While the Infiniti M made its debut as a luxurious and sporty sedan years ago, the recent redesign has produced an even more alluring, well-rounded and high-performance sedan. The 2009 Infiniti M35 and M45 vehicles offer precision, luxury and power in two very, very attractive packages.
The 2009 Infiniti M45 is unchanged from the previous year, but the 2009 Infiniti M35 received one major change. It gains the latest version of Infiniti’s 3.5-liter V6 engine and therefore gains about 25 hp. Both vehicles offer an array of attractive features that carryover from the previous year. From a more streamlined exterior to an optional infotainment system inside, both the M35 and the M45 are pure luxury and performance.
Both vehicles are offered in three trim levels: Base, All-Wheel Drive and Sport. The AWD model adds traction and the Sport model has modifications like active rear steering and a dynamic sport-tuned suspension system for even greater handling.
The M35's powerfully built 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers 275 hp and 268 lb/ft of torque. The M45's powerful 4.5-liter V8 boasts 325 hp and 336 lb/ft of torque. The M's five-speed automatic transmission has manual shift control and downshift rev-matching. With an advanced suspension design, impressive balance and powerful brakes, the M35 and M45 are beyond pleasurable to drive.
The M35 and M45 top the list of safe sedans. Both offer all the safety features you could ever want or need. These features include an antilock brake system with brake assist, stability control, front, side and side-curtain airbags and an available lane-departure warning system to prevent unintended lane drifting. This system uses exterior cameras to keep the vehicle heading in the right direction. Also optional is a navigation system with Visteon Voice Technology, which recognizes distinct speech patterns, then responds to your commands.
Inside the M sedans, you'll find luxury, refinement and innovative technology, the hallmarks of the Infiniti brand. Firm front seats are adjustable and reinforced while in front, there is an appealing layout of center stack controls. M sedans offer a long list of standard features including climate-controlled front seats, adaptive xenon headlights and wood or metal trim. You'll also find plenty of headroom and legroom for both the driver and passengers.
Available packages include extras such as heated, reclining rear seats, an integrated DVD player and a 14-speaker Bose surround-sound stereo. Car and Driver insists that the optional packages will certainly "satisfy the tech geeks and audiophiles alike." On the M45 Sport, top sport performance can be achieved by adding the 19-inch wheels and tires to the firmer sport-tuned suspension and Rear Active Steer that allows a sharper road response.
Taking to the road, the M45 offers just a bit more explosive power and performance than the M35. The M45 accelerates faster than any other vehicle in its class. Both M vehicles offer a smooth ride, super handling and great fuel economy. According to the EPA, the M35 gets 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway while the M45 gets 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.
If you still aren't convinced that the M is for you, consider that both the M35 and M45 offer top resale value, a category into which few vehicles on the market today fall. It's no wonder the M won the 2008 Automotive Lease Guide Residual Value Award and the JD Power Initial Quality Award. The 2009 M35 base model has an MSRP of $43,900, and the M45 base has an MSRP of $50,250. Now, it’s time for you to experience the M.
