Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2008 Infiniti M45 Sedan and it is a very streetwise car that is easy to get used to even if the payment would be tough to take for most of us. But I have to tell you all the neat toys will suck you in. Like what’s not to fall in love with – the Keyless fob in your pocket or purse and you press a small button on the door handle to open the doors, and then start the car with the fob still in your pocket or purse. Or could it be the other 21st century gadgets like satellite traffic alerts, cruise control with a distance sensor to monitor the car in front of you so it can apply the brakes or accelerator to maintain a pre-set speed. Another new innovation is a sensor to detect drift from lane to lane. Clearly it won’t be long before our cars drive themselves and we’ll just be along for the ride.
Although the Navigation system is very nice, I still think I would buy a portable Garmin for much less money. On the other hand, the tire monitor is best purchased as optional equipment if it is not standard, especially with the very popular low profile tires. It doesn’t take much to peal them right off the rims if they are run low. By the way, aftermarket tire monitor systems are available.
In short, people who must have the latest and greatest electronic wizardry will buy this Infiniti M45.
General Info:
Parts – n/a
Assembly – Los Angeles, CA USA
Class: – Large Cars
Cars: – EX, FX G35, G37, M & QX56
I saw a great personalized license plate 20Y MAKR. It took me a while but I finally got it. How about you?
Handling & Performance:
Lots of power and good handling for a sedan.
Styling:
Very similar to most of the competition in appearance. And even though it is pricey, this is some kind of luxury car. It is very relaxing to drive with all the pampering high tech features.
In fact, when I stepped into the next test car without all the neat features, I found myself reaching for the high tech stuff on this M45 which is when you find out how much you miss NOT having such conveniences.
Fit and Finish:
Excellent.
Cost:
Pricey… but competitive with those listed here
Consumer Recommendation:
If you like high-tech gadgets you’re going to want to look at the Infiniti line.
Recognized Competition:
Infiniti M45 $43-52,000, BMW 5-Series $44-59,000, Acura RL $46-54,000, Mercedes Benz E-Class $51-85,000, Saab 9-5 $37-38,000, Audi A6 $43-56,000, Volvo S80 $39-49,000, Lexus GS $44-53,000.
Good News:
Fantastic technology, luxurious nice handling powerful sedan.
Bad News:
Pricey, disappointing fuel economy.
Standard Equipment:
4.5 liter 325 horsepowerV8 engine, variable intake valve timing control, five speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, rear wheel drive, double wishbone suspension power assist four-wheel ABS disc brakes, brake force distribution, vehicle speed sensitive power steering, fog lights, rain sensing windshield wipers, five spoke aluminum alloy wheels, power sliding glass moon roof, heated power mirrors, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, climate control including driver and front passenger seats, leather wrapped steering wheel with controls for audio Bluetooth and cruise control, analog clock, leather appointed seats, memory system for drivers seat, mirrors and steering wheel, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, 10 way power front seats with power lumbar, dual zone automatic temperature control, folding rear center armrest with pass-through, HomeLink universal controller, XM satellite radio, audio system with 6 disc CD and MP3 & WMA playback, Radio data system, vehicle dynamic control, traction control, brake assist, advanced airbag system with supplemental front side air bags and roof mounted curtain side supplemental bags, child LATCH (lower anchors and tether system, vehicle security system and immobilizer and tire pressure monitoring system.
Options:
Advanced technology package including Bose surround sound with 14 speakers, intelligent cruise control, Lane departure warning system & prevention system, DVD audio video drive – $2800; Sport package including rear active Steer, sport tuned suspension, aluminum trim, 19 inch aluminum alloy wheels, sport steering wheel and shift knob -$1650; Technology Package including hard drive navigation system with touch screen, Lane guidance, XM real-time traffic information 9.3 music box hard drive and compact flash slot for MP3 and WMA files (replaces 6-CD changer), rear view monitor interface system for iPod and Infiniti voice recognition – $3350.
$3.18/ Gal avg. Feb 18, ‘07
for more information.
16 City and 21 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $49,350.
