The G has this option, but has anyone noticed a change in steering feel between parking lot and highway speeds? I barely notice any, if at all- steering feels the same at 5mph as it does at 75mph. Not a huge deal as I love the handling, but I thought that the speed-sensitive steering would give a much softer feel at very low speeds.

Then again maybe this is something that needs to be broken in? I have <2K miles.

 

Doubt the break in period. I think at parking lot speeds it easy to turn, but at highway speeds it firms up nicely...its not dramatic, but steering is not soft while moving at a good clip.

 

That's the thing - I'm not finding this. Just as firm as at highway speeds.

 

power assisted. turning is the SAME, its just how much effort is needed at higher speeds.

 

I don't think its supposed to be dramatic.

 

I've driven the following cars that have this feature and the effect is pretty dramatic. You almost turn the wheel with one finger below 10mph-

2006/2007 M35X
2006 VW Passat

Maybe this is a different feature?

 

its the amount of rotation you have to turn the steering wheel that makes it the speed sensitive

 

In other words.....
It doesn't change the force required to move the steering wheel, it changes the actual steering ratio.

 

You notice it more when you don't have it. I used to drive an 06 Acura TSX, which had great stiff handling on the road, but gave your arms a real workout in the parking lot.

 

Makes sense.

What is the feature that I am describing called? The M35/X definitely has this (very soft and easy steering below ~15mph, much firmer as speed increases).

 

There is speed sensitive power steering. This changes the hydraulic assist based upon vehicle speed. This is standard on the G. It is intended to do what you described...make low speed steering effort lighter while maintaining good weight at higher speeds for a stable feel.

There is also 4 wheel active steer which is an option, but not on the G37x. This is the system that actually changes the steering ratio so that you don't have to input as much steering angle to do tight maneuvers at low speed.

I think you're talking about the 1st one. It may feel heavy at low speed, but I can guarantee you it's lighter than it would be without the assist!