Whats amazing is Porsche's scores might rise since they have expanded not just into SUVs but now into a sedan.

 

Exactly the case. When we went shopping for an RX replacement, and not at all liking the new RX, we shopped Infiniti, then went to Nissan - why should I pay the premium for an EX when I can get a Murano with essentially the same interior, same V6, better fuel mileage, and just as quiet. So, we got the Murano, and haven't regretted it one bit. I like Infiniti, but, not that much more! Sad too, as the G is an awesome car, and the EX has a lot of interesting features, but not worth the extra $'s. Now if Nissan put an AWD system in the Maxima, they would have some serious competition!

 

Exactly. I would love to see an AWD Maxima.

 

The Maxima is pretty expensive full equipped.
In fact I've read in some auto article that a fully equipped Maxima is very close in cost to a G37 with the same equipment.
An AWD model will bring a Maxima even closer if that article was true.I haven't checked the cost of a loaded Maxima,though.

 

Loaded it is around 38-39k. G37 loaded is around 43-44k. No one pays MSRP. The Maxima offers items the G37 doesn't and vice versa. Both offer 0% financing.

To me the G37 advantages are clearly more power, sportier handling, dealer service. To me the Maxima looks tons better, offers the same refinement/interior look, marginally slower, with a bigger interior.