by Dan Lyons/autoMedia.com

Nowhere in autodom are manufacturers forced to keep more balls in the air than with luxury performance sedans. Here, buyers want it all—luxury, technology, safety, utility, performance, and comfort. And, why not? Stickers in this segment hover in the $50,000 to $60,000 range, so it makes sense that along with high prices come lofty expectations that are mostly met by a long list of elite competitors like the Acura RL, Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Jaguar S-Type, Lexus GS430, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Infiniti's entry in this high-class class is the M45.

Styling

The new M rolls on Nissan's FM platform, the same chassis that underpins the Infiniti G35, FX and the Nissan 350Z. Introduced in February as an early 2006 model, the M is offered in five versions ranging from $41,290-$50,200. Three of the five are designated M35, powered by a 280-hp, 3.5-liter V-6, and available in Base, Sport and All-Wheel-Drive variations. Two M45 models round out the lineup; both Base and Sport Sedan models are rear-wheel-drive only, and powered by the 4.5-liter, 335-hp V-8. Sport Sedans, like the one we tested, are equipped with Rear Active Steer and 19-inch rolling stock. A 5-speed automatic with a manual shift mode is mated to both the V-6 and V-8 engines.

Certain elements of the Infiniti's shape are almost standards in the segment—the sloping nose and tall tail, for example, and the curving, coupe-like roofline. To this, Infiniti adds their styling stamp with asymmetrical head and taillights, and a wide, flat grille. The new M is shorter and wider than the previous version. It's taller, too, with wheels tugged close to the corners, accenting the big tires. Side on, the M's size (16-feet long) and stance project a presence you would expect (but don't always find) in cars of this caliber.

Interior

Inside, the M45 has a handsome, spacious cabin with seating for five in good comfort. Leather sport seats in our tester were wrapped in a buckskin color that contrasted nicely with an interior done otherwise mostly in black. Handsome wood trim injects added class into the cabin. The rosewood appointments are elegant and the low sheen finish avoids automakers' traditional blunder of polishing wood trim so highly that it is indistinguishable from plastic. The main gauges are grouped in a bright-work trimmed, yellow lit, 4-binnacle cluster. The topside of the center stack has the typically large array of buttons you expect in luxury cars, about average in the driver distraction index. The 7-inch LCD display screen parked at center stage is used for the optional navigation system and available rear view monitor. If you opt not to equip your M with these features, the screen is still where you'll find the display for all basic vehicle information, though you're left with a sense of untapped potential; sort of like having a wide screen TV with no cable service.

Electronics abound inside. Keyless ignition, tire pressure monitoring, and Bluetooth Wireless Technology are standard equipment. Available extras include adaptive cruise control, heated/cooled front seats, heated power reclining rear seats and a 14-speaker Bose Studio Surround sound system. Inboard storage spots consist of aptly named map pockets in the front doors and a multi-level center console. Outboard cargo goes in the trunk, a class competitive 14.9-cubic feet with space-saver spare (11.4 with full-size tire) with a smallish mouth and a center pass-through useful for skis or similar long, skinny items.

Power

The "FM" in the platform designation stands for Front Midship, suggesting the placement of the engine, behind the front axle, for better weight distribution. The M45 tips the scales at a tad under two tons (3,995 lbs. for the Sport Sedan), split 54-percent front/46-percent rear. One benefit of the FM platform over the former Q45 chassis is that it's far stiffer with a 40-percent increase in torsional rigidity. The suspension is an independent, double wishbone design up front, with multilink rear. Sport models get tighter tuning as well as Rear Active Steer. Using electronic input on steering angle and vehicle speed, the system adjusts the geometry of the rear suspension to optimize handling.

The combination of a tight chassis, compliant suspension and onboard electronics (Vehicle Dynamic Control, Rear Active Steer) yields a fine road car. Fast and smooth at highway speeds, the M45 is also agile for its size, with exemplary ride quality. An optional Lane Departure System (LDS) helps drowsy or distracted drivers keep it between the lines by audibly alerting them of unintended lane departures. Activating a turn signal notifies the system of an intentional lane change and temporarily disables LDS. A manual override switch will disengage the system as well. The 4.5-liter, 340-hp V-8 carries over from last model year. It is a muscular motor, capable of sub 6-second 0-60 runs and able to turn the quarter mile in the low 14-second range.

Mid-luxury cars are rolling showcases for their makers' wares, and the M45 is a package placed firmly in the first tier of its competitive set. The interior is refined and sophisticated, the driveline smooth and powerful. The M has the requisite room and ride quality for first class transport, perfect when you've got a car full of guests. The suspension is tight enough to entertain, when it's just you and a few well-chosen curves. Boulevard or back roads, the M measures up very well. (www.infiniti.com)

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