2006 Infiniti M35 Review

Infiniti arrived about the same time as Lexus some 15 years ago, but never has become as prestigious a brand as Lexus -- or as BMW or Mercedes. However, Infiniti finally has come up with what promises to be one of the most competitive luxury-performance sedans with its early 2006 M sedan.

The slow-selling first-generation Infiniti M45 luxury-performance sedan has been replaced by the new M, which is offered in M35 and M45 trim levels. The new Infiniti should go a long way toward helping this upscale Nissan division get more distinction and respect.

The M should prove to be a strong rival to such intoxicating luxury-performance sedans as the Acura RL, Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, Cadillac STS, Jaguar S-Type, Lexus GS and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

That's a pretty heady crowd, but Infiniti has shown with such models as its fairly new G35 coupe and sedan and FX luxury-performance sport-utility vehicle that it can make very competitive vehicles.

The new "M" fills the gap between Infiniti's sporty G35 premium coupe and sedan and the Q45 flagship sedan. The short-lived M45 also filled that gap, but was nearly anonymous. Last sold for 2004, the $43,250 M45 was a version of an upscale Japanese market sedan, but was too bland to make a dent here.

The M45 had a $43,250 list price. Prices for the M35 and M45 range from $39,900 to $49,550, with three of the five trim levels costing less than $43,000.

The mid-size M shares a lot of the platform used by the G35 and other Nissans, although some 60 percent of its platform components are new. It's larger, with a longer (114.2-inch) wheelbase than the G35 and is 6.1 inches longer overall at 192.6 inches.

The sleek M resembles the sporty looking G35 but is more luxurious and has more road presence. Short body overhangs and wide front and rear tracks help provide an athletic appearance.

Multi-valve, overhead-camshaft engines assure strong performance. The 4.5-liter, 335-horsepower V-8 has a mellifluous exhaust note and provides explosive acceleration. The 3.5-liter, 280-horsepower V-6 is from the G35 and provides strong acceleration; it's expected to be ordered by most M buyers.

The smooth, sophisticated engines work with a responsive five-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode that works especially well.

The new M is rigidly built for a solid "one-piece" feel. It has rear-drive or an advanced all-wheel-drive system with a balanced rear-drive feel and, depending on the trim level, 18- or 19-inch wheels and Rear Active Steer system; it steers the rear wheels slightly and imperceptibly for better handling.

The models are the M35 (V-6, rear drive), M35 Sport (V-6, rear drive with Rear Active Steer and 19-inch wheels), M35x AWD (V-6 and all-wheel drive), M45 (V-8 with rear drive) and M45 Sport (V-8 with rear drive, Rear Active Steer and 19-inch wheels).

The V-6 delivers an estimated 18 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway with rear-drive and 17 and 24 with the heavier all-wheel drive. The V-8 provides 17 and 23. Premium fuel is required to get the advertised horsepower ratings.

Steering is quick, although some may feel it's rather heavy. All M models handle very well, with Sport versions having the best moves with the sport suspension and 19-inch wheels and tires. The car feels lighter than it is -- 3,832 to 4,004 pounds.

All versions have a firm but supple ride from an all-independent suspension. Powerful brakes are controlled by easily modulated pedal and feature brake assist and electronic brake force distribution for panic stops.

The M is luxurious, so all models have standard leather upholstery, sunroof, power tilt-telescoping wheel and a large number of power and comfort/convenience features.

Sport models have aluminum interior trim, while others get rosewood trim. The Sport also has heated and cooled front sport seats that provide especially good support when zipping through curves.

The lush-life interior is the best Infiniti has ever come up with. It's spacious, although the uncomfortable middle of the rear seat is best occupied by the large flip-down armrest, which contains cupholders.

Backlit gauges don't let bright sunlight wash out their readings and controls are generally easy to use. However, the center of the dashboard, which contains many controls, takes getting used to because it's slanted at an awkward angle.

Voice control is standard for some audio and climate functions, and there's a hands-free wireless cell-phone link.

The interior is generally hush-quiet, but 19-inch tires are noisy on certain pavements, and there's mild wind noise at highway speeds with the elaborate sound system shut off.

A standard "intelligent key" system eliminates the need to take the key fob out of a pocket when locking and unlocking the car, opening the trunk or starting the engine, which is done by putting your foot on the brake and pushing a button. The engine also is turned off with the same button, which seems more gimmicky than practical.

The trunk is large, but has a rather high, short opening. At least its lid pops up on struts well up and out of the way to prevent head-banging.

Standard safety items for all M models include anti-lock brakes, anti-skid/traction control, front side air bags and head-protecting curtain side air bags.

Options include audible warning of unintended lane departure, navigation system, satellite radio, a cruise control system that maintains a set distance from a vehicle ahead and even a heated power reclining rear seat.

There's also rear DVD entertainment and a rearview television camera that uses a dashboard screen to warn a driver that he's about to accidentally back into an object.

It's about time that Infiniti got more respect, and the new M is the right car to provide it. 

2006 INFINITI M 

PRICES
$39,900-$49,550

LIKES
Sleek. Fast. Sharp handling. Roomy. Lush-life interior. Variety of trim levels. Available all-wheel drive.

DISLIKES
Angled dashboard controls. High trunk opening. Gimmicky push-button engine start-stop.