2000 Infiniti Q45: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Several new features and a special 10th Anniversary Edition make 2000-model news for Nissan's luxury-division flagship sedan. Infiniti has already displayed the redesigned 2002 Q45 with new styling and a 340-horsepower V8. It goes on sale in April 2001.
Meantime, the existing 4-year-old Q45 continues in regular and sportier Touring (Q45t) models with a 266-hp V8 that adopts platinum-tip spark plugs good for 100,000-mile tuneup intervals. Also new are standard rear child-seat anchors and active front head restraints that move to minimize whiplash injury in rear-end collisions, plus one-touch open/close for the standard moonroof and all power windows. The year's one new option is an in-car navigation system with touch-screen display and a satellite/cell-phone link to an operator-staffed assistance center; it replaces last year's simpler, non-video system.
Both Q45s again feature automatic transmission, antilock brakes, traction control, and front side airbags. The Touring adds an "Active Damper Suspension"--electronically controlled shock absorbers with Sport and Auto settings--plus 17-inch wheels instead of 16s. Two-tone paint and heated front seats remain optional on both models, as does a rear spoiler for the Q45t. The 10th Anniversary Edition is a specially trimmed Touring with anniversary badgework inside and out (including logo-embroidered seats), plus machine-finish road wheels, wood/leather steering wheel, and bird's-eye maple interior accents. The anniversary package will be limited to 3000 units.

COMPETITION

This diverse segment offers the widest price range. It covers everything from the $33,000 Saab 9-5 to the $128,000 Mercedes-Benz SL500. Obviously our Best Buys are somewhere in between. We think that the Acura RL is a steal at $42,000 fully equipped. Though it is a front-drive V6 in a field of V8 rear-drive models, it has a great ride, plenty of power, and is quite luxurious. In the same vein, the more-expensive Lexus LS 400 continues to impress, excelling in every way except for handling.
If you are looking for something a bit more sporting we recommend the BMW 5-Series, Jaguar S-Type, or Lexus GS 300/400. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the new Cadillac DeVille or Mercedes-Benz CLK.