Infiniti M35 Review

2009 Infiniti M35 Sport Sedan Shown

Infiniti's first M-series luxury sport sedan debuted four years ago long on quality and performance but lacking the kind of style, roominess and presence that buyers in this competitive segment have come to expect. Following a redesign, however, the M series was reborn as the V6-powered M35 and V8-equipped M45. As a result, the latest car is a much more alluring and well-rounded midsize performance sedan with the form to match its already impressive function.

The Infiniti M35 isn't just attractive and capable, it also boasts more standard features and pleasing amounts of headroom and legroom. Though some might find minor quibbles with cabin design and materials quality when compared to its most popular rivals, most shoppers will discover a spacious interior that's both warm and accommodating.

There are plenty of cars in this class that provide luxury and a few that might have better performance, but Infiniti's M-series put the two together in a more engaging package than any of its peers. The M35 is certainly a luxury sedan worth taking a hard look at.

Current Infiniti M35

The midsize Infiniti M35 luxury sport sedan is offered in two trim levels -- M35 and M35x AWD -- although both are pretty evenly equipped, save for the latter's all-wheel-drive system. They offer most of the luxury niceties you'd expect in this price range (leather upholstery, heated and cooled seats, Bluetooth), while option packages add things like navigation, a console-mounted DVD player, adaptive cruise control, reclining/heated rear seats and 14-speaker Bose surround-sound audio.

All M35s feature a 3.5-liter V6 churning out 303 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The rear-wheel-drive M35 gets a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control and downshift rev-matching, while the M35x has a five-speed automatic. Underneath, an advanced suspension design responds with just the right mix of compliance and firmness. Standard safety items include antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front-seat head restraints, while an available lane-departure warning system signals unintended lane drifting.

The Infiniti M35's interior is well appointed and well built, with firm seats that are highly adjustable, comfortable and heavily bolstered. However, the competition in this segment is pretty intense and the M35 isn't quite as elegant and thoughtfully engineered as some of its rivals. The quality of materials is a bit uneven, and we find that the layout of the center stack controls isn't as clean and intuitive as it could be.

Though not as quick as its V8-powered M45 sibling, the M35's V6 still provides plenty of get-up-and-go for most drivers. Braking is also impressive, and a firmly damped suspension delivers finely controlled balance through corners. The trade-off is steering that can feel a bit rough around town, and a suspension that tends to transmit road irregularities into the cabin. At highway speeds, the Infiniti M35 also exhibits a noticeable amount of engine and road noise. While these flaws certainly don't make the M35 uncomfortable, it is somewhat less peaceful than other performance luxury cruisers.

Used Infiniti M35 Models

The current Infiniti M35 represents the third generation of the Infiniti M Series, but the first model known as the M35 dates back to 2006. Prior to '09, the 3.5-liter V6 produced 280 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, while the rear-drive model featured a five-speed automatic. Originally, two trims were offered -- base and Sport -- with all-wheel drive optional on the base car. The Sport trim added rear active steering, sport suspension, upgraded wheels, adaptive HID headlights and climate-controlled sport seats.

The following year, all-wheel drive became its own M35x AWD trim. Equipment updates filled out the next few years, particularly 2008, when the navigation system was substantially upgraded with a hard-drive-based unit and digital music capabilities. Styling was also slightly updated that year, while the Sport trim was dropped in favor of a Sport package (although the content in each is practically identical).

There were two previous Infiniti models that carried the M designation. The M30 was one of Infiniti's two original models, sold from 1990-'92 in midsize coupe and convertible body styles. The rear-drive, V8-powered M45 sedan debuted for 2003. The current Infiniti M35 arrived for 2006 as part of the car's full redesign.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.