By David Colman
For: Agile, Quick, Understated
Against: Harsh Ride, Tight Cabin, Shoulder Belt Difficult to Access
In order to keep pace with the high performance niche market created by BMW (M brand) and Mercedes-Benz (AMG brand), Infiniti introduced their own line of tweaked models (IPL brand) last year. IPL is shorthand for Infiniti Performance Line, and like its competitors from M and AMG, IPL means more power, better handling, and more driving fun. It also means more expensive. While you can buy a base Infiniti G37 Coupe for $37,150, the IPL G Coupe will run you $51,250.
But if you’re interested in agile handling, quick acceleration, and a distinctively mature appearance, the IPL is the perfect velvet hammer. Although it will seat 4 in a pinch, the Coupe is really a two seater with overdraft protection. The rear seat entry drill becomes tiresome after one try thanks to small doors, fat front seats, and shoulder harness entanglements. But the G makes up for its inhospitable back seat by paying extra special attention to the lucky twosome occupying the front seats. These overstuffed, richly upholstered thrones feature 12 modes of adjustment for the driver and 8 for the passenger. If all that rearrangement proves insufficient, there’s also a manual thigh extender on the driver’s side to help prop your legs on long freeway runs.
