Infiniti G Sedan

Importing a used Infiniti G Sedan from the USA

The Infiniti G Sedan is one of those cars that makes far more sense once you understand where it came from. Nissan's premium arm built it on the same rear-drive FM (Front Midship) platform as the 350Z and 370Z, then wrapped it in a comfortable four-door body aimed squarely at the BMW 3 Series. In Germany the G was only ever a marginal presence, so the deep, well-kept pool of examples sits in the United States. That is exactly why buyers who want a naturally aspirated V6 sports sedan with a proper manual option keep looking across the Atlantic. If you plan to import a used Infiniti G Sedan from the USA, the car rewards the effort with driving character that newer turbocharged rivals have largely abandoned.

Generations at a glance

Infiniti used the "G" badge across several distinct cars. The G20 (1991-2002) was a compact front-driver and is rarely worth importing today. The car most people mean is the V35 G35 Sedan (2003-2006), the first rear-drive G, powered by the VQ35DE 3.5-litre V6. It was replaced by the V36 G37 Sedan (2007-2013), a wider, stiffer car with the larger VQ37VHR engine. For 2011-2012 Infiniti added the entry G25 using a 2.5-litre VQ25HR V6 for buyers who wanted the badge on a smaller fuel bill. When the successor Q50 arrived, the outgoing sedan briefly soldiered on as the Q40 for 2014-2015, mechanically identical to the G37.

Powertrain lineup

Every rear-drive G Sedan runs a version of Nissan's VQ V6. The G35 used the 3.5-litre VQ35DE, rated roughly 260-298 hp depending on year and tune. The G37 stepped up to the VQ37VHR, a 3.7-litre unit with variable valve lift (VVEL) producing around 328 hp and a redline near 7,500 rpm. The G25's 2.5-litre VQ25HR made about 218 hp. Transmissions were a five-speed automatic on early G35s, a seven-speed automatic (7AT) with paddle shifters on the G37, and a proper six-speed manual on Sport-badged cars. Drive went to the rear as standard, with Infiniti's ATTESA-derived all-wheel drive offered as the G35x and G37x. American cars are heavily biased toward the automatic, so a clean manual G37 Sport is genuinely worth hunting for.

Trims in the US market

The "G Sedan" is the four-door; the coupe and convertible were sold separately as the G37 Coupe and Convertible. Sedan trims ran from base to Journey (the volume comfort model), Sport (firmer suspension, larger brakes, sport seats, magnesium paddle shifters or the 6MT), and the x all-wheel-drive variant. Typical equipment on well-optioned US cars includes leather, a navigation package with the Infiniti hard-drive system, Bose audio, heated seats and adaptive xenon headlights.

The used market stateside

Supply is the whole point here. The G35 and G37 sold in large numbers across North America, so you can be selective about specification, colour and condition rather than taking the first car you find. Realistically most surviving G Sedans now show six-figure mileage in miles, and a well-documented two-owner G37 with a full dealer history is a better bet than a cheap unknown. Cars from the dry Southwest and California tend to be rust-free, which matters for a smooth TUEV inspection later. Focus on service records for the CVTC and timing components rather than headline mileage alone.

Who should import one

This is a car for the driver who wants an analogue, high-revving V6 saloon that is increasingly hard to find new. If you value a naturally aspirated engine, rear-wheel drive and the rare manual gearbox over the latest infotainment, the G37 in particular is a compelling used US import. Buyers who simply want cheap, efficient transport should look elsewhere; the G rewards enthusiasts who will use its chassis.

Key specifications

How reliable is it?

The VQ family is fundamentally robust, but there are known weak points to check when researching Infiniti G Sedan reliability. Some VQ35 and VQ37 engines consume oil, so verify oil level and look for a habit of topping up in the service history. On the VQ37VHR a cold-start rattle can point to a timing chain tensioner; a brief chatter that clears is common, a persistent one is not. The most notorious fault is the electronic steering column lock (the vehicle cranks but will not start, often throwing a steering-lock warning) — budget for it as a preventive item. Early G35 interiors suffered a sticky, bubbling dashboard finish in hot climates. Brake dust and front pad wear are heavy, and the Sport's larger discs cost more. Otherwise these are durable cars when serviced.

What US models do differently

US-market G Sedans run amber side markers, headlamps aimed for right-hand traffic, and a speedometer in mph. The infotainment is set to North American map data and US radio bands. None of this is a barrier, but the lighting and instrument display are exactly the points a TUEV examiner will look at. Equipment levels are often generous compared with the sparse European Infiniti range, so a US car frequently arrives better specified than its rare German-market equivalent.

Seven steps to your import

The process is methodical: select a specific car and confirm the exact trim and drivetrain; run a VIN and origin check to establish the build plant; use a secure escrow arrangement so funds are only released on agreed terms; book ocean freight (container or RoRo) from a US port; handle customs clearance on arrival in an EU port such as Bremerhaven; present the car for TUEV and individual approval (Einzelabnahme where needed); then complete German registration. USCar Trader coordinates these stages as an independent broker.

Customs, taxes and costs explained

In short: the 0% duty rate applies only with documented US origin (VIN/plant) – German import VAT of 19% is always due.

The Infiniti G Sedan was built in Japan, not the United States. That matters for duty: the 0% preferential EU import duty introduced by Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 (in force since 1 July 2026, requiring provable US origin and direct transport, and running until 31 December 2029) applies only to vehicles of genuine US origin confirmed by VIN and plant. A Japanese-built G would not qualify on US-origin grounds, so the applicable third-country car duty (normally 10%) applies unless another preference is proven. Separately, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) always applies and is calculated on top of the customs value plus duty. We never quote a margin and never promise duty-free treatment.

German TÜV and registration

Typical work to pass inspection includes converting or adjusting the headlights for left-hand traffic, adding a rear fog lamp (US cars do not have one), and confirming the odometer reads correctly in kilometres or is properly documented in miles. Side marker lights and the speedometer display are also checked. Once the vehicle meets requirements it receives its approval and can be registered.

The buyer checklist

Before you commit, confirm these points: 1) the VIN matches the title and plate; 2) a Carfax or AutoCheck history shows no salvage or flood record; 3) the underbody and wheel wells are free of structural rust; 4) service records cover oil changes and any timing-related work; 5) the title status is clean, not "salvage" or "rebuilt"; 6) the steering-lock module and dashboard condition are documented; 7) a manual car's clutch and synchros feel healthy.

Questions and answers

Is the Infiniti G Sedan reliable enough to import?

Yes. The VQ V6 is a well-proven engine, and with sensible checks for oil use, the steering lock and timing tensioner, a well-kept G35 or G37 is a dependable used import.

Which G Sedan should I choose?

The G37 offers the strongest engine and the manual option; the G35 is the value pick; the G25 suits buyers wanting lower running costs with the same styling.

Does the G Sedan qualify for 0% import duty?

No. It is Japanese-built, so US-origin preference does not apply; the normal car duty plus 19% import VAT applies. Only genuine US-built vehicles can qualify.

Can I get a manual G Sedan?

Yes, the six-speed manual was fitted to Sport trims. These are less common in the US pool, so expect to search and pay a small premium.

What mileage is acceptable?

Documented history matters more than the number. A serviced 150,000-mile G37 is a safer buy than an unknown low-mileage car.

Will it pass TUEV?

With standard adaptations (lighting, rear fog lamp) a sound G Sedan passes without difficulty.

How long does import take?

Typically several weeks from purchase to registration, driven mainly by ocean freight and clearance scheduling.

Is AWD available?

Yes, the G35x and G37x offer all-wheel drive, useful for German winters.

Ready to start? Browse Infiniti in the Carhub, compare related models such as the Infiniti Q50, the Infiniti Q60 Coupe and the Infiniti M, or view the current G Sedan listings.