• HOME
• 
• AUTO LISTINGS
• 
• FINANCE
• 
• NEWS
• 
• DIRECTORY
• 
• REVIEWS
• 
• FORUM
• 
• BLOG
• 

2003 Infiniti M45 Road Test

2003 Infiniti M45 - Best Kept Luxury Car Secret

In a move most didnt fully expect, Infiniti launched a new midsize model based on the full-size Q45 last fall. Its not that this was a bad idea, quite the contrary really, its more about timing. With last falls prolific level of new Infiniti introductions, highlighted by the G35 Coupe and FX45 sport utility, the M45 hardly got noticed. And thats a shame, as the new model is an impressive luxury car. Its wonderfully quiet, beautifully finished and wickedly powerful, a perfect high-speed freeway cruiser.

Its overall exterior design deviates slightly from current Infiniti styling trends, especially in the rear where its taillights are much more conventional than the G35s for instance. Its profile is also less rakish than the smaller sedan, while a uniquely shaped set of tri-lens headlamp clusters surround a decidedly masculine titanium-colored 4-slat grille. The detailed precision of the INFINITI brand appliqué on the rear decklid is wonderfully executed, showing the lengths the Japanese brand has gone to elevate its models over similarly equipped European competitors.

And just what cars is the M45 up against? The first that comes to mind is BMWs benchmark 5-Series sedan, still selling well despite a new model on its way for 2004. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, also in this category, was completely redesigned for 2003. Jaguar has its S-Type while Audi puts forward a solid A6 sedan. Of course it would be a mistake to forget Lexus, Infinitis arch-rival, with its midsize GS series. Serious competition indeed.

But while the $47,825 GS 430 sports a 300-hp 4.3-L V8 with 325 lb-ft of torque, the new $42,300 M45 steps up with a 340 hp 4.5-L V8 with 333 lb-ft of torque. If it were particularly lacking in creature comforts the $5,525 difference in price could be easily justified, but even when fully optioned out with arguably one of the best navigation systems in the industry, the Infiniti totals a mere $50,090.

The GS 430 on the other hand, with its optional navigation package and Mark Levinson audio system, skyrockets to $56,588. Thats an $6,498 price difference compared to a car that offers similar features and less performance, what gives? The price spread grows even further when compared with its European counterparts, making the M45 one of the best midsize luxury values on the road today.

Of course, midsize is one of those terms used loosely in the auto industry. Weighing in almost identically to the full-size Q45, itself one of the lightest in its class, the 3,851 pound M45 is no Nissan Altima - one of the class leaders in the entry midsize segment. As expected the Infiniti feels more substantial, rock solid at high speed while slightly less agile in the corners. Still it handles all but extremely aggressive maneuvers with confidence, where the brilliantly nimble G35 sedan clearly has the upper hand.

But those who regularly push a car to its outer limits will most likely not be interested in a larger luxury car. For those that prefer cruising the M45 is perfect. Its positively serene, blocking out the majority of wind noise at high velocities partially from its well engineered sound deadening materials as well as its slippery 0.31 coefficient of drag (Cd).

Page:  1  2

AUTOMOBILE REVIEWS BY MAKE

Acura  Audi   Bentley   BMW   Buick   Cadillac   Chevrolet   Chrysler   Daewoo   Dodge   Eagle   Ferrari   Ford   Geo   GMC   Honda   Hummer   Hyundai   Infiniti   Isuzu   Jaguar   Jeep   Kia   Lamborghini   Lexus   Lincoln   Lotus   Maserati   Mazda   Mercedes-Benz   Mercury   MINI   Mitsubishi   Nissan   Oldsmobile   Plymouth   Pontiac   Porsche   Saab   Saturn   Scion   Subaru   Suzuki   Toyota   Volkswagen   Volvo