by Twain Mein

Introduction

This review is for the Infiniti M35. There are three versions of the M35; “base”, M35x—all wheel drive, and M35 Sport—with sport suspension and rear wheel steering. This review is for the base model—though heavily optioned. Sticker is $41,000, but ours was loaded and came to nearly $50,000. It’s a sport/luxury sedan that competes against the Lexus GS, Audi A6, and in between the BMW 5- series. With less than 300 horsepower and somewhat non-descript styling, I wasn’t sure how well it would fare.

Pros:

• Wow. Upon closer inspection, it actually looks pretty damn good. The styling is subtle but really elegant. Grows on you. Probably disappears to cops which means fewer tickets
• Interior. Gorgeous leather. Seats that are very comfy yet well bolstered for spirited driving
• All the electronics gadgets you could ever want. Most importantly, integrated blue tooth so you can talk hands free. This will become law next year in California.

Cons:

• Perhaps too many electronic gizmos…
• Rear seat doesn’t fold down

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by Kurt Gensheimer

Blings:

• V-6 weight and fuel economy with V-8 power
• Dizzying list of whiz-bang features
• Easy to use navigation system
• Light and nimble handling
• FINALLY someone has figured out seat coolers!
• Fit and finish like a German luxury sedan

Dings:

• Mind-boggling list of whiz-bang features
• Irritating Nanny Nissan Lane Deviation Warning system
• Rand McNally works better than the navigation system
• Transmission doesn’t compliment the smoothness of the engine

Ruling:

For those non-pretentious types looking to save thousands, the Infiniti delivers everything a German luxo ride does. Well, almost everything.

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