Acceleration

M35	AWD M35x w/Tech. Pkg.	M35 Sport	M45 Sport	Class Average
7	7	7	8	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. Transmission's manual-shift feature quicker than most.

Fuel Economy

M35	AWD M35x w/Tech. Pkg.	M35 Sport	M45 Sport	Class Average
5	4	5	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 mpg, 18.8-19.1 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	6.6

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 that can jar over ruts, jiggle on ripples.

Steering/Handling/Braking

M35	AWD M35x w/Tech. Pkg.	M35 Sport	M45 Sport	Class Average
7	8	8	8	7.2

Confident, balanced. Minimal cornering lean. Sports have impressive grip in fast changes of direction, though effect of 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	6.9

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	6.8

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 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	5.4

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	4.2

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
10	9	8	8	6.1

This impressive sedan is a credible competitor to such class bellwethers as the 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
70	67	67	67	62.2

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		49
Average Score		62
High Score		75