My previous cars have always included any "sports" packages that were available, simply because they usually came with the nicest/largest wheels and sportier seats. I am not one to change wheels, etc on my cars so, how they come stock is important to me. The firm ride and relative harshness were never high on my list of wants.

Driving around the snow this winter has gotten me thinking about the "x" version of cars as an alternate to the RWD versions that I've owned. In the past, the x version had the smaller wheels so I never considered them, especially with the added weight from the AWD. Now that the "xS" version is available which means larger wheels and better seats (this goes for the 3 series I may get back into), I am more inclined to consider it.

My quesitons are these: Considering that the "x" version even in "S" trim gets the base suspension, is there any noticeable difference in driving experience - good or bad? I do not track my car, but I do drive spirited. Is cabin experience improved (less bumps coming through)? Does the handling become noticeably sloppier? How much of the S versions firmer ride is a result of the tires (which are the same in xS and S versions) and how much is attributed to the suspension (where the xS and S are different)? It seems that for the street, the compromise of sport seats and wheels without the firmer suspension might be a good thing. I've driven the S version, but never the xS (cars are not here yet). I thought the S version was a bit harsh, or harsher than my 335 with sport package.

Can anyone comment on the above?

If this information is buried somewhere else, I apologize ahead of time.

EDIT: I just did some searches and realize now that the xS comes with 225's all around and they are AS. I also read somewhere from Mike at Riverside that the G35xS has the same suspension as the regular S (or he may have been comparing the x to the xS). Not sure if that has been confirmed for the G37 or If I misread the post.

If that is the case, my real questions are:

1. Is the xS version quieter and more compliant than the RWD S version?
2. Does the car still handle well?

 

The 225 50 18's on the car in my opinion are too small for a car with a "sport" option. I believe that there should be (4) 245 45's on the car, as they come through on the rear of the regular "S" version.

The suspension is not sloppier it is just not compliant but much of that can be addressed with the tires. The G 35 board has put together a potential group buy for Hotchkis sway bars, and if that happens, that will add to the crisp turn in that you are looking for.

I came from an S4 and was looking for something similar to what you describe. I am not disappointed in the car overall, I am disappointed in handling characteristics, I thought I was getting.

Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the quick reply.

How does it compare to your S4?

Have you compared the ride of the G35/7S to the G35/7xS?

 

The only differences in the suspension between RWD sport and non-sport are sway bars and rear shocks, everything else is the same (including the springs). The AWD cancels out a lot of the sport package features, it's on the infiniti site:

• Split 5-spoke 18 x 7.5-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/50R18 (front) and 18 x 8.5-inch 245/45R18 (rear) summer performance tires (RWD models)
• Split 5-spoke 18 x 7.5-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/50R18 all-season performance tires (front/rear) (AWD models)
• Sport brakes with 4-piston opposed front calipers with 14-inch rotors and 2-piston opposed rear calipers with 13.8-inch rotors (RWD models)
• Unique front fascia and side sills
• Solid-magnesium paddle shifters (not available on G37 Sport 6MT)
• Front sport seats with manual thigh extension and driver’s power torso and thigh support adjustment
• Unique sport stitching on steering wheel and front seats
• Aluminum pedals and footrest
• Sport-tuned suspension (RWD models)
• Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (RWD models)


AWD will handle a little better at the extremes (when power is directed to front wheels) but the extra weight is the main difference.

 

Thanks, Greg. I've seen that in the brochure as well.

I was just wondering what that meant for people that own the cars in terms of ride quality and handling. Meaning the RWD S versions seem to handle well, but is that due to the summer tires/sport suspension, or will the AWD model handle well as well just at a more compliant ride (I felt the RWD S model was a little harsh on bumps). Or is the ride typical of Infiniti regardless of whether you have the sport suspension as well.

All these quesitons will be answered once I can test drive them back to back of course, but test drives are so limited. I thought I'd get some input from owners who have lived with them awhile.

 

Comparison to the S4 is difficult. The S4 was substantially quicker with the rumble of a V8 to boot, the full leather Recaro seats were the best and most supportive I have ever used, the G 35 seats are very comfortable and supportive but the bolsters are not as firm.

The S4 had no problem cornering and being sure footed, the G 35 with its narrow tires is not as sure footed.

The S4 has a significantly larger trunk and fold down rear seats.

The G has a much better navigation system.

The S4 has "auto dimming" and folding outside mirrors, while this sounds like a small detail those mirrors came in handy.

I do like the G very much, and I do not miss the gas mileage on the S4.

I hope this helps.