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As our recent comparison test points out, there’s a lot of competition between the Infiniti G37 and the BMW 1-series. Since it had been about a year since our last run with the G37, we thought it would be worthwhile to brush up on our G knowledge to see if the 1-series really is the enthusiast’s preferred choice. Some of us cheer for the 1-series and some of us award the gold medal to the G37, but when it comes down to it, both cars are quite excellent, and we were very happy to spend some quality time during this past week with the stunning G37.

Chris Paukert
Editor-in-Chief

I’ve always been a huge fan of the styling of this vehicle, as well as the coupe segment in general, and I still really love the G37, but there’s a problem: I’ve now driven most incarnations of the BMW 1-series.

As much as I prefer the G’s styling (in fact, I consider its similarly-styled predecessor, the G35 Coupe, to be one of the best Japanese designs of all time ), I prefer the BMW’s more cohesive driving experience, as well as its interior. Don’t get me wrong, the G is a perfectly enjoyable proposition, with plenty of power from its VQ-series V-6, comfortable front seats, and solid handling. It also continues to have a very distinctive and enjoyable exhaust note, although this is primarily evident from outside the vehicle, not inside.

That said, I think the 1-series (both 128i and 135i) has a more linear clutch feel, a sweeter gearbox, and better handling, partly because it is lower in weight and smaller in size. The clutch/gearbox relationship in the Infiniti is certainly more cumbersome around town, lending the G a more rough-edged feel than the BMW.

Certainly from a cost perspective, the Infiniti is the bigger bang-for-your-buck proposition. Whether compared against the 1-series or the 3-series, the Infiniti has better standard equipment levels, and the options list is a lot friendlier on one’s pocketbook as well. It also has a simpler nav system (if you want factory GPS in the 1-series, expect iDrive), an important thing these days.

But the interior’s materials and overall fit-and-finish is simply not as good as in the Bimmers, and despite the G being nearly a foot longer overall, the 1-series is roomier in most interior dimensions—both on paper and in the real world. The G has the 1 beat in front-seat headroom and rear legroom, but that’s about it. The more gracious exterior proportions of the Infiniti take their toll on everything from rear-seat headroom to trunk space, and it’s noticeable.

Overall, I really enjoy the G37: it offers a compelling mix of traits (gorgeous styling, solid power, value pricing), but if it came down to my own dollars, I would have a hard time not wandering over to the Roundel, or perhaps saving a few more ducats for a new Audi A5.

Nate Luzod
Art Director

The G37S is a monster, through and through. Infiniti hit it out of the park with this one. In the back of my head I kept comparing it to the BMW 3-series, though I know a 1-series might be a more viable comparison (as evidenced by our story a few months back). Whatever the case, I might select the G over both, if given the choice. It’s got more usable space than a 1, it’s not as spendy as the 3, and it’s a more enjoyable drive than both. Acceleration in lower gears is appallingly fast, still very good in fourth through sixth, and it sounds amazing. I don’t mind the more minimal, Japanese interior, and almost prefer it to a more plush European setting. It almost gives the G a more legit, sporting feel. In a car like this, I have no problem foregoing some luxury—particularly when its perfectly comfortable as-is.

Laura K. Cowan
Chief Copy Editor

I really like this car. It's basically the Japanese M3 Coupe: gorgeous, sleek, powerful, and a blast to drive, but with a Nissan engine that rasps instead of purring like a BMW. The car wants to accelerate quickly and be driven quickly at all times, so city driving was a little frustrating. Once I got it out on the highway, it wanted to go faster still. If you like Japanese sports cars, you're guaranteed to love this one, as it feels tighter and better put together than its less expensive cousins. The clutch has that nice all-or-nothing feel, the brakes bite when needed but aren't overly abrupt, the steering is tight and has good feedback.

One thing I love about the G37 is how beautiful it is, and unlike a Mercedes, whose stunning exterior can only be viewed from outside the car, the G37's beauty can be seen even while driving it. I kept appreciating the hood creases and the lovely red paint from the driver's seat. I wish I had had more time with the G37. It handles well and feels tight over rough roads, and is a very nice package overall.

2008 INFINITI G37 COUPE SPORT 6MT

Engine: V-6, 3.7 liters, 24v
Output: 330 hp/270 lb-ft
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Weight: 3668 lb
Fuel Economy, city/hwy: 17/26 mpg

Base price: $35,550

Auto on/off headlight delete: -$100
Rear spoiler: $550

Destination: $715
Price as tested: $36,715