Infiniti M35/M45 2006+

mista662 · January 2005

I will be buying a new car very soon. I was pretty much set on the RL until I saw pics of the new M and started reading about it. After some research I am leaning in the M's direction now, but still have to drive both. Have likes and dislikes about both, but if the M drives like I have read, I might be able to overlook the dislikes.

Anyways, do you guys think they will try to go way over sticker on these or let them go at MSRP? I know the Acura dealer here are starting at MSRP price. I really hope Infiniti dealers dont try to milk every pennt out of these.

toramo · January 2005

Like the RL, the M35/45 is in a very tough market segment. The overall market for $45K+ sedans just isn't that large. Add that to the fact that we've got new or updated models in this segment from Acura, Audi, Mercedes (E350), Cadillac (STS) and soon Lexus. I see the new M selling below MSRP two or three months after the initial launch. That's what's happening to the RL, at least here in the DC area.

drewsrx · January 2005

It looks like Infiniti is seriously out to get everyone. They just won their first comparison test.

Motor Trend $45k Luxury Car Comparison Test

March 2005 Issue

1. Infiniti M35 (Base, Non-Sport)

2. Acura RL

3. BMW 530i Sport 6MT

4. Cadillac STS V6

5. Audi A6 3.2 Quattro

6. Jaguar S-Type 3.0

M35 Performance:

0-60 MPH - 6.3 Seconds

1/4 Mile - 14.7 @ 92 MPH

60-0 - 118 ft

Slalom - 64.4 MPH

Skidpad - 0.86G

mista662 · January 2005

Where did you find the March Motor Trend? I thought Feb. issue just came out, I did read the article about the M45 in that issue though.

cheerioboy26 · January 2005

MT is usualy the first out each month, a week or so before C&D and R&T.

Someone posted a correction elsewhere, said the Audi was 4th and the STS 5th.

drewsrx · January 2005

Yup, here are the correct results:

1st Place - Infiniti M35 (Base, Non-Sport)

2nd Place - Acura RL

3rd Place - BMW 530i Sport 6MT

4th Place - Audi A6 3.2 quattro

5th Place - Cadillac STS V6

6th Place - Jaguar S-Type 3.0

I am really surprised that the March issue of Motor Trend is out so eary. I just read the M45 review that they did in February.

merc1 · January 2005

Interesting reading here about choices. I guess they couldn't get an Mercedes E350 or Lexus GS300 in time huh?

M

lexusguy · January 2005

I havent seen the GS300 anywhere. Hopefully one of the mags will hold until it finally debuts so that a full comparison can be done.

gabman · January 2005

I saw the GS 300 at the auto show this weekend however it was on an elevated platform with a do not touch sign on it. Spoke to a sales rep who informeded me that price will be about CAD $68,000.00. I don't understand it, our dollar has appreciated in the last year and a half by about 25 -30% and these cars just keep skyrocketing in price. I wonder when they will just price themselves out of the market.

By the way, anyone that has seen the M45 at the various auto shows, please note that these show cars are preproduction models and actual stock cars may differ a bit. I was playing with the DVD screen on Saturday when I realized the whole screen was a fake mock up. I am told that there should not be any major differences, but expect some.

mista662 · January 2005

Has anyone seen any pictures of the M with its optional spoiler on it?

ceric · January 2005

Hi,

I don't have the spoiler of the Infiniti-M, but it does not hurt to look at the Fuga's versions...

http://www.nissan.co.jp/OPTIONAL-PARTS/FUGA/car.html

bartalk2 · January 2005

Can you elaborate a little on the MT review of the M35? Pluses, minuses, etc? Strengths compared to other vehicles, etc?

gbabaluk · January 2005

Hi Gabman;

Well, with the MotorTrend comparison, I am not surprised that the "little m(M35)" beat all those cars but it is nice to see that it beat the $71,500CDN Acura RL and it was the base M35 which retails for about $56,000CDN!

I rest my case about that RL being grossly over priced for the Canadian market. RL is a nice car but not $15,000CDN nicer.

The M45 should be something else! Can't wait for the tests on the M45! Not sure what cars they will put up against it. ANy ideas?

Have a great day;

Babs

drewsrx · January 2005

Here are some info from the Motor Trend Comparison Test:

Acura RL Comments:

"Several staffers preferred the RL's blend of luxury and performance, but others felt it lacks the visceral immediacy and tactile feedback to the steering, throttle, and brakes that are hallmarks of a true drivers car. Second place but barely."

BMW 530i Sport 6MT Comments:

"Like all BMW sedans over the last three decades , the 530i leaves no doubt that it is a drivers car. It has great poise, finely balanced weight distribution, and a turbine smooth in line six, and it tied for first place in Motor trend's figure eight test."

"So why isn't the 530i the overall winner? We found the middle BMW polarizing, some editors enjoying its harder edges but many flummoxed by the unpredictability of its Active Steering, confused by obtuse iDrive functions, and repelled by its "flame-buoyant" styling. And all agreed that the third place 530i offers the least value for the money"

Infiniti M35 Comments:

"You'll find those qualities, and more, in the first place finisher, the Infiniti M35. Though not as powerful as the Acura RL, the M35 proved the quickest, thanks to lower weight and closer ratio gearing."

"No wonder the M35 smoked the competition in acceleration test and tied for first with the sport package equipped 530i in braking and the figure eight test."

"Superb weight balance and pinpoint steering make this sport sedan a willing partner on any road you care to choose."

"The Infiniti's front-midship layout provides near-perfect weight balance, and the chassis communicates texture and grain that makes the driving experience all the richer."

"Of course, the Infiniti's cabin is hushed and exquisitely trimmed in rich leather , real wood, and techno toys , but look, traffic just cleared. Time to put down the joystick and grip that steering wheel. When the road is yours, and yours alone you'll want to be behind the wheel of the Infiniti M35."

0-60 MPH Times

Infiniti M35 (Non-Sport) - 6.3

Acura RL - 6.7

BMW 530i Sport 6MT - 6.8

Cadillac STS V6 - 6.8

Audi A6 3.2 - 7.3

Jaguar S-Type 3.0 - 7.8

bartalk2 · January 2005

Thanks for the summary. Suprised the 530 did so poorly, but the BMW magic is definitely fading in this country, with growing competition from Infiniti, Acura, Lexus, Cadillac, etc., and unless the new 330i can restore some of the past glory, their sales are going to fall sharply.

lexusguy · January 2005

Im more surprised with the poor second to last acceleration of the A6 3.2. Isnt this engine supposed to replace the A6 2.7T? Its performance is closer to the old A6 3.0.

mariner7 · January 2005

Actually BMW acquited itself very well, as usual. The 3.0 tested is the old one, with 220 horses. With the new 250 horses, it probably will come very close to M. I'm surprised A6, with 250+, didn't do better, but that quattro is heavy. Jag doesn't play in the same league. I'm impressed with STS. MB must have refused to provide E320, which wouldn't have fared well. Is E350 available yet?

senneca01 · January 2005

Old one? What old one? The E60 530i that was tested is the current car on sale at dealers right now. There is a 530i coming in the future with a revised 3.0 I6, but there will also be a revised M35 in the future as well. It will probably have 300+ HP and drive even better than it does now. In this context, it really makes no sense IMHO to talk about cars that are not here right now.

Everything potentialy gets better as future cars come along. The current 530i came in 3rd, plain and simple, no need for excuses. The E350 is not available yet here, and is not on sale. Are you sure BMW acquited itself very well, as usual? The E60 has not done that well in a USDM comparision test since its inception. The E39 and E46 always did well, AS USUAL, I agree. But, the past is history.

jerry horton · January 2005

I was actually considering getting the 530, but my wife will be driving our next car the most, and being that she is not computer savvy, I figured the iDrive would be a bad choice. I did have a chance to sit in the M at the L.A. Autoshow, and mess around with the Inifiti Controller, and it seems easier to use than even Audi's MMI. Combine that with the redundant controls on the steering wheel, and I believe you have a winner. I hope my wife likes it.....

crazy88 · January 2005

From what I've read and the pictures I've seem so far..the M35 is one impressive automobile. This car has what I want in a car: good performance + luxurious roomy interior. My thing is that I'm really looking for a car with G35 price range. While I could afford a M35, it would certainly be a blow for my bank account. So my questions would be:

1. Is it worth another 10, 15 grands to get a M35 instead of G35?

and

2. Is it possible to get a M35 at below MSVP?

I suppose you would need to test drive both cars to decide(I've driven the g35), just thought it would be interesting to know what you think.

thanks

bartalk2 · January 2005

What marriner7 meant by an "old" 5 series is that within a few months, probably before summer, the 530i engine will be replaced. That's imminent enough not to be considered the indefinite future.

lexusguy · January 2005

Not really. A few extra ponies wont fix Active Steering, or iDrive, or the styling, and wont be enough for it to beat the RL in the eyes of the automags. BMW was beaten this time, plain and simple. Rome fell. So did the mighty 5 series.

mariner7 · January 2005

M35 has half liter on 530. A fairer fight would be between M45 and 545. But looks like 5 is the one best able to uphold German honor. I expect the performance competition among M/RL/GS to be much closer than among the Germans.

The STS hasn't beat anyone worth its salt yet. S type is an antique piece.

lexusguy · January 2005

Its the biggest V6 BMW offers as of this minute. Its not Infiniti's fault that the Germans are slow to push V6 displacement. The CTS didnt really beat anyone either. Im not really surprised by the STS's showing. There are still plenty of "buy americans" that will buy plenty of them anyway. For what its worth, it IS a lot better car than the Seville was.

gabman · January 2005

As a current G35 owner about to move up to the M35

I can tell you that these are two completly different cars. I loved my G35, it was a first generation (2003), have driven it for 3 years. before I decided on the M35, i was leaning towards getting a 2005 G35. I like what they have done to the G35 in 2005, new interior and front end. I have of late found the G35 to be a bit small, for some reason the seat tracks are short and it would have been nice if I would have been able to move the seat back another inch or two. Perhaps the fact that I have been out shopping for cars and have decided to move up to the Mid luxury level from the entry level I am noticing the room that this segment has to offer.

I will be getting an M35 AWD, here in Canada the price difference between the G and the M is less than 10k, more like 8K so the move up for me is not so harsh.

All I can say is that they both fine cars and you have to decide where to draw the line. Also it depends if you plan to lease or buy. Keep in mind the M is a 2006 whereas the G is a 2005 so either way you gain some value with the M. If you plan to lease, the lease rates should be better on the M than the G and the price difference may not be as much as you think, given the better residual value on the 2006 M. If you buy and plan to flip this car after 3 - 4 years, one would think the resale on a 2006 would be better than on a 2005, this all depends on what the final verdict will be on the M once it is received by the public.

In any case, good luck with your choice and if you have any questions on the G I would be happy to help.

lexusguy · January 2005

In my honest opinion, both cars are the best in their respective segments. I've driven the '05 G35x and loved the exhaust note, the new cabin, and the cars tossability, which is unusual for an AWD car. It was quite a fun experience.

crazy88 · January 2005

G35 is indeed a fine car. I was surprised to see that infiniti ties with MB for the top overall quality brand for 2004 according to MSN auto.

http://autos.msn.com/advice/article.aspx?contentid=4020223&sr- c=LP

But like you, I too find the interior of G35 a bit too small. M35 is really a better choice for me even if it can't perform/handle as well as G35. There's one post in the neighboring discussion speculates that there might be discounts for the M in the future b/c this segment is so competitive. I won't mind taking an advantage of it if that happens.

A few questions on the G. Does it keep you comfortable in a long trip say 3, 4 hours of driving and how's the noise level on the highway.

thanks

gabman · January 2005

There is a glowing article in today's Toronto Star, sorry but link to it is not working. To read it do a Google search - Infinti M35

You will see first item is the news clipping- Toronto Star. Keep in mind that the savings noted over competition are in Canadian dollars.

"INFINTI SHOWS OTHERS HOW TO DO IT"

lexusguy · January 2005

Curiously I dont believe the RL and its $72K canadian tag were mentioned.

jrock65 · January 2005

"One place where the M does have the BMW soundly thrashed is the interior. Whether you choose the matte-finished rosewood trim, or the brushed aluminum trim, the Infiniti is a vastly more attractive, better finished environment, made from much higher quality materials."

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/L- ayout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1106825769524&call_- pageid=970599119419

gabman · January 2005

Actually, there is a reference to the RL towards the end of the article. The author states that

a fully fully loaded M35X with the Entertainment Package, (5.1 Surround Sound system, 14 speakers, even in the seats, The Premium Package ( Nav, intelligent Cruise control, Lane departure warning,heated rear seats, IS STILL $3500.00 under the Acura RL. These option costs many thousands if added to the M35X.

I think the author realized all this and that is

why he only just made a broad reference that if you load an M35X up with every conceivable option that is available it still come out $3500.00 less than the Acura RL

gabman · January 2005

jrock65

Thanks for posting the correct link, I guess my knowledge of cars far exceeds my knowledge of computers.

gabman · January 2005

Crazy 88

Sorry for late reply. I have taken 10 hour trips in my G35 and can honestly say that with two people in the front, they were very comfortable trips, no driver fatigue..... Now ask my 15 year old son who is 6'+ to reply to your question and you will get a very different answer concerning his back seat experience. He prefers to fly (lol).

Noise wise, always prefer summer driving with all seasons compared to winter tires. Truthfully, never had a problem with noise level, except for the trips with you know who.

There is a link from a post above to an article in today's Toronto star. The reporter pretty well summed up your questions G35 or M35, take a look at it.

jerry horton · January 2005

I was looking at the available accessories on the Fuga site, and saw the white taillights. I think those would be more attractive than the stock ones. I just think that is a lot of red, if you dont have the Crimson Roulette. What do you guys think the chances of getting those over here are?

achadha · January 2005

Has anyone seen pics of the M without the nav system, just wanted to see how the lcd screen looked. I hope it doesnt look the way the Murano and the maxima look

equan1 · January 2005

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/pw/06infiniti_m.htm

gabman · January 2005

From all the articles which are surfacing in the last few days, it would appear that every Auto Journalist in the world was is Scottsdale, Arizona last week previewing the M 35/45. I always wondered who pays their way to such events? Hmmmmm ,

now that I think about it, I have not read one single negative comment about this car. Could it be?

All I know is, that if it was me, I would have cut out early with my clubs and hit the links in Scottsdale.

Another 2 weeks and you people will hear an unbiased, potential owners first drive experience of the highly recommended M35.

gabman · January 2005

I have been having trouble getting into this forum

since yesterday despite having tried on different computers. If anyone else is having the same trouble you can gain access by doing a GOOGLE search for "Infinti M35" there is a link around 4 or 5 items down which will provide access to this thread without any problems.

Gabman

Kirstie_H · January 2005

The problem has been fixed.

gabman · January 2005

Hi Kirstie_h

Sorry but I beg to differ. There is no problem accessing Edmunds home page, however I cannot get into FORUM, am only able to access via the GOOGLE link that I described. I think that you should look into this as you can see there is an absence of any new posts here except for mine.

Thanks, GABMAN

gabman · January 2005

For anyone that has managed to gain access to this deserted place, our host has been advised of the problem and is hard at work to find a fix.

jrock65 · January 2005

This review has some good interior shots of the M.

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/pw/06infiniti_m.htm

"Also available is a superb Studio Surround Sound Bose DVD audio system with digital 5.1-channel decoding and 14 speakers including two personal speakers mounted in the shoulders of each front seat. This system offers such an exceptional listening experience that it will be the subject of a future article."

This is like the 5th time that a review has highly praised the sound system. I'm definitely curious.

markcincinnati · January 2005

Abandon IE, use Netscape (7.2) -- I have trouble using Netscape, too, but at least it works.

I am on: Windows XP pro, latest and greatest PTF's, newest version of Netscape (and IE, too). This site is so slow, I always assumed it was because it was so popular. Perhaps that is the reason. If you want to check out to see if it is the site or not, try going to www.google or www.usatoday or some site that YOU know is always (apparently) consisitent.

Edmunds is going through growing pains, or so it seems -- as long as I don't use IE, for the most part, things are fine (also, the spyware is reduced since everyone seems to target IE).

Back to the "M" or "G" or "RL" or cars, etc. -- already in progress.

Out of frustration at being unable to drive either the Chrysler 300C AWD or the Acura RL (although on my lunch hour today, I drove by the dealer and they seem to have an RL on display), my wife and I drove a 2005 Infiniti G35 AWD (with all the toys).

The sound system was the only "B" feature, and even it improved when we switched to Sirius demo channels (we did not bring along a CD, something we usually do). This was my first real experience with a non German car -- we were mighty impressed (then we found the price: $555 per month for 36 months MSRP $39,410, no money down.) My wife's $41,000 Audi @ 36 months [leased in 2002] is $710. I know, I know, that was then, this was now -- but the German cars still seem to be way out of line from the perspective of a lease.

If the Acura is anywhere near as impressive as the Infiniti G35x (which I fully expect it to be, and then some) and the MoPmt tracks -- WOW. The M35x ought to be a winner too!

The A6 is still coming in a a number beginning with an "8"!

Yeeow!!!

gabman · January 2005

Seems Edmunds have fixed the problem and access all around their site is now lightening fast using explorer. perhaps it is because no one else was able to get on and it is just you and me, next few days will tell the story.

Lease on an M35 in USA will probably surprise you, cost here in Canada on a 48 month lease is in high $800.00, but hey this is Canada and everything costs more here.

Given that the M35 is a 2006 and residuals should be around 58%, I think that you may find that you can get into an M35 for not much more than the G35X. I just heard that our cars may be coming in early as soon as this week. will keep you posted once I test drive.

From a $$ perspective the M35 will kill, the Audi A6, here the diff is over $300.00/ mo on a lease with not as much equipment on the A6.

As far as the drive goes, have to wait to get behind the wheel.

05buyer · January 2005

Has anyone noted within the many new reviews and articles on the M cars that the hood cowl on the 45 is bumped up above the 35 model ? I thought that I had read that somewhere and was wondering if anyone has had a chance to witness it in person or at minimum via pictures ............

lexusguy · January 2005

"Abandon IE, use Netscape (7.2) -- I have trouble using Netscape, too, but at least it works."

Netscape is a dead browser. For those sick of IE, I would suggest the Firefox browser, (www.getfirefox.com) which is what Netscape has become. Its MUCH better than Netscape ever was. There is also another alternative, Opera.

rcf8000 · January 2005

I believe what you read was that the G35 platform was modified to provide a higher cowl to accommodate the V8 engine. The cowl heights for the M35 and M45 are the same.

carnaught · February 2005

Has anyone pre-ordered one or gotten on a "waiting list" thus far?

docnukem · February 2005

Yes, I pre-ordered an M35x in the fall (black, bourbon/graphite interior). The dealer said it should be in the first week in March.

carnaught · February 2005

doc: If you don't mind, how knowlegeable was your dealer as to colors, options, and prices? Did you leave a non-refundable deposit? DId you pay sticker or above? Please share with us your impressions,etc. after taking ownership.

Thanks.

Infiniti M35/M45 2006+

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