I'm leaning towards the "Sport" however I've concerns about damage to the 19" wheels from all the pot-holed roads here in Los Angeles. Years ago I had aluminum wheels on a Volvo and had to replace three in as many years. Any thoughts on this? And how would you compare the "sport" and normal designations of the 530 to the M35?
Also, I normally put about 75,000 miles on a three year lease. Does anyone know Infiniti's reputation for endurance and high mileage? My 528 and 530 both had major repairs, $5,000 to $8,000 after warranty expiration.
"Instantaneous fuel economy on flat highway (as displayed on the spiffy bar graph) varied from 20 to 25, depending on the slight variations in accelerator pressure--mostly closer to 20. "
My salesperson did not know if there was any way to display 'instant fuel economy' as a number, instead of the bar graph on the right of that screen. I see no way, looking over the manual.
I have had 8 Infiniti's, currently have four. All have been bulletproof, that is no problems at all other than dead battery or flats, that is it. I have a 1995 Q45 with 120k miles on it that is still running great. I have done some replacement of struts etc on it but that is normal in my view on a 10 year old car. The others have run up to 100k miles without any thing done to them other than preventative maintenance. The difference in Infiniti and BWM on endurance and maintenance is significant from what I hear about BWM from work associates.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I've never owned an Infiniti. I'm trying to decide whether to trade a four year old Mercedes S class on an M45. The Mercedes is a wonderful car with tons of room, comfort and great handling, but it's out of warranty and I'm concerned about maintenance costs. I also wonder if I will miss the S class after switching to an Infiniti M. Also can't decide between the M45 sport and non-sport. On one drive, the sport ride seemed too harsh. On a second drive, it didn't seem so bad. Dealer is offering both models for $1000 under MSRP. Decisions decisions.
The sport model had the Journey and the Tech package.
There are three disc players in the car.
1. in-dash 6 disc player 2. in glove compartment - bluetooth / navigation dvd 3. in center armrest console - dvd player for surround sound / dvd video - movie
OK.
I think I understand numbers 1 and 2.
Number 1 is the regular cd player...but does this also play dvd audio discs?
Number 2 in the glove compartment is for the nav system (this only plays the nav dvd...right???)
Number 3...???...the salesman said this one would play dvd movies on the nav screen when the car is in park. He also said this is the same player as used for the dvd entertainment center from the premium package (only you do not get the roof/ceiling mounted screen). The salesman did not really sound very confident about the players (especially the one in the center console). Also this player takes away alot of the space in the center console.
The center console player had a music disc from Infiniti in it.
So...what is the purpose of the center console dvd player? Is it only for movies...or...is it the only way to get the surround sound from the dvds (this is what the salesman said)
Anyway...any help / info will be appreciated.
Thanks.
P.S. Infiniti - give us the rear power sunshade as standard equipment, or as a minimum a separate stand alone option.
I bought from Moter Werks in Barrington Illinois and I used the Costco Auto program and paid $2,500 over invoice, no haslle, no haggle. I even tried to use this pricing to see if another dealer near me would give me a better offer and they said they couldn't beat it. So I went back to Motor Werks, which worked out nicely since I believe they'll give me better customer service and the Manager in charge of the Costco Auto Program is a pretty decent guy for being a car salesman.
I have the M45 Sport model with Journey package, Technology package and dvd in back seat for movies. I ordered it back in February and took delivery shortly after the first batch arrived and didnt get anything off the MSRP, they did through in a bluetooth phone, tint and wheel locks as well as 2 years service.
With the right tire pressure in my Sport it isnt as quiet as my 2002 Q45 but is fine noise wise. I love the way it runs and handles and looks. The sport wheels and aluminum dash look nice to me. Mine is a black exterior with stone interior.
I have been very happy with Infiniti in all respects after switching to them after Lexus became a little arrogant and all too commonly seen on the street for my taste. A great car but just not my thing.
I'm trading in my Audi TT on an M35x. I went through 5 wheels in about 5 years, usually by hitting a pothole. Sometimes hitting one pothole wrecked two wheels. Hence, no sport version of the 35 for me.
I have had my M45 Sport for almost two weeks now. The more I drive it the better I like it. I have no issue with the ride or noise level at all. This car is very luxurious feeling when driving it tame but when you push it hard, it blows your socks off. Great acceleration and handling as well as body rigidity. The interior size and V8 sound are great. I park the car in the garage next to my 2002 Q45 and it is much taller across the board (from roof to trunk). But in the garage itself, I have much more space than when I have my 2002 and 1995 Q45's parked side by side. In terms of MPG, I am averaging over 17 mgp with a combination of city and highway driving. Just no issues at all so far, I am one happy owner.
Just bought the M35 sport. Love it! Best car I have ever owned...except, I am really bumed to discover that according to consumer affairs at Infiniti, there are no plans to offer Bluetooth support for the Treo 650. This is one of the most popular smartphones on the market. Is this possible? I can't imagine Infiniti's marketing overlooked the fact that a good chunk of potential customers for the new M will be Treo owners. Both Acura and Lexus dealers told me they support the Treo...I assumed Infiniti would be the same, so I didn't bother asking. Oh well...anyone with any other info would be much appreciated.
Hello all, a few comments and some questions for current owners. I took the time to sit inside both the M's. A few things stood out in my mind;
The Infiniti controller looks more like a gimmick then a useful option. Is it really necessary to be able to change the radio station or volume four different ways? The controller dial, controller button, steering wheel and radio itself?
Infiniti like most makes is trying unsuccessfully to have blend both wood trim and aluminum in the cabin, real of fake (most makes are adopting fake materials and doing a poor job, not only Infiniti. Infiniti, has removed the plastic covering from it's wood trim thus removing the luster or shine and having it look more like kitchen cabinets, very dull looking.
The seat piping which as stated before by another owner is a Vinyl inlay, the Q also has this interior treatment. If you want the piped look just do it, why the knock off?
My overall feelings, were that granted the car may drive like a dream, I have yet to drive one, will it's dynamics wow you and make you forget everything else you personally do not like about the car? You still have to look at the interior everyday. While the exterior is clean, crisp and looks like the G in many ways, very good looking and aggressive from all angles. Infiniti hasn't raised it's level of materials inside, (Even though they state in their advertisements "Advanced materials") to that of Lexus, Audi, Benz or BMW.
For any of you owners that have actually cross shopped the M with the Lexus GS, and the German makes, why did you ultimately choose or settle for the Infiniti??? Infiniti is still is trying to imitate rather then lead!
There are some software updates for the Treo 650 that may solve your problem. Note which service provider you are using could affect which patch you need to apply. Go to:
I have comparison shopped all you mentioned and have owned Lexus. Work associates have owned the other brands you mentioned.
While the interiors are awesome, what I want from a car if reliablity and performance with good looks inside and out as well. The differential between the interior and exterior looks for Infiniti and the others is not material in my eyes. But relability for Infiniti clearly exceeds all you mentioned but Lexus. Also the price for performance delivered for Infiniti is tops of the ones you noted. My view on reliability and price to performance is supported by JD Powers and the car magazine reviews, less subjective than looks. The difference in interior and exterior looks is subjective. Also some like to own a brand that has a long heritage of being high end and performance, so that is why all these cars are selling.
I agree with you regarding to the money but actually I come in here to find the gas milage. It is one of the most important thing for me because my concern is total miles per tank of gas. It is more important for me to have a big gas tank than good gas milage. This car is 20 gallon so I want to know the milage to calculate the miles per tank. Thank you
thanks for the info on your new M45 sport. I was especially interested to hear your reports on gas mileage and interior noise, since it seems, if the M is getting any bad press, it is in those areas as compared to some other makes. You mentioned that you also own a Q45. Can you give us a sense of maintenance costs on that car? I have a BMW 5 series and the major service intervals at roughly 30/60/90K are quite expensive. A fried has a second gen GS430 and he says it is the same at Lexus dealers. Thanks.
I have had 7 Q45's. I usually lease them and don't keep them long term, but I kept one to 100k miles and another to 120k miles (I still have this one). The 5 that I have kept for 60k miles, counting the one my wife totalled in an accident at 16 k miles), had no maintenance at all other than that specified in the owners manual. I recall replacing two batteries but don't recall on which cars. So after 60k miles, I have had 4 Q45s (as well as one G35 coupe with 33k miles on it) with no problems at all.
The two Q45's I kept to long mileage had no maintenance issues up to 100k miles. After 100k miles I did replace some parts which were worn out. But I consider that normal wear and tear on a car that is 7 to 10 years old. The part replacement was done at the dealership and wasn't inexpensive.
The bottom line is, other than a dead battery or an occasional flat, all 7 Q's and my G35 have all been ready to run when I get in and turn the key. My maintenance experience has been great and matches what either JD Powers or Consumers Report shows for Infiniti.
Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to appearances and interiors. In my opinion the M's interior is stellar: the leather is soft and supple, the headliner is quilted and rich. I like the rosewood appearance and the matte finish. I like the real aluminum accents with the wood. The plastics are good quality, as are the switchgear. I also like the internal lighting when its dark.
The Infiniti controller is a must if you have the Nav and the DVD systems, and is particularly useful for navigating menus, etc. I don't see how having redundant controls that can be accessed via the controller OR by a dedicated knob (like the volume) OR by a steering wheel control OR by voice command could possibly be a disadvantage! Use the one you like. What IS a problem is having no redundant controls and having to wade through menus to change a radio station or cabin temperature (iDrive anyone?!)
I cross-shopped 5-series, A6 and GS and think the M's interior holds up well. It beats the 5-series interior hands down, and is at least as nice as that of the GS and A6.
IMO, the M offers stellar performance, a great interior, loads of gadgetry, a great driving experience, and nice exterior for thousands less than comparably equipped competitors. If that's settling, then sign me up.
What color interior are you looking at? It seems the only interior that might be problematic is the Bourbon (which IMO, is the best 1). A black interior will look all black with a light gray roof - not bad. A gray interior will have gray seats, gray roof & black everything-else. Also not bad. A tan interior will have a tan floor, console and seats with a gray roof. A little weird, but maybe it'll blend. Unfortunately, A bourbon interior will have Bourbon seats, black floor and console, and gray roof. Sounds awfully busy to me!!!
I ordered my M35x this past Saturday and I looked at BMW 5 and (used) 7 series, Mercedes E and (used) S class, the new Lexus GS, and the Infiniti G35. I chose to go with the M35x because I thought that the fit and finish was as good as Lexus, the sportiness and responsiveness of the car was WAY AHEAD of Lexus and Mercedes. The styling in and out was way ahead of BMW, I don't like what they did to the 5 series at all. BMW ruined a good thing in my book. The center control knob is so easy to use and much faster in responding than the silly I-knob on BMW and much more intuitive. Personally, like another post stated, I like the redundancy factor as well. The voice commands worked incredibly well on my test drive, try getting that in BMW or Mercedes for the money the M35x costs! In the end the styling, fit, feel, finish, interior room and all the features/toys that this car offered swayed me to go with it as opposed to the marquis names that are starting to show their quality issues as they try to appeal to the masses. I think on this one Infiniti is clearly LEADING, all the way! Lexus was just an old man's car - as Car & Driver states in the April '05 issue on the GS 300 - NO PASSION!!! I found PASSION in a $50 grand luxury car with the Infiniti M35. I couldn't say that about the others!
What do you mean the roof will be gray? Is this correct. I'm seriously considering an M35 with wheat/rosewood interior. You mean to tell me if I opt for the wheat/rosewood, the roof will be gray? I am unaware of this. I test drove a M35 with graphite interior, so I haven't seen a wheat interior in person yet. That is what I want though, but not with a gray roof. Please clarify this for me.
All M's come with a light gray headliner extending down the pillars. I would have thought they would have had more colors.
However, I have a black M with the bourbon interior. I do not notice the color differences except when I concentrate on them. While driving, I see only light shades (as in the oustide world and the headliner). When operating controls, I see the dark shades. At night, the headliner looks dark, of course.
I would describe the interior headliner as off white rather than Gray. This is one reason I selected the Stone Interior on my Black M45 rather than Black interior.
I am very pleased with the stone Interior on my black car.
Thanks. I actually did install the update, and the Treo does work, sort of. It seems it has limited capabilities, however, with regard to Bluetooth functionality. And for some reason, it will only connect for a few seconds to the Bluetooth system, and then disconnects. If I dial using voice recognition, it will only respond if I first activate the phone. Sort of defeats the purpose. And if I call out a number to dial, rather than a stored "tag" eg 555-1212, it will disconnect again before I'm done calling out the number. Very irritating. Incoming calls work fine, however.
============= I am really bummed to discover that according to consumer affairs at Infiniti, there are no plans to offer Bluetooth support for the Treo 650. This is one of the most popular smartphones on the market. Is this possible? I can't imagine Infiniti's marketing overlooked the fact that a good chunk of potential customers for the new M will be Treo owners. =============
According to many posts on other forums, the treo works as well with the M as any other phone. You just have to get the Treo's software "bluetooth upgrade kit" at the PalmOne site.
Many Treo users have reported being very happy with it. I really do like my Treo.
================= This car is very luxurious feeling when driving it tame but when you push it hard, it blows your socks off. Great acceleration and handling as well as body rigidity. The interior size and V8 sound are great. I park the car in the garage next to my 2002 Q45 =================
I love my 2003 Q45 as well. If you wouldn't mind, I'd really like to hear a detailed Q45 vs M45 comparison from you, given your two week driving experience.
======== why did you ultimately choose or settle for the Infiniti??? Infiniti is still is trying to imitate rather then lead! ========
I have owned 4 LS400's, an LS430, and now have a 2003 Q45. Before I bought my Q45, I rented an S500 for a week to see which I liked better.
The Q was vastly better in so many, many ways. If I had kept the LS430, or gotten the S500, I would have been settling. I decided NOT to settle and got the only large luxury sedan that i really loved, the Q.
As far as who's leading and who's following:
When I bought my Q, it had the following features which we're NOT available on the Lexus at that time, you may have noticed that lexus has followed infiniti in employing each of these technologies:
1)Voice control (and it worked simply and naturally 2)Rear view Monitor 3)Adaptive Cruise control 4)Satellite radio
My Q handled better, and had much more comfortable steering, and the Lexus didn't have any features that the Q didn't have.
Now look at the M45 and the GS.
1) The M is faster 2) The M handles better 3) The M has much more passenger room 4) The M has much more trunk space 5) The M has a DVD system 6) The M has an AUX input to play iPods. 7) The M plays MP3/WMA CD's 8) The M has Lane Departure Warning 9) The M has head lights that look around corners 10) The M has Nav which will let you supply voice destinations while driving. 11) The M's rear view monitor has curved lines predictively showing your car's turning path in reverse. 12) The M plays DVD audio with 5.1 surround sound that's killer. 13) The M will let you turn OFF your vehicle stability control system.
and On, and ON.
I'm sure future Lexus models will be following in infiniti's footsteps as they have before, in employing most of these technologies.
For the record, I greatly prefer the M's interior to Lexus, BMW or Mercedes.
As for mercedes and BMW, their tech goodies and NAV are a very serious embarrassment compared to the Infiniti.
I agree with you. I initially had wanted the bourbon, but opted against it because of the number of colours/shades involved. I ended up with black interior (a bit dark, but warmed up by the rosewood). My tester had the tan interior, which also looked good, but with kids I was worried that it wouldn't wear well over time.
I am considering purchasing an M and would appreciate info on the pricing people are getting. I live in Texas. So far the dealer I've spoken with wants to charge sticker. I'm willing to wait a bit if necessary.
I am in the Houston area and couldn't get the local dealer to go under MSRP. I went ahead and took the plunge, my M35 Sport arrives tomorrow. They did absorb the extra transport fee to have the one with the package set & colors I want hauled in from El Paso.
I am also considering the M35. Can those of you that own the vehicle confirm what the service intervals are for oil changes, etc? I saw 3,750 miles somewhere, that seems pretty frequent compared to Lexus and BMW.
cbg, I ordered my M35x under the Costco Auto Program and paid $2,500 over invoice. I live in Illinois so I don't know if you have a Costco or if the Texas Infiniti dealers participate in the auto program, but you might want to look into to it. It's really quick, simple, and you can save thousands like I did.
As expected, it would be hard to get a semi unbiased opinion from current owners. Maybe "settled" rattled some. My apologies.
Pete, please do not state inaccuracies. Lexus models in general have offered many of the tech features you describe above, before model year 2005-06. As far as following, my comments were more in line with design, although, technology innovations is a fair argument as well. Has Infiniti developed hybrid technology yet???
Here is what I have seen from the road tests so far. I have not seen an M35x tested yet (except on Motorweek where they didn't post the performance data).
0-60 C&D M45 Sport 5.6 (Feb 05) M45 Sport 5.5 (May 05) R&T M45 Sport 5.3 (Feb 05) MT M35 Non-sport 6.3 (Mar 05)
1/4 mile C&D M45 Sport 14.2@101 (Feb 05) M45 Sport 14.2@100 (May 05) R&T M45 Sport 13.8@101.6 (Feb 05) MT M35 Non-sport 14.7@92.8 (Mar 05)
======== Pete, please do not state inaccuracies. Lexus models in general have offered many of the tech features you describe above, before model year 2005-06. As far as following, my comments were more in line with design, although, technology innovations is a fair argument as well. Has Infiniti developed hybrid technology yet??? ========
In response to your claim that "infiniti just imitates", my post indicated features that were in a Q45 before they were in a Lexus, (not about a 2005-2006 Q)
It also indicated features that are in the 2006 M before being in any lexus.
Since you're being very specific with hybrid as though it's a rebuttal, but with NONE of my "inaccuracies" I'll it take you don't actually have any to point out?
Your comparison, was between the Q and the GS, not the Lexus line even though you state otherwise. The two models do not actually compete in the same segment, thus a moot point and a bad comparison in general.
"It also indicated features that are in the 2006 M before being in any lexus."
Did I miss something here, Petey??? Have you actually looked at what Lexus, BMW, etc have to offer in terms of technology or no one has these features until Infiniti does?
What about VVTi years back???
Tech features for example, such as DVD entertainment have been in the LS and RX for years, they also place it nicely off to the side in the LS so the driver can still use the rear view mirror.
The swiveling headlamps are also in the RX, they run commercials day and night about this feature.
Using faster or HP, is grossly overrated by manufacturers, a dyno is needed to compare differences.
Rear view cameras are available in the RX, not actually sure who was "first", although for a $300 aftermarket add-on, does it really matter. The RX offers push button automatic rear hatch.....you see how we can keep going back and forth, not very productive.
Also points such as trunk space is a little harder to evaluate since shape of the trunk is actually more of a defining factor as opposed to the cubic feet you reference. Space cut into by the wheel wells from example should be considered.
Again, my opinions are just that, I'm not looking to bash the M, I think it's a quality vehicle. I was looking for subjective reviews, as opposed to defenses. I look at the old Q as you reference and as many agree, C&D, it's a quality vehicle that tried more to imitate. I like the M, and when I look at build quality, maybe I see things others do not care about or do not notice. The finish on the wood people refer to as matte, I find it dull, the plastics look of a cheaper grade, other's state they are advanced.
I'm not remotely trying to "one up you" as you see it Pete, but my lack of a response, was more due to your stating who was there first, without really knowing who was.
Comments
And how would you compare the "sport" and normal designations of the 530 to the M35?
Also, I normally put about 75,000 miles on a three year lease. Does anyone know Infiniti's reputation for endurance and high mileage? My 528 and 530 both had major repairs, $5,000 to $8,000 after warranty expiration.
My salesperson did not know if there was any way to display 'instant fuel economy' as a number, instead of the bar graph on the right of that screen. I see no way, looking over the manual.
Anyone played with this display?
Or another?
Thanks,
- Ray
Resisting, so far . .
The sport model had the Journey and the Tech package.
There are three disc players in the car.
1. in-dash 6 disc player
2. in glove compartment - bluetooth / navigation dvd
3. in center armrest console - dvd player for surround sound / dvd video - movie
OK.
I think I understand numbers 1 and 2.
Number 1 is the regular cd player...but does this also play dvd audio discs?
Number 2 in the glove compartment is for the nav system (this only plays the nav dvd...right???)
Number 3...???...the salesman said this one would play dvd movies on the nav screen when the car is in park. He also said this is the same player as used for the dvd entertainment center from the premium package (only you do not get the roof/ceiling mounted screen). The salesman did not really sound very confident about the players (especially the one in the center console). Also this player takes away alot of the space in the center console.
The center console player had a music disc from Infiniti in it.
So...what is the purpose of the center console dvd player? Is it only for movies...or...is it the only way to get the surround sound from the dvds (this is what the salesman said)
Anyway...any help / info will be appreciated.
Thanks.
P.S. Infiniti - give us the rear power sunshade as standard equipment, or as a minimum a separate stand alone option.
I agree with you on the power window sunshade.
Does the in-dash system play dvd-audio discs at all? Is this without the surround sound?
We should "bombard" Infiniti with requests for the rear power sunshade...probably would not do any good...but it would not hurt either...
Whoops.....I don't know.
With the right tire pressure in my Sport it isnt as quiet as my 2002 Q45 but is fine noise wise. I love the way it runs and handles and looks. The sport wheels and aluminum dash look nice to me. Mine is a black exterior with stone interior.
I have been very happy with Infiniti in all respects after switching to them after Lexus became a little arrogant and all too commonly seen on the street for my taste. A great car but just not my thing.
Wish you well with your decision.
The centre-console player is for DVD's only. It will play DVD-video and DVD-audio (as well as DTS), but NOT MP3 CD's and NOT SACDs.
In terms of MPG, I am averaging over 17 mgp with a combination of city and highway driving. Just no issues at all so far, I am one happy owner.
The Infiniti controller looks more like a gimmick then a useful option. Is it really necessary to be able to change the radio station or volume four different ways? The controller dial, controller button, steering wheel and radio itself?
Infiniti like most makes is trying unsuccessfully to have blend both wood trim and aluminum in the cabin, real of fake (most makes are adopting fake materials and doing a poor job, not only Infiniti. Infiniti, has removed the plastic covering from it's wood trim thus removing the luster or shine and having it look more like kitchen cabinets, very dull looking.
The seat piping which as stated before by another owner is a Vinyl inlay, the Q also has this interior treatment. If you want the piped look just do it, why the knock off?
My overall feelings, were that granted the car may drive like a dream, I have yet to drive one, will it's dynamics wow you and make you forget everything else you personally do not like about the car? You still have to look at the interior everyday. While the exterior is clean, crisp and looks like the G in many ways, very good looking and aggressive from all angles. Infiniti hasn't raised it's level of materials inside, (Even though they state in their advertisements "Advanced materials") to that of Lexus, Audi, Benz or BMW.
For any of you owners that have actually cross shopped the M with the Lexus GS, and the German makes, why did you ultimately choose or settle for the Infiniti??? Infiniti is still is trying to imitate rather then lead!
http://www.palmone.com/us/support/downloads/treo650carkitupdate/
Good luck, and enjoy your new car.
While the interiors are awesome, what I want from a car if reliablity and performance with good looks inside and out as well. The differential between the interior and exterior looks for Infiniti and the others is not material in my eyes. But relability for Infiniti clearly exceeds all you mentioned but Lexus. Also the price for performance delivered for Infiniti is tops of the ones you noted. My view on reliability and price to performance is supported by JD Powers and the car magazine reviews, less subjective than looks. The difference in interior and exterior looks is subjective. Also some like to own a brand that has a long heritage of being high end and performance, so that is why all these cars are selling.
Thank you
The two Q45's I kept to long mileage had no maintenance issues up to 100k miles. After 100k miles I did replace some parts which were worn out. But I consider that normal wear and tear on a car that is 7 to 10 years old. The part replacement was done at the dealership and wasn't inexpensive.
The bottom line is, other than a dead battery or an occasional flat, all 7 Q's and my G35 have all been ready to run when I get in and turn the key. My maintenance experience has been great and matches what either JD Powers or Consumers Report shows for Infiniti.
The Infiniti controller is a must if you have the Nav and the DVD systems, and is particularly useful for navigating menus, etc. I don't see how having redundant controls that can be accessed via the controller OR by a dedicated knob (like the volume) OR by a steering wheel control OR by voice command could possibly be a disadvantage! Use the one you like. What IS a problem is having no redundant controls and having to wade through menus to change a radio station or cabin temperature (iDrive anyone?!)
I cross-shopped 5-series, A6 and GS and think the M's interior holds up well. It beats the 5-series interior hands down, and is at least as nice as that of the GS and A6.
IMO, the M offers stellar performance, a great interior, loads of gadgetry, a great driving experience, and nice exterior for thousands less than comparably equipped competitors. If that's settling, then sign me up.
However, I have a black M with the bourbon interior. I do not notice the color differences except when I concentrate on them. While driving, I see only light shades (as in the oustide world and the headliner). When operating controls, I see the dark shades. At night, the headliner looks dark, of course.
I am very pleased with the stone Interior on my black car.
I am really bummed to discover that according to consumer affairs at Infiniti, there are no plans to offer Bluetooth support for the Treo 650. This is one of the most popular smartphones on the market. Is this possible? I can't imagine Infiniti's marketing overlooked the fact that a good chunk of potential customers for the new M will be Treo owners.
=============
According to many posts on other forums, the treo works as well with the M as any other phone. You just have to get the Treo's software "bluetooth upgrade kit" at the PalmOne site.
Many Treo users have reported being very happy with it. I really do like my Treo.
Pete
This car is very luxurious feeling when driving it tame but when you push it hard, it blows your socks off. Great acceleration and handling as well as body rigidity. The interior size and V8 sound are great. I park the car in the garage next to my 2002 Q45
=================
I love my 2003 Q45 as well. If you wouldn't mind, I'd really like to hear a detailed Q45 vs M45 comparison from you, given your two week driving experience.
Pete
Well said. I agree with you completely.
why did you ultimately choose or settle for the Infiniti??? Infiniti is still is trying to imitate rather then lead!
========
I have owned 4 LS400's, an LS430, and now have a 2003 Q45. Before I bought my Q45, I rented an S500 for a week to see which I liked better.
The Q was vastly better in so many, many ways. If I had kept the LS430, or gotten the S500, I would have been settling. I decided NOT to settle and got the only large luxury sedan that i really loved, the Q.
As far as who's leading and who's following:
When I bought my Q, it had the following features which we're NOT available on the Lexus at that time, you may have noticed that lexus has followed infiniti in employing each of these technologies:
1)Voice control (and it worked simply and naturally
2)Rear view Monitor
3)Adaptive Cruise control
4)Satellite radio
My Q handled better, and had much more comfortable steering, and the Lexus didn't have any features that the Q didn't have.
Now look at the M45 and the GS.
1) The M is faster
2) The M handles better
3) The M has much more passenger room
4) The M has much more trunk space
5) The M has a DVD system
6) The M has an AUX input to play iPods.
7) The M plays MP3/WMA CD's
8) The M has Lane Departure Warning
9) The M has head lights that look around corners
10) The M has Nav which will let you supply voice destinations while driving.
11) The M's rear view monitor has curved lines predictively showing your car's turning path in reverse.
12) The M plays DVD audio with 5.1 surround sound that's killer.
13) The M will let you turn OFF your vehicle stability control system.
and On, and ON.
I'm sure future Lexus models will be following in infiniti's footsteps as they have before, in employing most of these technologies.
For the record, I greatly prefer the M's interior to Lexus, BMW or Mercedes.
As for mercedes and BMW, their tech goodies and NAV are a very serious embarrassment compared to the Infiniti.
Pete
Also how does the Aux inputs in the backseat work with an ipod?
Thanks
Can someone give me the 0-60, 1/4 mile times, and slalom for the:
M35
M35x
M45
Thanks,
Aceman
Thanks
Pete, please do not state inaccuracies. Lexus models in general have offered many of the tech features you describe above, before model year 2005-06. As far as following, my comments were more in line with design, although, technology innovations is a fair argument as well. Has Infiniti developed hybrid technology yet???
0-60
C&D M45 Sport 5.6 (Feb 05) M45 Sport 5.5 (May 05)
R&T M45 Sport 5.3 (Feb 05)
MT M35 Non-sport 6.3 (Mar 05)
1/4 mile
C&D M45 Sport 14.2@101 (Feb 05) M45 Sport 14.2@100 (May 05)
R&T M45 Sport 13.8@101.6 (Feb 05)
MT M35 Non-sport 14.7@92.8 (Mar 05)
Slalom
R&T M45 Sport 65.4 (Feb 05)
MT M35 Non-sport 64.4 (Mar 05)
I'm sure we'll see a load more road tests of these in coming issues.
Pete, please do not state inaccuracies. Lexus models in general have offered many of the tech features you describe above, before model year 2005-06. As far as following, my comments were more in line with design, although, technology innovations is a fair argument as well. Has Infiniti developed hybrid technology yet???
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In response to your claim that "infiniti just imitates", my post indicated features that were in a Q45 before they were in a Lexus, (not about a 2005-2006 Q)
It also indicated features that are in the 2006 M before being in any lexus.
Since you're being very specific with hybrid as though it's a rebuttal, but with NONE of my "inaccuracies" I'll it take you don't actually have any to point out?
Pete
"It also indicated features that are in the 2006 M before being in any lexus."
Did I miss something here, Petey??? Have you actually looked at what Lexus, BMW, etc have to offer in terms of technology or no one has these features until Infiniti does?
What about VVTi years back???
Tech features for example, such as DVD entertainment have been in the LS and RX for years, they also place it nicely off to the side in the LS so the driver can still use the rear view mirror.
The swiveling headlamps are also in the RX, they run commercials day and night about this feature.
Using faster or HP, is grossly overrated by manufacturers, a dyno is needed to compare differences.
Rear view cameras are available in the RX, not actually sure who was "first", although for a $300 aftermarket add-on, does it really matter. The RX offers push button automatic rear hatch.....you see how we can keep going back and forth, not very productive.
Also points such as trunk space is a little harder to evaluate since shape of the trunk is actually more of a defining factor as opposed to the cubic feet you reference. Space cut into by the wheel wells from example should be considered.
Again, my opinions are just that, I'm not looking to bash the M, I think it's a quality vehicle. I was looking for subjective reviews, as opposed to defenses. I look at the old Q as you reference and as many agree, C&D, it's a quality vehicle that tried more to imitate. I like the M, and when I look at build quality, maybe I see things others do not care about or do not notice. The finish on the wood people refer to as matte, I find it dull, the plastics look of a cheaper grade, other's state they are advanced.
I'm not remotely trying to "one up you" as you see it Pete, but my lack of a response, was more due to your stating who was there first, without really knowing who was.