Service Cars

2006 Infiniti M Review

If youre looking for a tasty combination of luxury and sportiness, check out the 2006 Infiniti M sedans. The M35, which ranges from $39,900 to $42,700, hits the target for entry luxury buyers, while the uplevel M45 at $46,750 to $49,550 will please even the snootiest shopper. The Infiniti M sedans feature two great engines: the award-winning VQ 280-hp V-6 or the powerful 335-hp 4.5-liter V-8. The 4 year/60,000-mile basic warranty is just another reason to appreciate this exciting new ride.




First Glance

The Infiniti M spans the sedan gap between the G35 and the Q45, providing sportiness and luxury in a four-door that plays in a highly competitive segment: its pitched against the Lexus GS, BMW 5-Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Infiniti offers Base and Sport versions of the M; the M45 employs rear-wheel-drive, while the M35 offers a choice of rear- or all-wheel-drive. The good news is they are all available now, a refreshing change from the standard practice of metering out different models over the next two or three years. This means if you want all-wheel drive you can have it now, not 15 months from now.

Three packages, Journey, Technology, and Premium, add great features that take the luxury experience to an entirely new level. Creating a vehicle that provides balance between fun to drive and hot styling isnt an easy task, but Infiniti tackles it with success. From end to end, the Infiniti Ms exterior treatment is clean and expressive, starting with the catamaran-angled front fender lines and short overhangs to the rounded haunches with bold L-shaped taillights. Thats the luxury side. The quad exhaust pipes, low hood, big 18- or 19-inch wheels, low-profile rubber and wide-track stance deliver the performance image.

Interior




Infiniti likens the shape of the dashboard to an elongated and flattened letter M. Its certainly true that the shape and design is unusual, in a positive manner. The switches and knobs for operating the climate controls, sound system and other functions are all placed on an almost horizontal surface in the center of the dash, below a large seven-inch LCD screen and dual vents. The push button switches are easy to see and operate as is the big control knob in the center. This control knob is more intuitive than the systems in some of the other cars in this class, such as the BMW 5 Series, thanks to its clear layout and markings.

Harking back to olden days, one has to push a starter button to fire up the engine. Thats because the M comes with an intelligent key that does not have to be inserted in the ignition. The car senses its presence in your pocket or purse, and automatically unlocks the doors for you. The key can be programmed to deliver various functions such as pre-opening windows and setting seat and mirror positions.

All Ms except the Sport models have subtle rosewood trim (real wood) with a subdued semi-gloss finish. Sport models have genuine aluminum trim in place of the wood although the wood is available as an option. Chrome trim rims are subtly used around buttons and gauges to enhance the luxury look.

The drivers seat proved comfortable, especially in the Sport model with larger side bolsters. Its easy to find an ideal position with the 10-way power seat. Optional climate-controlled seats warm or cool the derriere with a fan.

Theres lots of technology available here and it works well. The optional Bose two-channel audio with Studio Surround sound is exceptionally good. Audiophiles should get it. The navigation system works well. We like using the birds-eye view, which presents the map in a 3D format giving an idea of distance and perspective. The voice activation system works well, if not quite as good as the system in the new Acura RL.

Rear-seat passengers prefer the Premium Package with back seats that recline and are heated. The controls are located inside the rear-seat center armrest. The package also includes a full-on DVD system with an LCD that folds out of the ceiling and is controlled with a remote. Separate rear-seat climate control is included with this package. Even without the Premium Package rear-seat comfort proved good with plenty of leg and headroom.

Although the exterior appearance makes the trunk look large, in reality its 15 cubic feet capacity is barely average for this size car and the opening is on the small side as well. Worse yet, when equipped with the optional full-size spare tire it only holds 11 cubic feet of cargo. At least it has scissor type hinges, which, unlike gooseneck hinges, dont intrude into the usable space. A pass-through opening is provided for carrying skis and other long items.

Overall we found the living quarters in the M very pleasant. The design and choice of materials is more akin to a modern Euro-style luxury hotel instead of the heavy wood and deeply cushioned armchair type luxury one expects to find in more traditional hotels.
On the Road

Usually when two engine choices are offered the low-end powerplant is anemic, but not with the M35. The VQ 3.5 delivers 270 lb-ft of torque, which launches the M35 like a greyhound out of the gate. If you think thats fast, try the V-8 in the M45; it peels up the pavement as it moves down the road. Its at home in the city, with a comfortable ride worthy of the luxury description, but it transforms into a true sport sedan on the open road.

The independent suspension is controlled and well damped, and every steering input is instantly transmitted to the road with a responsiveness expected from an Infiniti product. For those who push their vehicles hard, Infiniti offers rear active steer, which actually changes the geometry of the rear wheels to enhance control and deliver sharp, crisp handling performance. Innovation comes through on the M with the Downshift Rev-Matching mode on the manual shift automatic transmission; as you downshift in manual mode, the engine automatically revs the engine between gears so theres no sudden lurch--a technique that racing drivers work years to master. Throw in the Vehicle Dynamics Control system for traction and stability and the capable all-wheel drive, and this becomes an irresistible ride.

Driving Impressions

We found the new Infiniti M fun to drive and it did not feel like a big car at all. Part of the reason why the car doesnt feel too big is because aluminum body panels have been used for the hood, trunk and doors making the body weigh less while also lowering the center of gravity. Also, the electrically controlled rack and pinion power steering was precise with good road feel.

We spent most of our time in the 2006 Infiniti M35 Sport model, but we also drove an M45. Lower weight helps the V6 engine provide enough power to propel the M35 at a decent rate. The five-speed automatic transmission works well with quick shifting. Drivers who want more control can use the manual mode, which works better than in some cars as the shift lever has a short throw more akin to that of a manual transmission in a sports car.

We were satisfied with the V6s performance until we drove the M45 with the 335-horsepower V8. Its a rocket ship providing exhilarating acceleration. Not surprising, as Infiniti claims it is the most powerful V8 among its competitors. Whats more the fuel consumption is only a couple of miles per gallon worse, no doubt because the V8 is not working as hard. Unfortunately it ups the cost by almost $7,000, compared to the M35 models. (BMW and Mercedes buyers also face a big premium for the more powerful engines.)

The Sport models feature include what Infiniti calls Rear Active Steer. Dont worry it doesnt mean the rear wheels turn to any great degree. In fact they only move a maximum of one degree, which is unnoticeable visibly. The actuator that turns the rear wheels is powered and controlled electrically. What it does is adjust the rear toe angle in either an opposite phase going into a corner or the same phase exiting a corner and it only operates at mid- or high-speed. That helps turn the car into a corner more quickly and helps stop it from sliding out on exit. Without trying two cars back to back its difficult to determine how effective it is in reality. All we can say is that the Sport model proved to be very stable, handling more like a good lightweight sports sedan when purposely doing some abrupt lane changes at speed.

The optional Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system uses a camera to detect lane markings and warns a driver with a buzzer when the car starts to wander into the next lane. It only operates above 45 mph and is de-activated when the turn signals are used. In addition it detects the amount of movement of the steering wheel in order to avoid giving out warnings when one is purposely changing lanes. The system is probably a good idea especially when driving late at night on empty freeways or toll roads.

The M35X comes with the same all-wheel-drive system found in the G35X and the FX35. During a short drive in an M35X we didnt notice any differences in ride quality from the rear-drive models. Nor did we notice much difference in handling, though we only drove at a sedate pace. The M35X could be an excellent choice for driving in slippery conditions.

The RearView monitor system is impressive. It has a camera located in the back bumper that projects a view toward the rear view onto the LCD for the navigation system. Its a great safety item as it can help a driver see objects or children behind the vehicle that are otherwise hidden from view. Infinitis version goes one step further as it displays a line on the screen that indicates the course one is headed along as the steering wheel is turned. Its a really neat idea that works. Drivers still need to pay attention to ensure nothing is behind the car, however.

Journeys End



The luxury-sport segment is one of the fastest growing in the industry, and its a tough place to compete. The good news is that means lots of choice for all of us. Are you looking for ultimate performance or ultimate luxury in this price range? Or are you looking for the best mix of both at the best price? Frankly, the M is packed with so much technology it would take a review three times this length to cover it all. I didnt even touch on the Lane Departure Warning System that alerts the driver when the vehicle wanders into the next lane, or the intelligent cruise control, pre-crash seatbelts, preview braking, and Adaptive Front Lighting.

The safety features alone could serve as a grad students dissertation. Some lament that technology takes away from the driving experience, and on some vehicles that can be true, but the M35 and M45 innovations just enhance the experience, making us all better drivers in the end. Its nice to see Infiniti continuing to fulfill the publics cravings for a vehicle that can be everything to everyone without being neutered by complacency. -- BJ Killeen is a female automotive journalist and former road test editor for Motor Trend Magazine. She currently co-hosts Drivers Talk Radio in California.