The 2010 M is draped in style and overflowing with luxury, but the true technology behind Infiniti’s M may be easily overlooked. With new systems developed to further enhance performance, safety and convenience, the 2010 Infiniti M is one of the most innovative and advanced vehicles ever created by the company.

In Infiniti’s latest M, technology begins beneath the hood where 2010 brings a choice of two brilliantly engineered powerplants. The first, a 3.5-liter V6 found in M35 models, generates an impressive and immediate 303 hp through the advancement of Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT). By optimizing the timing and flow of the intake of oxygen into the engine, CVVT ensures cleaner, more efficient and more responsive power at both low and high speed.

The M45 takes this a step further by drawing power from a 4.5-liter V8 made from a lightweight, but exceptionally strong aluminum alloy. The M’s V8 also features sport-tuned valve timing and produces an astounding 325 hp. The M35 features the control of a five- or seven-speed automatic transmission while the dynamic M45 exclusively features a five-speed automatic with adaptive shift control that learns and adapts shifting to match your driving style. The five-speed also features a smooth and enjoyable manual-shift mode.

Steering on the 2010 M has been enhanced by the latest innovations as well. Rear-wheel drive models equipped with the Sport Package feature an advanced Rear Active Steer system that actually alters the angle of the rear wheels during a turn, resulting in more precise, more controlled handling. Under normal conditions, Infiniti’s unique Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system (available on AWD M35x and M45x models) runs as rear-wheel drive, but it’s able to instantly send up to 50 percent of the engine power to the front wheels for confident traction when you need it and dynamic performance when you don’t.

Inside the latest M, crucial technology is accessed from a central hub, known as the Infiniti Controller. By interacting with an intuitive circular dial (featuring implanted arrow buttons), the Infiniti Controller allows you to easily manage the M’s climate, audio and navigation controls. If you’d prefer, the M also responds to clear voice commands.

Within the M’s luxurious and surprisingly quiet cabin, the audio system takes the form of a two-channel, eight-speaker Bose premium stereo or an available 14-speaker Bose 5.1 Studio Surround^® sound system, both with seamless iPod interface. Infiniti’s optional 9.3GB Music Box^® system integrates a hard drive directly into your dash, allowing you to rip, store and play nearly 3,000 songs through the control screen of the M’s stereo.

That innovative control screen also houses Infiniti’s available Hard Drive Navigation System, which not only features voice-recognition and clear, three-dimensional color graphics, but can also provide real-time lane guidance and traffic information as well. Finally, the incorporated backup camera gives a clear view of what’s behind you when the M is shifted into reverse.

For safety, innovation takes the form of a new Intelligent Cruise Control System, which actively monitors the traffic in front of you and automatically slows to maintain a safe and reasonable distance from the vehicles ahead. Simultaneously, cameras on the M can actively monitor the lane of traffic the vehicle is driving in and alert the driver (or apply the brakes if necessary) should the driver inadvertently veer outside of that lane. Last, the M’s brake assist feature and intelligent airbags brace and protect the cabin during emergency braking or a collision.

The list of available technology in the 2010 Infiniti M is impressive to say the least. With unique and advanced systems that enhance performance, convenience and safety, the newest M may be the most tech-savvy Infiniti ever built.

The 2010 Infiniti M features a starting MSRP of $45,800.