2003 Infiniti M45

Continuing its relentless new-product barrage, Infiniti has unleashed yet another high-powered, premium-grade sedan with bona fide world-class performance credentials. Offering an impressive dynamic envelope, V-8 vigor at a V-6 price and a mega-roster of standard features, the new M45 has arrived on the scene ready, willing and extremely able to hold its own against competitors from all corners of the globe.

Visually biased more toward purposefulness than elegance, the M45's crisply rendered sheetmetal gives this rear-drive 4-door an aggressive wedge shape.

Riding on a 110.0-inch wheelbase and measuring 197.2 inches nose-to-tail, this new charger slots neatly between the G35/I35 and the flagship Q45. Mechanically, however, it shares far more in common with the latter model. The M45's basic unibody is directly descended from the previous-iteration Q-ship, but all of its powertrain elements and electronic chassis assists are culled from the current-generation car. Equally important to Infiniti's marketing mavens, the new M45 splits the difference in price-points between the existing Infiniti sedans. It opens at $42,300 against $27,100/$28,950 base figures for the G35/I35 and the $52,000 Q45.


Visually biased more toward purposefulness than elegance, the M45's crisply rendered sheetmetal gives this rear-drive 4-door an aggressive wedge shape but a somewhat lackluster 0.31 coefficient of drag. Inside, the cabin proportions are scaled to handle four adults in serious comfort while holding the mid-center rear slot open for a sub-teen rider. Standard leather upholstery is complemented by a bounty of bird's-eye maple accent trim in smoked graphite or an available natural light finish.


A multitude of creature features is included in the M45's standards roster. Heading that list of hedonistic highlights are a dual-zone automatic climate control, power windows/locks/mirrors, dual power front seats, 225-watt Bose premium audio system with 6-disc CD changer, keyless remote entry, cruise control, power tilt/telescoping steering column, anti-theft immobilizer and a Driver Information System with a 5.8-inch LCD display. On the safety side, the M45's stiff unibody and front/rear crush zones are complemented by a full array of SRS devices including dual-stage front bags, seat-mounted front-side bags and full-length inflatable side-curtains. To ensure optimum night vision, Xenon HID headlamps also are part of the M45 mix.

A multitude of creature features is included in the M45's standards roster, and the basic recipe can be further sweetened with several major option groups.

This basic recipe can be further sweetened with several major option groups. Premium Package A ($2,200) brings a power moonroof, climate control seats, and Infiniti Voice Recognition for the audio/climate functions while the B-spec version ($3,200) also includes chrome wheels. The Comfort and Convenience Package ($950) nets HomeLink, heated/auto-dimming/auto-tilt outside mirrors, electrochromic inside mirror with compass, multifunction memory for the driver's seat, tire-pressure monitor and a full-size spare on an alloy wheel. Both were fitted to our test car. Also available is a Technology Package ($2,700) that brings a DVD-based navigation package with a larger, 7-inch LCD screen and laser-guided Intelligent Cruise Control. Other options are few, but do include a rear spoiler, the moonroof and XM or Sirius satellite radios.