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Considering where Nissan/Infiniti was financially not too long ago, the company’s turnaround is amazing. Nissan accomplished this reversal of fortunes by delivering first class, innovative, exciting products that consumers were eager to buy. Any auto manufacturer that moans about how long it takes to get new products into the pipeline should study the product planners at Nissan/Infiniti.
On the Infiniti side of the lineup, the G-series sedans and coupes and the M-series sedans are prime examples of great cars with attractive prices. They’re solidly built and solid values. And, they’re great fun to drive.
Walkaround: The Infiniti M35 and M45 (V6 and V8 powered, respectively) sedans were restyled for 2008. They received new front, rear, and side styling. The interior was freshened as well. The result is a pair of very handsome sport/luxury midsize sedans.
We tested the M35x with AWD. It’s always been an outstanding car from a technology and luxury standpoint and now it has handsome styling, too.
Interior: The M35x is great overall, but it excels at engineering and interior design/execution. The interior is where the luxury component of the sport/luxury sedan is most evident. The luxury levels are much higher than you’d expect in this price segment. The M35x over delivers on luxury and quality.
The front seats are the place to be, but rear seat comfort is fine for the two outboard passengers. A tall driveline tunnel affects the middle position comfort. Trunk and storage room is adequate, but not spectacular.
Under The Hood: The M35x is a precision machine that appeals to buyers who care about what’s under the hood. A fine version of the ubiquitous, multi-purpose VQ-series 3.5-liter V6 fills the engine bay. This silky smooth, easy-revving engine is a marvelous powerplant. In the M-series it produces 280 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. All M-series come with an excellent 5-speed automatic transmission.
The automatic is almost manual-like when placed in manual shift mode. It has downshift rev matching, which is great fun. It sounds like you’re an expert at throttle blipping and downshifting.
The AWD is ideal for the variable driving conditions in this part of the country. On dry surfaces, the AWD behaves like a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. When wheel spin is sensed, the system automatically transitions to AWD sending power where it’s most needed. There is a Snow Mode console control to lock in a 50/50 front/rear power split for snowy conditions.
Behind The Wheel: The Infiniti M35x is a driver’s car. It’s exciting and exhilarating to drive. It likes to be pushed hard, but it’s also perfectly content to cruise placidly. The ride is firm and controlled, but not harsh. The M35x is a little firmer than the non-AWD versions. The brakes are excellent and the AWD adds greatly to confidence levels.
The fit, finish, material quality, and overall comfort of the interior play a big part in making the driving experience so pleasurable.
Whines: While the base price is the lowest in this segment, like every other car, the myriad of option packages can run the cost up if you’re not careful.
Bottom Line: There is much to like about the 2008 Infiniti M35x. It exceeds expectations at just about every level. Even fully loaded, it still retails for seven to eight thousand less than a comparable BMW — plus has a better warranty.
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