Simply Awesome
(This review is representative of model years 2006 and 2007)

When I first drove the all-new 2006 M45 Infiniti in June 2005, I thought if $52,110 ever seemed like a bargain, this was it. With elegant aggressive exterior styling, a luxurious cockpit and advanced technology, it was about as close to the perfect sedan as you could get.

Now, a little more than a year later, I was behind the wheel of the new 2007 M35x all-wheel drive and remain inspired. Since its redesign, the M has won numerous awards, including the J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout for midsize premium cars. 

Infiniti debuted the M45 in 2003 as a modified version of the Cedric/Gloria model offered in Japan. Here in the States, Infiniti marketed the M45 as a muscle car. It never really caught on, amounting to just over 5,000 cars sold in its first year and less than half that for 2004. Infiniti decided to skip the 2005 model year and concentrate on the 2006 replacement model tested here. The new M is completely unlike its predecessor.

Compared to the previous single-model offering, the new M comes in a choice of five models: the base M35 ($41,450); the all-wheel-drive M35x ($44,450; the sporty rear-wheel-drive M35 Sport ($44,250) with a firmer and upgraded suspension system, larger wheels and aluminum-accented interior trim; the M45 ($46,100); and M45 Sport ($50,550). All M35s are powered by Nissan/Infiniti’s workhorse 3.5-liter, 275-horsepower V-6 engine and the M45s upgrade to a 325-horsepower 4.5-liter V-8. The Sport models feature Xenon headlamps that turn with the steering wheel to help the driver see around curves and corners, thanks to an Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS).

With zero to 60 times less than seven seconds, the V-6 models offer more than enough power to satisfy most drivers. For an additional $7,000, the V-8 takes another second off the acceleration time.

Similar to the way the BMW 3-, 5-, 6- and 7- Series models share an unmistakable and instantly identifiable appearance, M’s exterior is clearly (and smartly) designed to resemble an upgraded version of its smaller sibling, the G35.

The M35 and M45 are identical in exterior appearance, except for identifying model badging. Exterior lines are terrific — aggressive yet refined, and far from outrageous or controversial.

Slip behind the wheel and you almost instantly feel your blood pressure coming down. Soft leather seating as comfortable as any chair you’d find at a Four Seasons is standard on all M models. Even this too tall driver had no trouble finding a comfortable position in the 10-way power seat. My tester included the optional Premium Package ($8,900) that, among other things, further pampered my derriere with climate-controlled front seats.

The Premium Package adds a few safety features, including Intelligent Cruise Control, which measures the distance between you and the car ahead and automatically adjusts your speed to maintain distance. The unique lane-departure warning system tracks the distance between your car and road lane markers. If you start to wander into the next lane, a buzzer sounds. The system only operates at speeds above 45 miles per hour and de-activates when the turn signals are in use. I found it to be more annoying than helpful.

The rear-view monitor works via a camera located above the license plate. When the vehicle is in reverse, on the LCD screen, the driver can see objects or children behind the vehicle. Color-keyed marks on the screen predict where the vehicle is going as the steering wheel is turned. It’s an amazing system well worth the extra cost.

Other amenities in this package include BoseÒ Studio SurroundÒ sound system, navigation system, XMÒ satellite radio, mobile entertainment system and power rear sunshade. My tester also came with Xenon AFS headlamps, an $800 option.

Inside, the dashboard rolls out toward you like an impending wave. It is finished in genuine Brazilian rosewood with a hand-rubbed, matte appearance. Sport models come with aluminum interior trim; rosewood is optional. Rear legroom of 37 inches is more than adequate for most adults, especially with the front seat backs curved for additional knee room. 

There’s plenty of high-tech gadgetry available to please the techno-geeks. Yet, unlike the systems in most sport-luxury sedans, those in the M are surprisingly (and thankfully) easy to use. Mid-dash you’ll find a seven-inch LCD readout screen (eight inches with the optional navigational system). A large knob surrounded by push buttons sits below the screen, allowing you to adjust most settings. Redundant controls on the steering wheel include a voice-recognition feature for spoken commands to operate climate control, audio and navigation systems. I still prefer touch-screen controls similar to Cadillac’s. While I’m complaining, I’ll again mention that orange dash lights look cheap. I much prefer the white and blue accents found on Audis and Lincolns.

Keyless access and ignition are also standard on all M models. An intelligent key that need only be in your pocket or purse allows you to automatically unlock the doors with a pull on the handle. The starter is a button on the dash. The key can be programmed for various functions like opening the windows and setting seat and mirror positions. It sounds gimmicky until you try it, and then the old way seems obsolete.

With exhilarating acceleration, stable handling and an exceptionally comfortable ride quality, my M35 was fun to drive. The five-speed automatic transmission works well with quick, smooth shifts. However, a six-speed automatic would be a welcome addition for increased performance.

Safety features include dual-stage front airbags, front-seat side-impact and curtain side-impact airbags.

Enhancements for 2007 are minimal and limited to option packages. The Advanced Technology Package includes the 5.1 BoseÒ Surround Sound audio system with a DVD-video drive mounted in the center console, and Intelligent Cruise Control. Climate-controlled seats are now standard on all trim levels except base M35, where it is optional. A full-size spare tire is no longer available.

As with the 2006 model, I highly recommend the 2007 Infiniti M and think it’s the best choice of any luxury sports sedan between $40,000 and $60,000.

If you’re considering a BMW 5-Series, Acura RL, Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class or Lexus GS, I recommend spending some time behind the wheel of the Infiniti M before you sign a purchase agreement.