2006 Infiniti M: Road Test
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2006 Infiniti M ▼
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- MSRP: $40,840 -$49,950
- Invoice: $37,538 -$45,888
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Our road test for the 2006 Infiniti M includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Infiniti M from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Infiniti M, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Infiniti M help you decide if a 2006 Infiniti M is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| M35 | AWD M35x w/Tech. Pkg. | M35 Sport | M45 Sport | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 6.7 |
Rear-drive M35 scoots nicely, with plentiful around-town zip, highway power. AWD adds 180 lb, but feels little different. M35 so adept that extra thrust of M45 not a compelling draw. That said, M45 is fast by any measure; test example did 6.0 sec 0-60 mph. With either engine, transmission sometimes pauses indecisively on downshifts. Manual-shift feature quicker than most.
FUEL ECONOMY
| M35 | AWD M35x w/Tech. Pkg. | M35 Sport | M45 Sport | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
Test M35 averaged 16.4 mpg in city/highway driving, test M35x averaged 17.4 with more highway use. Test M45s averaged 16.0 in city/highway driving, 18.8-19.1 mpg in mostly highway use. Infiniti recommends premium-grade fuel for M35, requires it for M45.
RIDE QUALITY
| M35 | AWD M35x w/Tech. Pkg. | M35 Sport | M45 Sport | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
All Ms firm, composed. Base M35 absorbs bumps best. M35x has tauter suspension settings. Sports have stiffer suspension than base models, plus low-profile tires for some jarring on ruts, jiggles on ripples.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| M35 | AWD M35x w/Tech. Pkg. | M35 Sport | M45 Sport | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.1 |
Confident, balanced. Minimal cornering lean. Sports have impressive grip in fast changes of direction, though effect of Rear Active Steer system hard to detect. Steering on all precise, secure on-center, but heavy and slightly unnatural feeling in turns. M35x has rear-drive manners on dry surfaces, with automatic transition to AWD upon wheelslip (50/50 front/rear power split can be locked in via console snow-mode button). Strong brakes on all, easily modulated.
QUIETNESS
| M35 | AWD M35x w/Tech. Pkg. | M35 Sport | M45 Sport | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.8 |
Fine suppression of wind rush, engine/exhaust note. M35x, Sport models thump over cracks, bumps. Sports roar, whine on coarse surfaces.
CONTROLS
| M35 | AWD M35x w/Tech. Pkg. | M35 Sport | M45 Sport | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Bright, clear gauges. Most controls logically arrayed on keyboardlike shelf, but numerous enough to demand study. Some are a reach away, and sunshine neutralizes indicator lights. Closer to driver are traditional audio knobs, buttons. Navigation system exceptionally easy to operate. Voice recognition responds accurately to command keywords. Lane departure beeps a lane-change warning unless turn signal is used; it can be shut off, but seems gimmicky. Trim of satin-finish wood or real metal, precision switchgear, plethora of soft-touch surfaces creates an inviting cabin ambience.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| M35 | AWD M35x w/Tech. Pkg. | M35 Sport | M45 Sport | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.4 |
Generous room. Supportive seats astutely bolstered. Power tilt/telescope steering wheel helps fine-tune driver position. Thick pillars partially obscure over-the-shoulder visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| M35 | AWD M35x w/Tech. Pkg. | M35 Sport | M45 Sport | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Seat firm, nicely contoured, but cushion not long enough for optimal thigh support. Fine knee clearance, but tight toe space with front-seat height lowered. Middle rider straddles tall driveline hump.
CARGO ROOM
| M35 | AWD M35x w/Tech. Pkg. | M35 Sport | M45 Sport | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Good trunk volume, and lid hinges don't intrude, but short aperture means drawerlike access. Sufficient interior storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| M35 | AWD M35x w/Tech. Pkg. | M35 Sport | M45 Sport | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 5.9 |
This impressive sedan is a credible competitor to such class bellwethers as the Acura RL, BMW 5-Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Generously equipped in standard form, with convincing performance and available all-wheel drive, the Ms are Best Buy alternatives to these and other rivals at each price point on the premium-midsize-car spectrum.
Total Score
| M35 | AWD M35x w/Tech. Pkg. | M35 Sport | M45 Sport | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | 67 | 66 | 67 | 61.4 |
Total Score: 67
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
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