Post by
Larz »
https://forums.nicoclub.com/larz-u216291.html
Sun Nov 03, 2019 7:22 am
It's disappointing, but understandable that Infiniti have given very little thought to improving or upgrading their flagship since 2006. In 2006 they were way ahead of any other luxury sedan by including AFS headlights, temp controlled seats, bluetooth, radar cruise, and loads of other kit. That, unfortunately was where they stopped. Of course, after others added parking sensors and active lane assist, Infiniti kept up, but never stepped ahead of even the cheapest US brands. The 2006 era 400-watt Bose stereo is still in the 2019 models - 13 years with knob changes, but no upgrade. Every other luxury leader, even Hyundai has a better system. I think it's for 2 reasons.
First, management at Infiniti has been all over the place and in no particular direction with a circus atmosphere for years now. Announcements would be made of great new advancements, but they never actually got there because of changes being stifled at the top during multiple CEO changes. In 2011, the M35/45 became a smaller Mazda-looking body with updated front and rears called the M37/56. That was the last real redesign. After that, if was mainly cosmetic changes to the front and rear end and the cabin stayed pretty much identical for the last 8 years.
Second, Infinit have never really supported or advertised its flagship sedan since the old Q45. After the first M35, it was left to run on auto pilot with one actual redesign, one engine change, and one gearbox change over the next 13 years. My 2009 has more comfort, a larger body, a better ride, and many standard features that haven't even been offered since 2010. I don't have parking sensors or the surround camera, but I don't feel like I'm missing out, either. I love my M35 and now that Infiniti will no longer be making any full size RWD petrol sedans, I am left with no options. I don't want a smaller, over stressed, high pressure, direct injected, tubo'd motor with a CVT gearbox. Now that all the major sedans are either being dropped, or changed to electric or hybrids, I'm not at all sure what I will drive next. The only plausible option would probably be a genesis, or another 2009-2010 M with low miles (if there are any left).