2009 Infiniti M35x
by Jim Prueter -07/2009

Simply Awesome

(This review was originally written in August 2006 and with updates covers model  years 2006-2009.)

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

Now, four years later, we are back behind the wheel of a new all-wheel drive 2009 M35x and remain just as inspired. Since that time the Infiniti M has won numerous automotive awards including the J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout Study for midsize premium cars.

Infiniti first offered the M45 in 2003 as a modified version of the Cedric/Gloria model available only in Japan. Here in the States, Infiniti marketed the M45 as a muscle car, but it never caught on. Just over 5,000 were sold in its first year and less than half that amount in 2004. Infiniti decided to skip the 2005 model year for the M class and concentrate on an all-new 2006 replacement model that was completely unlike the first generation.

Compared to the previous single M45 model offering, the M series now comes in two versions: the V-6 powered M35, and V-8 powered M45. There are a total of four M models: M35 rear-wheel drive ($45,800), M35x all-wheel drive ($47,950), M45 rear-wheel drive ($52,150) and M45x all-wheel drive ($54,650). Other than the engine choices, both models are the same.

For 2009, we tested the M35x equipped with the Technology Package ($3,350) that includes eight-inch touch screen navigation system, XM NavTrafficÒ, BoseÒ premium audio system, plus 9.3 GB music box hard drive and compact flash slot for MP3 and WMA playback, interface system for iPodÒ  and rear view camera backing monitor system.

The backup camera is the absolute best on the market, has the brightest screen display and provides three sets of green, yellow and red guidelines on the screen. One set runs straight back while the other bends as you steer the car while backing. It shows you where you’re going and how well (or not) you are going to clear the object (another vehicle, post, building etc.).

The other option on our tester was the Advanced Technology Package ($2,800) that boosts the BoseÒ audio system to 14 speakers from 8, lane departure warning system, and intelligent cruise control which uses a radar sensing system to keep the vehicle directly in front of you at a safe distance by automatically applying the brake if you drive too close or another vehicle cuts in front of you.

We found the beeping of the lane departure warning system to be extremely annoying. Sensors detect if you stray over the painted lane line, triggering the beep. It doesn’t work at speeds below 45 mph and you can turn it off, but the switch is hidden under the dash and there isn’t any reference to it in the owner’s manual.

The major enhancements for the 2009 model include a new more powerful 303 horsepower V-6 engine (28 more than 2008) and the addition of a new seven-speed automatic transmission for the M35 rear-wheel-drive model. The M45 continues to be powered by the standard 325-horsepower 4.5-liter V-8 and a five-speed automatic transmission. For most drivers, the V-6 models with a zero to 60 mph time of less than seven seconds will provide more than enough power. For the additional $7000 base price premium the V-8 models take another second off the zero to 60 time.

Other enhancements for the new model year include the addition of a Drive Sport (DS) shift mode for all transmissions, new auto speed-sensing door locks and Scratch Shield self-healing clearcoat paint finish for all models. The M35x now includes standard xenon headlights and adaptive front lighting system that was previously standard equipment on all other M models.

In designing the new M, Infiniti styled the exterior to clearly (and smartly) resemble an upgraded version of its smaller G37 sibling, similar to the way the BMW 3,5,6 and 7 Series models share an unmistakable and instantly identifiable appearance.

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

In 2008 both M models were given a modest facelift, the first since it was introduced in 2006. Changes included a new grille, head and tail lamps, front and rear bumpers and chrome accents. So modest are the changes, you almost have to park the ’07 and ’08 models side by side to discern the difference.

Slip behind the wheel and you can almost instantly feel your blood pressure coming down. All M models come standard with soft leather upholstered seating as comfortable as any chair you’re likely to find at a luxury hotel. Even this too tall driver found it easy to find a comfortable position with the 10-way power seat.

For 2008 models, Infiniti added standard XM Satellite, new gauge and instrument panel lighting in gorgeous white and violet lights that thankfully replace the orange lights from the previous generation model.

Heated/cooled front seats are now standard on all M models. Rear seats with 37-inches of legroom seemed more than adequate for most adults especially with the front seat backs curved for additional knee room. There’s even an optional power reclining and heated rear seat that comes in the optional Premium Package ($9650). The price of the Premium Package includes both the Technology Package and Advanced Technology Package.

Inside, most noticeable is the shape of the dashboard that rolls out towards you like an impending wave finished in genuine African rosewood with a hand-rubbed, matte appearance.

There’s plenty of high-tech gadgetry available to please the techno-geeks, yet thankfully (unlike most sport-luxury sedans) are surprisingly easy to use. Mid-dash is a 7-inch LCD readout screen (8-inches with the optional navigational system). A large knob with push buttons surrounding it sets below the screen allowing you to adjust most settings. Redundant controls are located on the steering wheel including a voice-recognition feature for spoken commands that operate climate control, audio and navigation systems.

Keyless access and dash mounted pushbutton ignition is standard. 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 key can be programmed for various functions like opening the windows and setting seat and mirror positions.

Our M35 was fun to drive with exhilarating acceleration, stable handling and an exceptionally comfortable ride quality. The five-speed automatic transmission worked well with quick, smooth shifts. We haven’t tested the new seven-speed automatic transmission in the rear wheel drive model and find it curious that it isn’t standard across the trim levels.

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

If you’re considering a BMW 5 Series, Acura RL, Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Lexus GS or others in this model segment, we recommend spending some time behind the wheel of the Infiniti M before you sign a purchase agreement. Attention to detail is almost unchallenged. We continually rate the Infiniti M models at the top of this segment.

You can spend a lot more but you can’t get much better.