2007 M35 AWD Sedan
The Infiniti M35 ($41,450) is powered by a 275-horsepower V6 engine. The M35X ($54,900) with the premium package I tested is an all-wheel-drive version of the M35. I was happy to see when they delivered the car to me that it was the AWD version of the M35. For those of us who live in the foothills it is better to choose the all-wheel-drive Infiniti M35X, which comes with general-purpose, all-season tires. The M35X adds an element of confidence and security in snowy climates, without sacrificing the smooth, quiet running drivers expect in a luxury sedan, or extracting a significant toll in reduced fuel economy
Leather seats with heating and ventilation come standard on the M35, and the driver's seats offers 10-way power adjustments. Also standard: Brazilian Rosewood trim, a 160-watt six-speaker AM/FM/cassette stereo with 6CD changer, power sunroof, Bluetooth cell phone interface, voice activation of many controls and a seven-inch LCD screen that displays most vehicle information. Standard wheels are 18 inches in diameter.
Overall, the interior in the M is very pleasant. People who bought last year's model agreed. They loved its interior and features, according to a study by J.D. Power and Associates, the market-research firm. In Power's Automotive Performance Execution and Layout (APEAL) study, the 2006 M cars ranked first in the mid-size premium segment, ahead of the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series and Lexus GS. Infiniti likens the shape of the M sedan's dashboard to an elongated and flattened letter M. It's unusual, but in a positive manner. The switches and knobs for climate controls, sound system and other functions are all placed on an almost horizontal surface in the center of the dash, below a large LCD screen and dual vents. They're all easy to see and operate. This big multi-function control knob in the center 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 Infiniti M does not drive like a big car at all. Part of the reason is aluminum. The hood, trunk lid and doors are all aluminum, reducing the body's weight and helping lower its center of gravity. Also, the electrically controlled rack and pinion power steering is precise, with good road feel.
The RearView monitor system 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. It's a neat idea that works. Drivers still need to pay attention to ensure nothing is behind the car using traditional driving techniques, but rearview cameras provide the driver with useful information when backing up.
The 2007 Infiniti M35x offers luxury, sports sedan performance, and user-friendly technologies that makes for a compelling package. It is good looking, interesting, and comfortable.
Denis and his wife Jeanie live in Evergreen and own the Mountain Man Nut & Fruit store in Bergen Park