It used to be that Japanese car companies were just copy machines: They seldom came up with anything original, preferring to replicate (while refining) someone else’s idea. That hasn’t been the case for decades, but there’s no doubt Infiniti keeps a close eye on what BMW does. If a sporty, well-appointed, front-engine, rear-drive, retractable hardtop coupe with a lusty six-cylinder engine is good for BMW, it must be good for Infiniti. Turns out, it is.
For the longest time, Infiniti interiors were substandard to the top-rated cabins from Lexus and Audi. Infiniti has stepped it up in this area: The optional satin-finished rosewood trim is beautiful (although the standard, patterned plastic trim panels fall a little flat), the multigrade leather supple, and the controls and switchgear look and feel of reasonable quality. Fit and finish are good too.
About half of the two-door BMW coupes sold are retractable hardtop models, and Infiniti expects that percentage to translate to its own G37 Convertible. Sales estimates are modest - about 4000-5000 per year, and the plant can flex up or down depending upon demand. Final pricing is TBD, but will be out well before the model’s in-dealers date in June. The company promises it will be competitive with BMW and others in this class, perhaps a bit more so. That means Convertibles basing at around $45,000, and a fully loaded Sport with every option on the list shouldn’t top $55,000. Infiniti expects its buyership to be split 50/50 between genders.
The G37 Convertible is a nice piece. It’s well engineered, nicely constructed, offers lots of creature features, and the top works as it should. It can be trimmed and optioned to be casually elegant or fairly aggressive. If you want a rear-drive luxury convertible that doubles as a secure, all-weather, everyday car, it’s just about your only choice. Well, this, or a BMW 3 Series.
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