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2007 Infiniti M Full Review
Date Published: 4/15/08
Also in the 2007 Infiniti M Review:
5. 
Infiniti M Photos

6. 
Infiniti M Full Review

7. 
All Infiniti Ms

8. 
All Infinitis


2007 Infiniti M Review
These V6 and V8 sedans are the larger and costlier of Infiniti's two premium midsize cars. M35 has a 275-hp V6 and comes in base and Sport models with rear-wheel drive, and as the M35x with all-wheel drive. M45 has a 325-hp V8 and also offers base and Sport models but comes with rear-drive only. All Ms have a 5-speed automatic transmission, ABS, traction/antiskid control, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Exclusive to Sports is Infiniti's Four-Wheel Active Steer system, designed to aid handling by automatically steering the rear wheels slightly. Leather upholstery, sunroof, power tilt/telescope steering wheel, and keyless entry/ignition are standard. Sports get aluminum cabin trim, base models wood. Also included are a wireless cell phone link and voice control for some audio and climate functions. Heated/cooled front seats are optional on the base M35, standard otherwise Options on all include audible warning of unintended lane departure, a heated power-reclining rear seat, and navigation system. Also available are DVD entertainment and a rearview camera. Steering-linked xenon headlamps are standard on M45s and M35 Sport.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars. This segment is one of the industry's fastest-growing categories.

Our Best Buys include the Acura TL, Infiniti M, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Lexus GS 450h, Lincoln MKZ, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

News
Infiniti's midrange sedans reportedly get a freshening for model-year 2010, but it's likely to be no more than a thorough revamping, not a clean-sheet redesign. No word on interim changes, but don't look for anything major.
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2007 Infiniti M Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration Fuel economy (M45)
Available all-wheel drive Control layout
Handling/roadholding
Build quality
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
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
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2007 Infiniti M Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 11/14/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
M35 Base 4-door sedan $41,450 $38,097 $650
AWD M35x Base 4-door sedan $44,550 $40,663 $650
M45 Base 4-door sedan $49,100 $45,109 $650
M35 Sport 4-door sedan $44,250 $40,663 $650
M45 Sport 4-door sedan $50,550 $46,438 $650
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
M35/M45 Base
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine (M35), 4.5-liter V8 engine (M45), 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, power tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated/cooled front seats (M45), 10-way power front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), center console, cupholders, trunk pass-through, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/tilt-down back-up aid and driver-side automatic day/night, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keyless access and starting, power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, analog clock, tachometer, voice recognition, wireless cell phone link, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage door opener, map lights, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights (M45), fog lights, 245/45VR18 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential, heated/cooled front seats.
M35/M45 Sport adds to M35/M45 Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated/cooled front seats, aluminum interior trim.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: wood interior trim.
Steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights, rear steering, sport suspension, 245/40WR19 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Journey Pkg.
M35 Base
$1,350
$1,163
Heated/cooled front seats, steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights. NA AWD M35x.
Technology Pkg.
M35/M45 Base, M35/M45 Sport
$2,950
$2,542
Navigation system, rearview camera, Bose sound system. 2WD M35 Base requires Journey Pkg.
Advanced Technology Pkg.
M35/M45 Base, M35/M45 Sport
$2,500
$2,155
Adaptive cruise control, lane-departure-warning system, upgraded Bose sound system, DVD Audio, satellite radio. Requires Technology Pkg. AWD requires steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights, cargo mat.
Premium Pkg.
Base
$8,900
$7,669
Technology Pkg., Advanced Technology Pkg. plus rear-seat DVD entertainment system, rear heated and reclining seats, rear-seat climate and radio controls, power rear sunshades. 2WD M35 Base requires Journey Pkg. AWD requires steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights, cargo mat.
Aerodynamic Body Kit
M35/M45 Base, M35/M45 Sport
$1,390
$1,106
Includes rear spoiler.
Comfort and Convenience Features
DVD entertainment system
M35/M45 Base, M35/M45 Sport
$1,500
$1,293
Requires Technology Pkg.
Satellite radio
M35/M45 Base, M35/M45 Sport
$350
$302
Requires Technology Pkg.
Wood interior trim
Sport
$600
$517
Cargo mat
M35/M45 Base, M35/M45 Sport
$80
$64
AWD requires Technology Pkg. or Advanced Technology Pkg.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights
AWD
$800
$689
Rear spoiler
M35/M45 Base, M35/M45 Sport
$290
$226
Chrome alloy wheels
Base
$1,000
$862
Requires Technology Pkg. or Advanced Technology Pkg.
Unique alloy wheels
Base
$990
$769
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2007 Infiniti M Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Infiniti M 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 114.2
Overall Length, in. 192.6
Overall Width, in. 70.8
Overall Height, in. 59.4
Curb Weight, lbs. 3832
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 14.9
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 20.0
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 39.6
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 44.2
Rear Head Room, in. 37.8
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 37.3
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc V6 dohc V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.5 /214 4.5 /274
Horsepower @ rpm. 275 @ 6200 325 @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 268 @ 4800 336 @ 4000
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
5-speed automatic 18/25 17/23
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Infiniti M 4-door sedan
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain 6/70,000 --
Bumper-to-bumper 4/60,000 --
Corrosion 7/unlimited --
Free roadside assistance 4/unlimited --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: Japan
Drivewheels: all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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Also in the 2007 Infiniti M Review:
5. 
Infiniti M Photos

6. 
Infiniti M Full Review

7. 
All Infiniti Ms

8. 
All Infinitis


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