Redesigned and billed as "all new" for 2006, these V6 and V8 premium midsize sedans were larger, costlier cousins to Infiniti's entry-level G35 sedan and slotted below its flagship Q45. (A prior-generation M45 had departed after the 2004 model year.) In its fresh form, the M35 held a 280-horsepower V6 and came with rear-wheel drive in base and Sport models, and as the all-wheel-drive M35x. The companion M45 used a 335-horsepower V8 and was rear drive only, offered in base and Sport models. Infiniti Ms competed against the Acura RL, Cadillac CTS, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. All used a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift gate. Also standard were antilock braking, an antiskid system, front side airbags, and head-protecting curtain side airbags. Sport versions had 19-inch wheels, the others 18s. Exclusive to Sports was Infiniti's Rear Active Steer system, designed to improve handling via an electric actuator that steered the rear wheels slightly. All Ms had leather upholstery, a sunroof, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and keyless entry/ignition. Sports got aluminum cabin trim; the others wood. Also standard were a hands-free wireless cell phone link, and voice control for some audio and climate functions. Options included audible warning of unintended lane departure, a heated power reclining rear seat, and navigation system. Also available were rear DVD entertainment and a rearview TV camera that displayed on a dashboard screen with the car in Reverse. Steering-linked xenon headlamps were standard on Sport models, optional otherwise.