2003 Infiniti M45 Review

The Infiniti M45 sedan from Nissan's upscale Infiniti division illustrates how automakers constantly look for new market niches to increase volume.

The $42,300 M45 has a powerful V-8 under its chiseled skin and is neatly positioned between the top-line, costlier Infiniti Q45 V-8 luxury sedan and less expensive Infiniti I35 and G35 V-6 four-door models.

The M45 is designed to compete with highly rated sports sedans such as the BMW 5-Series. For one thing, the M45 has the front engine/rear-drive layout of high-performance European sedans such as BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz.

The M45 has the same smooth 340-horsepower V-8 and responsive five-speed automatic transmission used by the heavier Q45. This new Infiniti streaks to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and is geared to loaf at 75 mph.

However, estimated fuel economy is just so-so at 17 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway because this is a fairly big, 3,851-pound car. Premium fuel is required.

The M45 is slightly lower, shorter and narrower than the softer, more luxurious full-size Q45 because it is sportier. The M45 also has very wide 45-series high-performance tires on large 18-inch wheels for very crisp handling. In contrast, the Q45 has a softer ride with smaller 17-inch wheels and 55-series tires with more sidewall area to help cushion bumps.

The M45 lacks such optional Q45 features as a television camera that shows a rear view on a dashboard screen when the car is shifted into reverse gear to avoid hitting objects. But the M45 is plenty high tech. For instance, futuristic available features include a laser-based cruise control system that lets the car maintain a set distance from vehicles ahead. That feature is in the $2,700 Technology Package, which includes a navigation system.

Also offered is the $950 Comfort and Convenience package, which contains a tire pressure monitor, heated/self-dimming outside mirrors and a full-size spare tire with matching alloy wheel.

The M45 is loaded with many upscale auto luxury and convenience features, so the only other option group is the $2,200 Premium package. It contains a power tilt/sliding sunroof, heated/cooled front sport bucket seats and voice control for the audio, climate-control and navigation systems.

Safety features include front side air bags and and front/rear curtain side air bags.

The all-independent suspension provides a firm but comfortable ride and contributes to sports sedan handling, and front and rear anti-sway bars keep body roll in check. The M45 also has standard anti-skid and traction control systems to increase stability under demanding conditions.

While fast and precise, the power steering feels a bit heavy at highway speeds, although that's preferable to overly light steering. The brake pedal feels a bit too soft, but the powerful anti-lock, all-disc brake system has a standard brake assist feature and an electronic brake force distribution system for surer stops.

The luxurious looking interior is roomy enough to easily handle four tall adults, and doors open wide for easy entry and exit. However, their easily gripped outside handles can pinch fingers. Inside door handles are rather small, and rear windows don't lower all the way.

The cockpit is quiet except for some wind noise, and blame the super-wide tires for some coarse-surface road noise. Gauges are easily read, but the audio/climate controls are a little hard to reach--even for drivers with long arms.

Also, those controls use a dashboard screen that seems gimmicky for a sports sedan. And that screen looks rather out of place because it sits above Infiniti's traditional classy analog dashboard clock. Infiniti should leave the clock and get rid of the screen.

The trunk is nicely shaped and has a low opening for easy loading, although the rear seatbacks don't fold forward.

The M45 deftly mixes sportiness and luxury--and nicely fills a gap in Infiniti's line.


INFINITI M45
Price:
$42,300

Likes:
Powerful. Luxurious. Sporty. Roomy.

Dislikes:
So-so fuel economy. Wind noise. Door handles can pinch fingers. Gimmicky dashboard screen display.