prashok
Apr 14, 07, 5:31 am
Got a rather beat-up base Chrysler 300 (YF) on a F reservation at LAX, so I did a counter upgrade to this car...
http://www.infiniti.com/m/index.html
The Infiniti website shows my example as having the optional Journey package, which totals at $43,500.
Powertrain: The base M35 comes with Nissan's famous 3.5L motor with 280 hp -- this V6 feels just as powerful as many V8s, providing effortless power and a smooth sound (with a hint of deep exhaust note). The five-speed automatic transmission is generally responsive and smooth, but a sixth-gear would be nice for highway cruising. Fuel economy is an EPA-estimated, but I only saw around 15.5 mpg.
Ride/Handling: The M35 feels at home on twisty roads, much like its Teutonic competitors. Steering feel is sharp and well-weighted. Chassis feel and grip are also excellent, and body roll is minimal thanks to the taut suspension. There is a tradeoff, though -- road/wind noise and ride quality suffer slightly as compared to softer rivals. Brakes are flawless and work as expected.
Interior: The interior of the M35 is generally a pleasing place to be, with easy-to-use controls and excellent build and tactile quality. Materials quality still shows a few kinks, especially some of the lower console plastics and some of the cheap-feeling Nissan-derived controls. Space, however, is plentiful, and the seats are firm and supportive. The cargo area is similarly spacious, but only a trunk pass-through (instead of fold-down seats) is offered.
Design: The M35 has a very striking design inside and out, with a sweptback shape that holds an excellent familial resemblance to other Infiniti products, without looking as derivative as many of today's cars. The interior is similarly well-designed (especially with the nicely-laid wood trim), but the multitude of buttons can be a bit confusing at first. Gauges are electroluminscent, and climate control/audio displays are controlled by a central screen.
Features: The M35 had the expected power and luxury features, as well as push-button start and keyless entry, heating-and-cooling seats and adaptive xenon lighting, which aims headlights automatically depending on steering input.
Value: As a Prestige Collection model, the Infiniti M35 is classed separately (K6, I believe) and is overall a great car. Comfort and luxury are taken care of, but it's the performance that makes Infiniti's midsizer shine most. Overall, I'd probably choose the Audi A6 for more comfort and long-distance trips, but I'd take the M35 anywhere else.
To sum it up:
The Good
Telepathic handling
Plenty of power
Spacious and well-equipped
Slick styling (IMO)
The Bad
Dynamics may be too hard-edged for some
Some cheap interior materials
http://www.infiniti.com/m/index.html
The Infiniti website shows my example as having the optional Journey package, which totals at $43,500.
Powertrain: The base M35 comes with Nissan's famous 3.5L motor with 280 hp -- this V6 feels just as powerful as many V8s, providing effortless power and a smooth sound (with a hint of deep exhaust note). The five-speed automatic transmission is generally responsive and smooth, but a sixth-gear would be nice for highway cruising. Fuel economy is an EPA-estimated, but I only saw around 15.5 mpg.
Ride/Handling: The M35 feels at home on twisty roads, much like its Teutonic competitors. Steering feel is sharp and well-weighted. Chassis feel and grip are also excellent, and body roll is minimal thanks to the taut suspension. There is a tradeoff, though -- road/wind noise and ride quality suffer slightly as compared to softer rivals. Brakes are flawless and work as expected.
Interior: The interior of the M35 is generally a pleasing place to be, with easy-to-use controls and excellent build and tactile quality. Materials quality still shows a few kinks, especially some of the lower console plastics and some of the cheap-feeling Nissan-derived controls. Space, however, is plentiful, and the seats are firm and supportive. The cargo area is similarly spacious, but only a trunk pass-through (instead of fold-down seats) is offered.
Design: The M35 has a very striking design inside and out, with a sweptback shape that holds an excellent familial resemblance to other Infiniti products, without looking as derivative as many of today's cars. The interior is similarly well-designed (especially with the nicely-laid wood trim), but the multitude of buttons can be a bit confusing at first. Gauges are electroluminscent, and climate control/audio displays are controlled by a central screen.
Features: The M35 had the expected power and luxury features, as well as push-button start and keyless entry, heating-and-cooling seats and adaptive xenon lighting, which aims headlights automatically depending on steering input.
Value: As a Prestige Collection model, the Infiniti M35 is classed separately (K6, I believe) and is overall a great car. Comfort and luxury are taken care of, but it's the performance that makes Infiniti's midsizer shine most. Overall, I'd probably choose the Audi A6 for more comfort and long-distance trips, but I'd take the M35 anywhere else.
To sum it up:
The Good
Telepathic handling
Plenty of power
Spacious and well-equipped
Slick styling (IMO)
The Bad
Dynamics may be too hard-edged for some
Some cheap interior materials