2006 Infiniti M45

Metropolitan musclecar

Dan Lyons / autoMedia.com

Nowhere in autodom are manufacturers forced to keep more balls in the air than with luxury performance sedans. Here, buyers want it all—luxury, technology, safety, utility, performance, and comfort. And, why not? Stickers in this segment hover in the $50,000 to $60,000 range, so it makes sense that along with high prices come lofty expectations that are mostly met by a long list of elite competitors like the Acura RL, Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Jaguar S-Type, Lexus GS430, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Infiniti's entry in this high-class class is the M45.

Styling

The new M rolls on Nissan's FM platform, the same chassis that underpins the Infiniti G35, FX and the Nissan 350Z. Introduced in February as an early 2006 model, the M is offered in five versions ranging from $41,290-$50,200. Three of the five are designated M35, powered by a 280-hp, 3.5-liter V-6, and available in Base, Sport and All-Wheel-Drive variations. Two M45 models round out the lineup; both Base and Sport Sedan models are rear-wheel-drive only, and powered by the 4.5-liter, 335-hp V-8. Sport Sedans, like the one we tested, are equipped with Rear Active Steer and 19-inch rolling stock. A 5-speed automatic with a manual shift mode is mated to both the V-6 and V-8 engines.

Certain elements of the Infiniti's shape are almost standards in the segment—the sloping nose and tall tail, for example, and the curving, coupe-like roofline. To this, Infiniti adds their styling stamp with asymmetrical head and taillights, and a wide, flat grille. The new M is shorter and wider than the previous version. It's taller, too, with wheels tugged close to the corners, accenting the big tires. Side on, the M's size (16-feet long) and stance project a presence you would expect (but don't always find) in cars of this caliber.

Interior

Inside, the M45 has a handsome, spacious cabin with seating for five in good comfort. Leather sport seats in our tester were wrapped in a buckskin color that contrasted nicely with an interior done otherwise mostly in black. Handsome wood trim injects added class into the cabin. The rosewood appointments are elegant and the low sheen finish avoids automakers' traditional blunder of polishing wood trim so highly that it is indistinguishable from plastic. The main gauges are grouped in a bright-work trimmed, yellow lit, 4-binnacle cluster. The topside of the center stack has the typically large array of buttons you expect in luxury cars, about average in the driver distraction index. The 7-inch LCD display screen parked at center stage is used for the optional navigation system and available rear view monitor. If you opt not to equip your M with these features, the screen is still where you'll find the display for all basic vehicle information, though you're left with a sense of untapped potential; sort of like having a wide screen TV with no cable service.

Electronics abound inside. Keyless ignition, tire pressure monitoring, and Bluetooth Wireless Technology are standard equipment. Available extras include adaptive cruise control, heated/cooled front seats, heated power reclining rear seats and a 14-speaker Bose Studio Surround sound system. Inboard storage spots consist of aptly named map pockets in the front doors and a multi-level center console. Outboard cargo goes in the trunk, a class competitive 14.9-cubic feet with space-saver spare (11.4 with full-size tire) with a smallish mouth and a center pass-through useful for skis or similar long, skinny items.