2006 Infiniti M35x Program #2430

When we tested the Infiniti M45 sedan back in 2003, we found that, despite its dated styling, it was a fine addition to Infiniti’s underrated lineup of 4-doors. But even with impressive performance and luxury, M45 sales never took off. So Infiniti is back with an all-new, expanded M-Series for 2006. Can the M finally make its mark?

Whether they become a sales success or not, the new Infiniti M-Series - there’s now an M35 to go along with the M45 - will definitely be remembered as among the most technologically intensive 4-doors of the 2006 model year.

Advanced systems available include Vehicle Dynamic Control, Rear Active Steer, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Voice Recognition, Rear View Monitor, Bluetooth wireless communications, Adaptive Front Lighting, tire pressure monitoring, DVD navigation, and DVD entertainment. What a mouth and car full! All packed into a new high-strength chassis, with a wheelbase that has been stretched 4-inches over last year’s for a 114.2-inch total.

The M’s new platform, shared with other Nissan rear drive cars, is clad in much more contemporary bodywork, which utilizes aluminum doors, hood, and trunk lid to save weight. The look is handsome and aggressive, especially up front with its signature Infiniti grille and jewel-like xenon headlights, which are available in curve-following adaptive form on the M Sport models.

Behind that grille lurks a pair of muscular powerplants. For the M35, there is the 3.5-liter dual-overhead-cam V6 used in the G35. Output is 280 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The M45 goes with a 4.5-liter dual-cam V8 with titanium valves that pumps out 335 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque, and it’s shared with the larger Q45 sedan and the FX45 SUV.

Both engines feed their power through a 5-speed automatic with manual shift mode, but while the M45 sends all of its ponies to the rear wheels, our M35x test car came with an optional full-time all-wheel-drive system, again borrowed from the G and FX series. Those wheels are 18-inch alloys on most M models. Our car wears 8-spoke rims with all-season tires. Run flats are optional. Sport models go 19-inch with W-rated high-performance tires. And with 4-wheels worth of grip, plus stability and traction control systems, the M35x has a very secure feel in rain and snow.

But even with an extra 130-pounds of all-wheel-drive system to move, the V6 drivetrain feels very willing. It pulls hard from low revs, spinning easily to its 6,600 rpm redline.

Handling is by a double-wishbone front, multi-link rear suspension, coupled with speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering. Rear Active Steering is part of the Sport package and it provides about one degree of steering for quicker turn-ins. While we found a serious lack of steering feel to be annoying, the suspension delivers a solid ride and surprisingly nimble handling. Chassis feel is very close to that of the similarly-sized BMW 5-Series.

But even that widely acclaimed BMW does not offer Infiniti’s Lane Departure Warning system. LDW uses a camera in the windshield header to read road markings, and then gives an audio and visual alert when you stray over the line. It works, but it can be annoying. Thank goodness there is an ‘‘off’’ switch. Also available is Intelligent Cruise Control which uses laser measurement to maintain vehicle distances, and a backup camera that gives you a rear view through the 8-inch navigation screen. Standard is an Intelligent Key, which uses proximity sensors for push button starting. Tech-head drivers on our staff also liked the standard voice recognition system and the Bluetooth wireless link for their PDA’s.

But the Infiniti M’s cabin is as packed with luxury as it is with technology. Fine leather and wood abound, along with a long list of standard features, plus safety systems that include side impact and head curtain airbags. Available entertainment includes a standard 6-disc CD stereo, our car’s Bose digital 5.1 Surround Sound system, and a rear seat DVD player. We had praise for the comfort of the reclining rear seats with its wide bench style accommodations. And there is a pass through to a generous 14.9 cubic-foot trunk.

If all this luxury and technology gets your hard drive spinning, then prepare to pay $40,510 for the V6-engined M35. Our M35x with all-wheel-drive starts at $43,010, with the M35 Sport at $43,310. Step up to the V8-powered M45, and prices start at $47,360. But options can quickly send M45 prices spiraling past the $60,000 mark, making the M35 the better buy in this lineup.

Infiniti’s Series is the kind of tech-heavy luxury sedan that will appeal to those who always want to be a step ahead of the pack. But it’s also a very pleasant, and yes, entertaining to drive luxury sedan. And with all-wheel drive, it’s ready to take on all seasons. That’s pretty much the ‘‘mark’’ the new Infiniti M was designed to hit, and we think it’s a bull’s eye.