front in 2003–04. Four-wheel steering, in the form of a rear active-steer package, also became available in the first-generation cars.
In 2008, Infiniti replaced the G35 Coupe with the G37 Coupe, upgrading the powertrain and refining the overall package while retaining a lengthy 112.2-inch wheelbase. As its name suggests, the new model featured a larger 3.7-liter V6 producing 330 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. By 2011, the Infiniti Performance Line (IPL) special trims could be had with up to 348 hp, output that was punctuated by the engine’s 7,500-rpm redline. Thanks to this increase in power, the G37 shaved a couple of tenths off its 0–60-mph time, clocking in at around 5.3 seconds. In 2009 a new 7-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous 5-speed, though a 6-speed manual remained an option for purists.
A notable addition to the G37 lineup was the introduction of the all-wheel-drive variant, the G37x, in 2009 as an automatic only. The G37x maintained the coupe’s stunning lines and focused dynamics while adding year-round usability in snow-belt regions.
Fun, but refined
Every G shared Nissan’s VQ series engine, which was never known for its smoothness, especially at high rpm. And the manual transmissions in these cars, like in the Z, despised being rushed, occasionally rejecting attempts to being shifted with vigor. Neither of those things stopped these cars from being seriously fun, though. Their combination of ample power, poised balance and high-speed stability makes them as enjoyable now as they were then.
The G35’s well-damped suspension and weighty, responsive steering connects drivers to the road, while the G37 builds on this foundation with increased power, refinement and capability. All of these traits plus their striking good looks make the G coupes perhaps the best executed of the FM-platform cars.
Still a looker
The G35 and G37 Coupes boast designs that have aged with grace. Their flowing lines, aggressive stances and distinctive front fascias still look athletic and purposeful. Inside, the cabins are driver-focused, featuring supportive seats and intuitive controls. Like all cars of this era, their infotainment systems give away their early-2000s lineage, but otherwise the G’s cockpits are usable and attractive.
Infiniti’s high-quality materials have held up to time and use better than many cars of this era. And while rear-seat space is limited, the front seats offer ample comfort for long drives, making every G as well suited to a weekend mountain run as it is to a multi-state road trip.
The fine print
While Infiniti’s G Coupes are generally robust, reliable cars, capable of racking up a couple hundred thousand miles with just regular care and feeding, there are some niggling issues. Coupe of all years are known for dashboards that can crack and become sticky with age. Generally the issue stems from sun damage, so cars that have been garage kept (or had owners who used a protective sunshade when parked) tend to fare better.
Besides that, G37 oil-gallery gaskets are also prone to leakage, clutch slave cylinders on manual-equipped cars can fail prematurely, and rear sub-frame differential bushings get weak with age and are labor-intensive to replace. As with any car, getting a pre-purchase inspection from a specialist is proper due diligence.
Champagne taste, beer budget
One of the most compelling aspects of the Infiniti G35 and G37 Coupes is their accessibility in the used market. These models offer a remarkable balance between performance and cost, providing enthusiasts with an affordable entry into the world of luxury sport coupes. Sub-100k-mile cars typically sell in the $13k to $14k range. That they can still serve as practical and interesting daily drivers is also a huge benefit.
And they’re available: Six G Coupes sold on Cars & Bids in 2024. Most recently, a 23,000-mile G37 automatic sold for $12,600 in April 2025. The G coupes’ enduring design and engaging driving characteristics contribute to their potential as future classics. And there’s just no denying that they’re a lot of car for the money today.