2009 INFINITI M45 Review

The Infiniti M45 heads into 2009 without any significant changes.

Blending high technology with luxury and performance, the 2009 Infiniti M45 continues to be a contender in the luxury sport sedan market.

Luxury sport sedans have long been the exclusive stomping ground for the high-end European manufacturers. Challengers from Asia have managed to chip away at this market segment over the years, thanks to a steady evolution of better products. For a prime example, look no further than the 2009 Infiniti M45.

The V8-powered M45 offers performance and luxury comparable to that of the venerable German marques, all while sparing a healthy amount of cash from the bottom line. The midsize Infiniti also delivers an astounding amount of technology that enhances nearly every aspect of the driving experience. Adding to the appeal is the availability of the all-wheel-drive M45x.

With the M45's smaller-engined M35 stablemate arriving on the scene this year with a reworked V6 power plant, a sibling rivalry seems inevitable. The M35 now produces more than 300 horsepower and exhibits nearly identical handling prowess, so the dividing line within the M line has been blurred. As it stands, either of these Infiniti Ms proves worthy of consideration against stalwart luxury sedans like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class as well as other desirable entries like the Jaguar XF and Lexus GS.

The 2009 Infiniti M45 is powered by a 4.5-liter V8 that cranks out 325 hp and 336 pound-feet of torque. The standard transmission is a five-speed automatic featuring manual shift control and rev-matched downshifts. Fuel economy comes in at an EPA-estimated 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway and 18 mpg in combined driving. The M45x drops slightly to 14/20/16 mpg.

The Infiniti M45 comes standard with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. The advanced technology package adds safety features including an advanced lane departure warning system that alerts the driver of unintended lane drifting, then applies light brake pressure to specific wheels to maintain lane placement. Also included is an array of sensors that detect an impending crash and tighten the seatbelts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the M45 its highest mark of "Good" for frontal and side impacts.

The 2009 Infiniti M45, with its potent V8, provides plenty of power for most drivers. Considering the M45's superb handling capabilities, the ride quality is surprisingly comfortable and compliant -- though some with a penchant for full-luxury cars may find it a bit harsh, especially when equipped with the sport package. On the open highway, road noise is kept to acceptable levels, but the M45 is not as silent as a competing BMW 5 Series or Mercedes E550.

Infiniti's M45 has a spacious cabin that comfortably seats four adults. Materials quality is first-rate, with rich leather and pleasing wood appointments. Even in base trim, the front seats are firm and supportive, with plenty of power-adjustable settings. Opting for the Sport package enhances the M's athletic nature by adding racier seats with more aggressive side bolstering and race-inspired accents throughout the cabin. The gauges are bright and legible, but the center stack controls are a bit busy, with a dizzying array of buttons. Even so, you'll probably find them easier to operate than some of the menu-based systems on German luxury sedans.