Infiniti M35 Review

2008 Infiniti M45 Sedan Shown

Infiniti's first M-series luxury sport sedan debuted four years ago long on quality and performance but lacking the kind of style, roominess and presence that buyers in this competitive segment have come to expect. Following a recent redesign, however, the M-series has been reborn as the V6-powered M35 and V8-equipped M45. As a result, the latest car is a much more alluring and well-rounded midsize performance sedan with the form to match its already impressive function.

The Infiniti M35 isn't just attractive and capable, it also boasts more standard features and pleasing amounts of headroom and legroom. Though some might find minor quibbles with cabin design and materials quality when compared to its most popular rivals, most shoppers will discover a spacious interior that's both warm and accommodating.

On the move, the M35's knockout punch is delivered by a brawny 275-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. This engine, along with a quick-acting automatic transmission, a capable chassis and the added traction of available all-wheel drive, makes the Infiniti M35 feel much smaller and more nimble than you might expect.

There are plenty of cars in this class that provide luxury and a few that might have better performance, but Infiniti's M-series put the two together in a more engaging package than any of its peers. A winner of an Edmunds Editors' Most Wanted^SM award, the M35 is certainly a luxury sedan worth taking a hard look at.

Current Infiniti M35

The midsize Infiniti M35 luxury sport sedan is offered in three trim levels: base, x AWD and Sport. The base sedan is well-equipped in terms of features, while the x AWD primarily adds all-wheel-drive traction. The M35 Sport has modifications like active rear steering and a sport-tuned suspension to improve the car's handling ability. Option packages offer popular extras like navigation, a console-mounted DVD player, adaptive cruise control, reclining/heated rear seats and 14-speaker Bose surround-sound audio.

All M35s feature a 3.5-liter V6 churning out 275 hp and 268 pound-feet of torque. It's coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control and downshift rev-matching. Underneath, an advanced suspension design responds with just the right mix of compliance and firmness. Standard safety items include antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front-seat head restraints, while an available lane-departure warning system signals unintended lane drifting.

The Infiniti M35's interior is well appointed and well built, with firm seats that are highly adjustable, comfortable and heavily bolstered. However, the competition in this segment is pretty intense and the M35 isn't quite as elegant and thoughtfully engineered as some of its rivals. The quality of materials is a bit uneven, and we find that the layout of the center stack controls isn't as clean and intuitive as it could be.

Though not as quick as its V8-powered sibling, the M35's V6 still provides plenty of get-up-and-go for most drivers. Braking is also impressive, and a firmly damped suspension delivers finely controlled balance through corners. The trade-off is steering that can feel a bit rough around town, and a suspension that tends to transmit road irregularities into the cabin -- especially in the harder-edged Sport model. At highway speeds, the Infiniti M35 also exhibits a noticeable amount of engine and road noise. While these flaws certainly don't make the M35 uncomfortable, it is somewhat less peaceful than other performance luxury cruisers.

Past Infiniti M35s

There were two previous Infiniti models that carried the M designation. The M30 was one of Infiniti's two original models, sold from 1990-'92 in midsize coupe and convertible body styles. The rear-drive, V8-powered M45 sedan debuted in 2003. The current M35 arrived in 2006 as part of the car's full redesign.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.