2006 Infiniti M45 Review

Specifications

Superb Luxury Value Doesnt Give Up Anything to Rivals

Its been quite a year in the luxury car segment, what with the recent introduction of so many new models. Acura RL, Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, Cadillac STS, Lexus GS…. and now, the Infiniti M.

All of these new sedans enter a tough market for all cars, not least for the luxury segment. The forecast is for a flat luxury market in 2005, but Infinitis parent Nissan is predicting it will increase both its share and volume with the new M cars.

Infiniti is pinning its hopes on a new sedan that makes vibrant design a priority, to which is added, well…. everything you could want in a high-end sedan. Performance, safety, comfort, technology…. cars in this class are expected to do it all, and the M certainly does - in two different flavors.

The M is split into two model lines, the M35 and M45. The former utilizes the ubiquitous VQ 3.5-liter V6 that is found in every six-cylinder Nissan car, and in this application, it generates 280-horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Aside from the engine, the primary differentiating feature of the M35 is the availability of the ATTESA ET-S all-wheel drive system (making the model nomenclature M35x).

The M35s supplied for our evaluation were all so-equipped, and in a couple of hours driving on paved, dry highways, we didnt have much chance to experience the enhanced AWD traction, but the system will vary the torque split from 100 percent to the rear (ensuring sporty performance characteristics) to 50/50 when needed. Interestingly, the system will always go to 50/50 on initial launch, and as it determines that there is no further need for the front wheels to be driven, it reverts to 100 percent rear drive.

While the rear-drive M35 at $39,900 is the point of entry into M ownership, Infiniti expects its AWD M35x, at $42,400, to be popular in states that experience colder winters. As one might expect, the list of standard features on either model is extensive, and includes genuine rosewood interior trim, leather seats, power sunroof, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, eight-speaker Bose audio, heated and cooled front seats, adaptive swiveling xenon headlights, six airbags including side curtains, and vehicle dynamic control.

Infiniti has adopted the usual strategy of grouping options as packages, and at this stage, the two M35 models diverge slightly. The RWD car is available with a Journey Package, which includes an 8-speaker Bose audio system and a close-circuit camera operated rear parking aid, among other features, plus a Technology Package, which adds Navigation system, DVD entertainment with rear screen, radar-based Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), and, a first in this segment, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) that uses a camera to “read” the lines on the road, and emits a warning signal if one of them is touched. A Premium Package is also available, which mixes both packages into one value oriented group.

The M35x offers basically the same assortment of packages, that equipment in different combinations. The Entertainment Package has the DVD and upgraded audio systems while the Premium Package adds to that Navigation, ICC and LDW, plus rear-cabin amenities including heated and reclining seats, and controls for HVAC and audio. There is a lot of technology here, but Infiniti has decided for you which combinations of it you may have…

The M45 is more of a different car than you might imagine, thanks to its big, 4.5-liter, 335-hp V8. Where the M35x, probably the heaviest car equipped with this V6 engine, as well as the heaviest of all Ms, sounds and feels like it is working hard at times to launch from rest, and needs to downshift out of fifth gear for routine passing on the highway, the M45 glides serenely and smoothly along in any condition, except that it emits a throaty roar when ones right foot is planted to the mats. This sense of effortless power is that last bit of luxury that the M45 brings to the party, and that the M35 lacks.

The basic M45 is equipped like the entry-level M35 is, plus the DVD and upgraded audio, for $46,750. There are two mutually exclusive options packages to decide between. The Luxury package, at $46,750 adds chrome wheels, Navigation, ICC and LDW, and the rear seat amenities previously described.

And then, there is the M45 that the well-heeled enthusiast will lust after, and the model that we drove, the Sport, at $49,550. The unique chrome wheels are up one inch to 19, with 245/40 performance tires. The suspension is sport-tuned, including electrically-powered Rear Active Steer that deflects the rear wheels about one degree of toe angle in either direction depending on speed, to optimize handing response. The seats are firmer with bigger bolsters, and the pedals and dashboard are trimmed in aluminum. Thrown in are Navigation, ICC and LDW. Rear-seat passengers, however, will have to make do with the basic furnishings.

For such a substantial car, the M45 Sport accelerates and changes directions with great authority, and indeed, the Infiniti product planner present at the introduction admitted as to how its zero-to-60 mph time of 5.3 seconds is, ahem, quicker than that of the Nissan 350Z. Steering and cornering feel direct and connected thanks to some specific suspension tuning, and one has to think that the Sport should be able to compete, objectively and subjectively, with the V8 performance versions of any other luxury sedan, including the mass-produced German ones.

As Infinitis newest car, and what most will probably consider the flagship until the not-that-appreciated prestige Q45 is revised, the M sedans benefit from all the design and engineering technology that Nissan can muster.

All Ms are equipped with a five-speed automatic featuring adaptive shift control and sport-style manual shift that matches revs on downshifts like a perfectly-performed manual transmissions downshift. Too bad that the M35 cant be had with a manual tranny that would allow such enjoyment; it would also free up some power from the V6.

The platform is the latest generation of the “FM” chassis that underpins the G35 and FX-series Infinitis, with some enhancements. Some of them are basic strengthening measures to deal with the application of V8 power to it, and others, like additional welding points and 30 percent more torsional rigidity, contribute to better ride and handling.

There are also stronger front suspension structures and additional cross-members and other things only an engineer would care about, but the bottom line is that the M is a very strong and quiet sedan.

The body panels attached to the platform are not all steel, either. The hood, decklid and all four doors are aluminum, saving many pounds over what ferric ones would weigh.

Compared to its little brother, the G35, the M is between two and six inches larger in every exterior dimension, as one would expect. Infiniti claims that the Ms interior is larger in interior volume than every single competitor in the class, with the Cadillac STS taking runner-up by a mere 0.2 cubic feet.

Infiniti describes the human-machine interface to be one of “intuitive and anticipatory interaction with the vehicle.” What that means, we think, is that the technology controlled by the driver is intended to be easy to figure out.

And one must say that, given the extraordinary range of electro-gizmos on the M, they can be figured out with a little practice.
Which of course, is the only way to evaluate their function, eschewing as we do, in the little time we have in a given vehicle, the use of an owners manual. Of course, we recommend that owners should attempt some combination of the two approaches…

What they will discover is that there is a certain level of redundancy designed into the controls of the major systems inside the M. Both audio and climate can be controlled either through the by-now expected large multi-function knob and display screen, or via a set of traditional buttons and dials.

Said screen, or graphical user interface in tech-talk, is the key to using all the advanced communication and information features in the car. This marvel displays the DVD Navigation system with what is called Birdview orientation, like what youd see from the cockpit of an airplane on final approach, as well as the tire-pressure monitor system, the rear-view camera, the climate-controlled front seats, the voice recognition system, the Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and the Bose DVD-based surround sound settings. Not too much missing on that list….except perhaps a telematics system for real-time emergency communication.

Infiniti has priced the various M models very competitively. The M35x with is some $2,000 less expensive than a comparable Lexus GS 300 AWD, while the base M45 is almost $9,000 less expensive than a comparably-equipped BMW 545i. Take these figures for what you will, but it appears that the M is one of the better values in the luxury sedan class.

Infinitis target customer is as much a “mindset” as a hard-and-fast demographic category. It aims to appeal to the “soulful maverick” in marketing-speak, who is experiential, emotionally-connected and genuine. In more mundane terms, he (yes, not so much she) will probably be 50 years old, married with household income approaching at least $150K, and unencumbered by offspring.

Like we said, this class of car is one of the most interesting in autodom right now. The sales volumes are quite low, especially in Canada, so the manufacturers have to appeal to prospective purchasers with cars that do everything well, with value, style and high technology.

By these measures, the Infiniti M35 and M45 offer compelling arguments for consideration.