Why the 2008 Infiniti M35 Strikes Fear in its Eurosport Rivals

[AZhitman]

The 2008 Infiniti M35 drives like it has a chip on its shoulder!

The 2008 Infiniti M35 strives to be the best-of-the-best in the highly competitive sport sedan segment. A legacy of continuous improvement has produced a 2008 M35 that’s dying to give the competition a taste of their own medicine. By any measure—luxury, performance or technology—the 2008 Infiniti M35 more than measures up to the smug bunch from Europe.

With its powerful V6 engine, the M35 is pleasure on wheels. Enthusiast drivers will particularly like the M35 Sport, which features a firmer suspension and active rear steering. The all-wheel drive M35X adds an element of confidence and security on slippery roads without a significant toll in fuel economy.

Infiniti is known for its distinctive and sporty designs and the M35 fits that mold. In profile, the M35 has an “in-motion” wedge-like shape. Short overhangs at both ends of the body give the M its aggressive look. LED light clusters and quad tailpipes catch your eye at the rear. The titanium-hued, five-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels on the Sport models are particularly striking, as each spoke is made from two thinner spokes. The blacked-out headlight backgrounds help differentiate the Sport models in front.

The Infiniti M35 has one of the strongest V6 engines in its class. The 3.5-liter, 275 hp, high-torque V6 makes acceleration brisk and exciting. Part of the credit goes to the aluminum hood, doors and trunk lid that help lighten the M35 and lower its center of gravity. The five-speed automatic transmission works well and shifts quickly. Drivers who want more control can use the manual mode, which works better than similar systems in some cars thanks to a short-throw shift lever more akin to that of a manual transmission in a sportscar. Mileage is a gratifying 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway as estimated by the EPA.

Handling is an M35 strength. Underway, the M35 feels nimble and agile thanks to its relatively low weight and the electrically controlled rack-and-pinion power steering that is precise with good road-feel. The Sport models feature what Infiniti calls Rear Active Steer (RAS). This system turns the rear wheels up to one degree, which can't even be seen. This helps turn the car into a corner more quickly and helps stop it from sliding out on exit.

The standard M35 is stunningly beautiful and luxurious. Genuine rosewood trim with a subdued semi-gloss finish adds elegance. Sport models have genuine aluminum trim in place of the wood, although the rosewood is available as an option. Facing the dash, one perceives an elongated and flattened letter M, a fascinating touch. The switches and knobs for climate controls, sound system and other functions are conveniently grouped on an almost horizontal surface in the center of the dash below a large LCD screen. The LCD screen is operated with a large multi-function control knob in the center that is simpler and more intuitive than the systems in some of the other cars in this class, such as the BMW 5 Series, thanks to its clear layout and markings.

The driver's seat proved comfortable, especially in the Sport model, where larger side bolsters keep you firmly planted. It's easy to find an ideal position with the 10-way power adjustments. The front seats are heated and ventilated using a fan. The cabin technology is complete and functions perfectly. The optional Bose two-channel surround-sound audio system is exceptionally good. The voice-activated navigation system features a bird’s eye view that presents the map in a 3D format and creates a sense of distance and perspective. An intelligent key and push button starting are interesting. The car senses the key’s presence in your pocket or purse and automatically unlocks the doors for you. It doesn’t have to go in the ignition. Just push the starter button.

The RearView Monitor technology is impressive. It has a camera located in the back bumper that projects a view toward the rear onto the in-dash LCD whenever the driver shifts into reverse. It's a great safety item, as it can help a driver see objects or children behind the vehicle that are otherwise hidden from view. Infiniti's version goes one step further and displays a line on the screen that indicates the course of travel as the steering wheel is turned. Other safety items include a full complement of airbags and every new safety tweak available.

The 2008 Infiniti M35 at $43,350 (MSRP) is competitively priced and equipped to be counted among the “best-of-the-best.” It persuasively offers a compelling combination of luxury, sports sedan performance and user-friendly technologies that are hard to beat.