Superb Luxury Value Doesnt Give Up Anything to Rivals

Its been quite a year in the luxury car segment, what with the recent introduction of so many new models. Acura RL, Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, Cadillac STS, Lexus GS.... and now, the Infiniti M.

All of these new sedans enter a tough market for all cars, not least for the luxury segment. The forecast is for a flat luxury market in 2005, but Infinitis parent Nissan is predicting it will increase both its share and volume with the new M cars.

Infiniti is pinning its hopes on a new sedan that makes vibrant design a priority, to which is added, well.... everything you could want in a high-end sedan.

Although the luxury market is expected to be flat in 2005, Infiniti is predicting it will increase both its share and volume with the new M cars. (Photo: Gerry Frechette, American Auto Press)

The M is split into two model lines, the M35 and M45. The former utilizes the ubiquitous VQ 3.5-liter V6 that is found in every six-cylinder

The M35 utilizes the ubiquitous VQ 3.5-liter V6 that is found in every six-cylinder Nissan car. (Photo: Gerry Frechette, American Auto Press)

The M35s supplied for our evaluation were all so-equipped, and in a couple of hours driving on paved, dry highways,

The primary differentiating feature of the M35 is the availability of the ATTESA ET-S all-wheel drive system. (Photo: Gerry Frechette, American Auto Press)

While the rear-drive M35 at $39,900 is the

Infiniti expects its AWD M35x, at $42,400, to be popular in states that experience colder winters. (Photo: Gerry Frechette, American Auto Press)

Infiniti has adopted the usual strategy

Infiniti has adopted the usual strategy of grouping options as packages, and at this stage, the two M35 models diverge slightly. (Photo: Gerry Frechette, American Auto Press)

Thanks to its big, 4.5-liter, 335-hp V8, the M45 glides serenely and smoothly along in any condition. (Photo: Gerry Frechette, American Auto Press)

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