The all-new 2006 Infiniti M, which will hit showrooms later this month, is a bold statement capturing the essence of what performance and luxury are all about in a sport sedan. I recently put it through its paces at a pre-launch press event in Arizona, and came away very impressed.

The Infiniti M is offered in five models: the M35 (V6 rear-wheel drive), M35 Sport (V6 rear-wheel drive with Rear Active Steer), M35x All-Wheel Drive (AWD — V6), M45 (V8 rear-wheel drive) and M45 Sport (V8 rear-wheel drive with Rear Active Steer).

Walkaround: From a design standpoint, like the G35, the M has dynamic visual appeal, with an aggressive, powerful profile that makes it look like it’s moving while standing still. Its wide stance, short overhangs, hood flowing into sculpted front fenders and fluid roofline all contribute to its powerful, muscular silhouette. Low profile tires riding on large 18 or 19-inch wheels complete the look.

The crystal-look headlight clusters, which turn when the vehicle does, add a luxurious touch, as do Infiniti’s L-shaped trademark LED tail lamps. The M also features lightweight body components, including aluminum-alloy inner and outer door panels, hood and decklid panels.

Interior: The M’s long wheelbase, short overhangs and increased overall width add up to a roomy interior as well as increased trunk volume. The new M’s interior design combines a driver-oriented cockpit with graceful, luxurious interior appointments. Leather is standard on all models, and there is beautiful, furniture-quality genuine rosewood trim standard on some, but available on all, models, as well as finished aluminum on the sport versions. There’s also a 10-way power driver’s seat, optional climate controlled front seats, heated power reclining rear seats and a sunroof.

The interior features an M-shaped instrument panel, inspired by a piano keyboard, with Infiniti’s signature amber illumination.

Technology: The wide center console houses the technology that’s the heart of this car. One great thing about the technology — unlike BMW’s, it’s intuitive, simple to use and also allows for extensive personalization. The Infiniti Intelligent Key system eliminates taking the key fob out of your pocket when locking and unlocking the doors or accessing the trunk, and the engine starts with the push of a button.

Other available features include RearView Monitor — a backup camera plays the scene on the center console-mounted 7-inch LCD scree. The DVD-based Navigation System offers a choice of flat and birds eye views, and also boasts a new user interface featuring voice-activated destination entry. The climate and audio controls are mounted on both the dash and steering wheel, and there’s an improved Vehicle Information System, Intelligent Cruise Control, and Bluetooth“ wireless technology.

Standard is an AM/FM in-dash 6-disc changer with MP3 playback capability. Optional is the kick-ass Bose® Studio Surround™ sound system with digital 5.1-channel decoding and 14 speakers — including two personal speakers mounted in the shoulders of each front seat. Although I admit a bias towards Bose, this is, without a doubt, the hottest audio system I’ve ever heard. Period.

The Infiniti M also includes the latest safety technology — an optional Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system — that recognizes lane markings and calculates vehicle speed and the lateral distance between the vehicle and the markings, generating an audible signal to warn the driver of a pending, unintended lane departure. Hitting the turn signal turns off the system, which also has a cancel switch.

Under The Hood: The new Infiniti M is available with a choice of V8 or V6 engines, with the vehicles designated M45 and M35 respectively.

The M45 features a 4.5-liter, DOHC 335 horse V8 it shares with the flagship Infiniti Q45 and FX45 crossover SUV. It’s rated at 340 lb-ft of torque.

The M35 boasts a 280 horse, DOHC 3.5-liter V6 rated at 270 lb-ft of torque, and is part of the award-winning VQ engine series also found in the G35 and FX35.

All Infiniti M models are equipped with an advanced 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, an all-new short-throw performance shifter, and downshift rev matching.

Behind The Wheel: The Infiniti M utilizes an enhanced version of the Front Mid-Ship (FM) platform currently used on the G35 sedan, coupe and FX. The FM platform situates the engine behind the front axle, resulting in optimized front-to-rear weight transfer balance — a major factor that defines handling characteristics. The large diameter wheels and tires are positioned out near the corners of the vehicle, further enhancing handling.

The suspension is independent double-wishbone up front and rear independent multi-link. The M35 Sport and M45 Sport models offer standard 19-inch wheels and tires (18-inchers are standard on non-Sport models), sport-tuned suspension and Rear Active Steer (RAS).

RAS is an electronic motor-driven control that defines the M Sport’s handling ability. It adjusts the geometry of the rear suspension according to steering input and vehicle speed, moving the rear wheels in the opposite direction of the front on turns, dramatically increasing high-speed response and stability. Every Infiniti M also features Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Infiniti’s version of traction control.

Steering on the M is precise, courtesy of a high-flow hydraulic boost system — without too much power boost, giving it a great road feel.

Although I usually opt for the horsepower, on our drive from Scottsdale out to Roosevelt Dam and back, I found myself preferring the AWD V6 M35x to the more powerful V8 M45. Over the mountains the V6 was exceptionally strong, and although there is a noticeable difference in acceleration, the V8 isn’t offered with Infiniti’s state-of-the-art AWD system. Its advanced torque split control automatically transfers optimum power to the wheels according to road and driving conditions, delivering sports car-like handling and cornering. My personal preference is to have the stability and handling offered by the AWD system — especially in bad weather — rather than the additional horses.

Whines: Personally, I believe some forms of technology are overkill. For example, I’m not sure how much use the LDW system will actually get, and I’m not a big fan of “intelligent” cruise control systems either. When you’re driving, pay attention to what you’re doing.

Bottom Line: The Infiniti M raises the bar in a market segment crowded with excellent machinery — Jaguar S-Type, Mercedes E-Class, Lexus GS, Audi A6, BMW 5-Series Cadillac STS and Acura RL. How much so was illustrated at this year’s Detroit Auto Show when a BMW executive was quoted as saying about the M, “We’re not going to let Infiniti out-BMW us.” This is a true driver’s car in every sense of the word, as well as a beautifully crafted luxury car — one that has me rethinking my personal lust for a Jaguar.