2003 Infiniti M Review

2003 Infiniti M45 - Best Kept Luxury Car Secret

In a move most didnt fully expect, Infiniti launched a new midsize model based on the full-size Q45 last fall. Its not that this was a bad idea, quite the contrary really, its more about timing. With last falls prolific level of new Infiniti introductions, highlighted by the G35 Coupe and FX45 sport utility, the M45 hardly got noticed. And thats a shame, as the new model is an impressive luxury car. Its wonderfully quiet, beautifully finished and wickedly powerful, a perfect high-speed freeway cruiser.

Its overall exterior design deviates slightly from current Infiniti styling trends, especially in the rear where its taillights are much more conventional than the G35s for instance. Its profile is also less rakish than the smaller sedan, while a uniquely shaped set of tri-lens headlamp clusters surround a decidedly masculine titanium-colored 4-slat grille. The detailed precision of the INFINITI brand appliqué on the rear decklid is wonderfully executed, showing the lengths the Japanese brand has gone to elevate its models over similarly equipped European competitors.

And just what cars is the M45 up against? The first that comes to mind is BMWs benchmark 5-Series sedan, still selling well despite a new model on its way for 2004. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, also in this category, was completely redesigned for 2003. Jaguar has its S-Type while Audi puts forward a solid A6 sedan. Of course it would be a mistake to forget Lexus, Infinitis arch-rival, with its midsize GS series. Serious competition indeed.

But while the $47,825 GS 430 sports a 300-hp 4.3-L V8 with 325 lb-ft of torque, the new $42,300 M45 steps up with a 340 hp 4.5-L V8 with 333 lb-ft of torque. If it were particularly lacking in creature comforts the $5,525 difference in price could be easily justified, but even when fully optioned out with arguably one of the best navigation systems in the industry, the Infiniti totals a mere $50,090.

The GS 430 on the other hand, with its optional navigation package and Mark Levinson audio system, skyrockets to $56,588. Thats an $6,498 price difference compared to a car that offers similar features and less performance, what gives? The price spread grows even further when compared with its European counterparts, making the M45 one of the best midsize luxury values on the road today.

Of course, midsize is one of those terms used loosely in the auto industry. Weighing in almost identically to the full-size Q45, itself one of the lightest in its class, the 3,851 pound M45 is no Nissan Altima - one of the class leaders in the entry midsize segment. As expected the Infiniti feels more substantial, rock solid at high speed while slightly less agile in the corners. Still it handles all but extremely aggressive maneuvers with confidence, where the brilliantly nimble G35 sedan clearly has the upper hand.

But those who regularly push a car to its outer limits will most likely not be interested in a larger luxury car. For those that prefer cruising the M45 is perfect. Its positively serene, blocking out the majority of wind noise at high velocities partially from its well engineered sound deadening materials as well as its slippery 0.31 coefficient of drag (Cd).

Truly the only sound that cuts through is the throaty exhaust of the big V8 when at full throttle, its 32-valves and dual overhead cams whirring in mechanical unison as the large sedan moves forward with the alacrity of a two-seat sports car. Its sequential shifting 5-speed automatic transmission is ultra smooth in operation, choosing to upshift when hitting redline automatically rather than holding the gear like the G35. While I dont usually appreciate mechanical intervention in the manual modes of automatic transmissions it makes sense to allow it in the more luxury oriented M45.

To maintain constant contact with the road Infiniti supplies the rear-wheel drive M with standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS), which work so seamlessly that, other than a dash light that comes on to notify when in use, its hardly perceptible.

The fully independent suspension sports standard 18-inch alloy rims covered in P235/45WR18 Michelin tires, extremely effective both for handling and braking, the latter assisted by 4-wheel vented discs and 4-wheel ABS, plus Brake Assist and Electronic Brake force Distribution. A standard tire pressure monitoring system makes for one less thing to worry about, much appreciated in todays hectic lifestyle.

From the drivers seat the standard High Intensity Discharge (HID) xenon headlights turn nighttime driving into near daylight visibility conditions, reducing driver fatigue over long trips. The 10-way power adjustable driver and 4-way passenger seats do a good job of this too. Theyre not as body hugging as those in the smaller G35, but wonderfully supportive and amply sized for those with a slightly larger girth. Shoulder room is also impressive, front and rear, while head and legroom is more than adequate for this class of car.

If youve ever been in a current model Q45 youll recognize the Ms dash layout. Its center position information display is identical, and fortunately one of the easier systems to negotiate. The 240-watt Bose Premium audio system with 6-disc dash-mounted CD changer is superb too, booming out dance music or alternatively, delivering each violin, viola and cello from a string quartet with the precision of a high-quality home stereo.

The switchgear is up to the tactile grade of this class as well, with heated or air-conditioned seat controls embedded into the inside lower side bolster. The air-conditioned seats work wonderfully too, allowing cooled air to seep out from the perforated Sojourner leather seat cushions. Its woodwork is beautifully finished, a blond birds eye maple in my most recent test car and the same wood in a smoked graphite color in the car featured in the accompanying photos. Infiniti does a phenomenal job of interior metal details too, with its separate component cassette deck set into the lower half of the center stack, the most attractive of any car Ive tested. Its oval analog clock is superbly detailed as well, a finishing touch to a cabin that has few peers.

The trunk, at 13.4 cubic feet, is relatively small for this class. Still I had no problems fitting in what I needed to carry around throughout my test week. The rear bench doesnt fold down either, so if carrying longer, bulky items is part of your regular routine you might want to try out something with more cargo capacity, like the brands FX45 SUV.

Part of either models ownership experience is unparalleled customer service. Infiniti ranked second in J.D. Powers and Associates 2002 Customer Service Index (CSI) study, just missing Saturn but beating out Lexus, while it regularly scores high marks in Consumer Reports owner satisfaction studies.

In conclusion the Infiniti M45 might just be the best kept secret in the luxury sedan market. Despite being priced thousands less than competitive products, the exclusive sedan is packed with more power than any of those vying for the midsize luxury customer, while doling out equal luxury and respected prestige. Its a great buy that should provide years of trouble free driving, and you wont see your twin pulling into the parking spot next to you at the club.