Whenever I'm fortunate enough to find myself in a vehicle like the Infiniti M45, I often wonder what we used to do before there existed luxury sedans that drove like sports cars. With this emerging class of sedan it sometimes feels foolish to have ever considered the two separately.
The Infiniti M is offered in both the M35 and M45 models, both variations have all-wheel-drive options with five-speed automatic transmissions. The M35 ($40,100 base) delivers a potent 280-hp V6 while the M45 raises the bar with an amazing 335-hp V8. Both engines make it clear that the M's luxurious appearance is more than just posh good looks.
Of course in the ever-competitive luxury sedan market, good looks will get you a long way -- but the performance and excitement found in the M will get you everywhere -- fast. I'm a huge fan of the athletic stance the Infiniti M takes on the road, the 19-inch, 5-spoke alloy rims accentuate the aggressive crouch the sedan seems to be in from the moment you see it. And that's standing still.
Inside this powerful 5-passenger sedan you will find supple leather and fine attention to detail. The dash is designed to deliver the driver optimal access to information. I found the centered 7-inch LCD display screen to be highly user friendly and not too distracting while driving.
One of the coolest features was the optional rearview monitor, which allows a live picture from the top of the rear gate. Part of the Journey Package on my tester ($1,700), admittedly, I shunned the first couple vehicles I had that offered this option, but I have since learned to embrace it and now find great comfort in such a clear view directly behind the car.
Climate control seats are perfect for all seasons. Add to that the 10-way and 8-way power adjustments for the driver and passenger seats and you have complete comfort at every moment. In addition to that comfort, expect amazing sound. The base M system is a 6-speaker, 6-disc CD changer with MP3 and WMA playback. That aforementioned Journey Package included an additional Bose 8-speaker upgrade that must be heard to be believed.
High-tech is a big part of this class of sedan and the M is no exception. Let's start with the keyless ignition system: Have possession of the sleek key fob, place your foot on the brake, push in the start button and the car jumps to life. Simply push the button again with the car in park and your set to exit. Speaking of exiting, you cannot lock your keys in the car with this system (not that I'd know what that is like).
Infiniti keeps up with the competition with their Voice recognition system (VR) and great Bluetooth wireless technology. All of these are imbedded into the leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Driving the M45 was as nice as being inside its luxurious appointments. The 335-hp V8 delivers immediate power and the Rear Active Steer system, which determines the car's dynamics from a series of sensors that calculate the speed and steering angle and changes the geometry of the rear suspension accordingly, delivers an agile, yet comfortable ride.
Braking on the M is handled by four-wheel disc brakes, an anti-lock braking system and electronic brake force distribution. It is virtually impossible to lock up the brakes and skid out of control. In the case you may wander off the road, the M has front and rear crumple zones, side-impact curtains and dual-stage airbags.
The M does not drive itself, but it is getting close. Using a laser sensor directly affecting brake and throttle control, the M allows you to set a highway speed while it determines a "safe" distance behind the car ahead and adjusts accordingly.
In other words, you can search through your CDs with a little more confidence.
At $52,210 with all the extra goodies, this M45 is well worth it. It has great looks, luxurious amenities and sporty power and handling characteristics.
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