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Things move fast at Infiniti. The M-series was just introduced in 2006, yet it's already the third-oldest model in Infiniti's lineup. No surprise, then, that Infiniti's made a round of improvements for 2008. Changes to the V6-powered M35 and V8-powered M45 include enhanced styling, new gadgets (including a technolicious Lane Departure Prevention system), and the availability of all-wheel-drive on the M45. So how does it work on the road? Read on. $44,065 base, $57,865 as tested, EPA fuel economy 14-16 city, 20-23 highway.
First Glance: Plastic surgery
Infiniti is rapidly becoming one of my favorite car brands. They seem to be of the opinion that every car can be a sports car -- sexy, agile and very, very fast -- and that's the approach they've taken to all of their cars and SUVs (with the notable exception of the QX56 SUV, which I think is simply the ugliest car you can buy today).
The M was plenty sporty when it was introduced in 2006, but I never did take to the styling. I liked the shape but found the details a bit awkward. So I was pleased to hear that the 2008 M was due to get a bit of plastic surgery. The new front bumper splits the lower grille into three distinct pieces, while the upper grille and the headlights have been reshaped. Out back, the big goofy taillights have been downsized to provide more eye-pleasing dimensions. The changes are subtle, but the effect is quite striking -- compare these photos of last year's M (front, rear) to this year's car (front, rear), and you'll see that the 2008 M has a much more sporty and athletic look. Infiniti has also added six new colors to the M's palette. Forget about arrest-me red or screaming yellow -- all of the M's paint colors are subtle variations of grey, black and blue. My car was painted in a pale blue called Lakeshore Slate, and I thought it looked fantastic -- fast, yet stealthy.
In the Driver's Seat: It's all good, so long as you keep your eyes forward
When I first hopped into the M45, I loved what I saw -- rich materials and thick carpets in contrasting shades, with an attractive patterned-aluminum theme. Beautiful.
And then I let my eyes wander to the center of the dashboard -- and I just about had a heart attack. Climate, stereo and navigation buttons mingle as if they're having some sort of a control-panel cocktail party. Don't get me wrong, it's an artful design -- but when the traffic is heavy, the rain is pouring down, the windows are fogging up, and you're fumbling for the defroster, you'll see why simple dial-operated climate controls are a thousand times better.
Actually, the climate controls are the easiest to manipulate; stereo and navigation require the most attention, though I do like the fact that the navigation system can be programmed using either the dial or the touch screen (which, I should add, is a long reach for us short people). But many of the systems require the driver to move his or her eyes from the road to the screen -- maybe only for a couple of seconds, but that's all it takes to have an accident. Perhaps Infiniti should add a human co-pilot to the M's option list.
Aside from that, it's mostly good news: The front seats are delightfully comfortable, plus they're heated, cooled, and power adjustable. The back seat is as roomy and cozy as you'd expect from a car of this size. The trunk is probably the weakest point: At 14.9 cubic feet it's not exactly huge, and the oddly-shaped suspension intrusions make packing large suitcases more of a struggle than it ought to be.
On the Road: Stay in your lane!
The 325 horsepower V8 that powers the M45 has all the oomph you could ask for, and the melodic exhaust note is liable to make Audi sue for copyright infringement. My rear-wheel-drive test car had a Sport package with stiffer suspension and an active rear-steering system, and man, did it hug those corners. Based on my experiences with the smaller G35 Sport, I expected my backside to get pummeled -- but I was wrong. The ride is firm but not uncomfortable and the steering light but very precise. The M feels delightfully light on its feet -- a pleasant surprise considering how big it is.
New for 2008 is Infiniti's Lane Departure Prevention system, which uses cameras and computers to monitor the lines in the road. Cross over one without using the turn signals and it assumes you're drifting out of your lane unintentionally. Other manufacturers' lane departure systems merely warn you with beeps or flashing lights; the M does all that, but it also takes corrective action by lightly braking one of the front wheels to nudge the car back on course. The system can be easily overridden by a firm hand on the steering wheel.
Now, I know what you're thinking -- at least, I know what I'm thinking -- "If I fall asleep at the wheel, can the M drive me home?" That'd be cool, but alas, it can't -- the steering corrections are too slight to compensate for bends in the road, so as soon as you hit the first curve you'll be off into the weeds. The system provides just enough protection to save your bacon and scare you awake without being intrusive. It's a brilliant bit of engineering.
Journey's End: Recommended despite its imperfections
Normally, something like over-complex controls are enough to keep me from recommending a car. But the Infiniti M is so wonderful in so many other ways that I can manage to overlook what I see as a major flaw.
It's hard to say what I like best about the M -- the beautiful design, the comfortable (if complex) interior, or the brilliant driving experience. I'm really impressed by that Lane Departure Prevention system -- luxury manufacturers come up with the most inane devices in an effort to out-gadget each other, so it's nice to see Infiniti concentrating on technology that will actually save lives.
If only they'd concentrated a bit more on fuel economy. The M45 drinks premium gas like the stuff still cost a buck a gallon, and the all-wheel-drive M45x gets slapped with a $1,300 Federal gas-guzzler tax. I haven't driven the V6-powered M35, but if the EPA figures are to be believed, it isn't much more efficient than the M45.
Personally, I'd be hard pressed to pick between the Infiniti M and the Mercedes E-Class. The E is significantly more expensive and not as athletic, but it's more elegant and it offers the option of a super-frugal diesel. Lexus' GS is the most obvious car to cross-shop; it's fast, agile, and a lot more user-friendly than the M. That said, I've never really warmed to the GS the way I have to the M.
Bottom line: The Infiniti M is comfortable, delightful to drive, and a real bargain considering how much you get for your money. Despite its imperfections, I highly recommend it. -- Aaron Gold
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