2008 Infiniti M Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The 2008 Infiniti M lineup gains a new all-wheel-drive model. These V6 and V8 sedans are the larger and costlier of Infiniti's two midsize cars. M35 has a 280-hp V6 and comes with rear-wheel drive or as the AWD M35x. M45 has a 335-hp V8. It, too, comes with rear drive and as the new-for-2008 AWD M45x. All Ms have a 5-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, sunroof, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and keyless entry and engine start are standard. Options on all include lane-departure warning, 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 M45.

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.

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

New or significantly redesigned models include the BMW 5-Series, Cadillac CTS, Volvo V70, and Volvo XC70.

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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2008 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	M45	Class Average
7	7	8	7

Rear-drive M35 scoots nicely, with plentiful around-town zip and highway power. AWD adds 180 lb but feels little different. M35 is so adept that the M45's extra thrust is not a compelling draw. That said, M45 is fast by any measure; a test example ran from 0-60 mph in just 6.0 seconds. We have not yet tested an AWD M45x. With either engine, the transmission sometimes pauses indecisively on downshifts. Its manual shift gate helps, though.

Fuel Economy

M35	AWD M35x	M45	Class Average
4	4	4	4.6

In Consumer Guide testing, rear-drive M35s averaged 16.4 mpg. M35x models averaged 17.4-21.2 mpg with mostly highway use. Test M45s averaged 16.0 mpg in city/highway driving, 18.8-19.1 in mostly highway use. Infiniti recommends premium-grade gas for M35, requires it for M45.

Ride Quality

M35	AWD M35x	M45	Class Average
8	7	8	6.3

All Ms have a firm, composed ride. Base M35 and M45 absorb bumps best. M35x has tauter suspension settings, resulting in a slightly less compliant ride.

Steering/Handling/Braking

M35	AWD M35x	M45	Class Average
7	8	8	7.1

Confident and balanced with minimal cornering lean. Steering feel is sporty and precise, but at times it can seem heavy and slightly unnatural in turns. AWD models have rear-drive manners on dry surfaces, with automatic transition to AWD upon wheelslip. A 50/50 front/rear power split can be locked in via the snow-mode button on the center console. Braking is strong on all.

Quietness

M35	AWD M35x	M45	Class Average
8	7	7	7

Fine suppression of wind and engine noise. AWD and M45 thump more loudly over cracks and bumps.

Controls

M35	AWD M35x	M45	Class Average
6	6	6	6.1

Bright and clear gauges. Most controls are logically arrayed on a keyboard-like shelf, but numerous buttons demand study. Some are a reach away, and sunshine can neutralize indicator lights. Closer to the driver are traditional audio knobs and buttons. The navigation system is exceptionally easy to operate. Voice recognition responds accurately to command keywords. Lane departure beeps a lane-change warning unless turn signal is used. It's a gimmicky feature to us, but fortunately, it can be shut off.

Details

M35	AWD M35x	M45	Class Average
8	8	8	7.4

Cabin has warm, upscale ambiance. Trim consists of satin-finish wood or real metal, precise-movement switchgear, and ample soft-touch surfaces.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

M35	AWD M35x	M45	Class Average
8	8	8	7.3

Generous room. Supportive seats astutely bolstered. The power tilt and telescopic steering wheel helps fine-tune driver position. Thick pillars partially obscure over-the-shoulder visibility.

Room/Comfort (rear)

M35	AWD M35x	M45	Class Average
6	6	6	5.2

The seat is firm and nicely contoured, but the cushion is not long enough for optimal thigh support. Fine knee clearance, but foot space is tight with front seat lowered. A middle rider will have to straddle the M's tall driveline hump.

Cargo Room

M35	AWD M35x	M45	Class Average
4	4	4	4.2

Good trunk volume, and lid hinges don't intrude, but short aperture means drawer-like access. Interior storage is OK.

Value within Class

M35	AWD M35x	M45	Class Average
8	9	7	6.2

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 Recommended alternatives to these and other premium midsize rivals.

Total Score

M35	AWD M35x	M45	Class Average
74	74	74	68.4

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		56
Average Score		68
High Score		78

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2008 Infiniti M Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 04/29/2008

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

M35 Base 4-door sedan	$43,350	$39,837	$715

AWD M35x Base 4-door sedan	$45,100	$41,442	$715

M45 Base 4-door sedan	$49,700	$45,660	$715

AWD M45x Base 4-door sedan	$52,200	$47,951	$715

Price note: AWD M45x adds $1300 Gas-Guzzler Tax.

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

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 tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated/cooled front seats, 10-way power front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), center console, 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, digital-media player connection, satellite radio, tachometer, wireless cell phone link, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage door opener, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights (M45), 245/45VR18 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Sport Pkg.
Base	$1,650	$1,422
Unique interior and exterior trim, active rear steering, sport suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels. NA AWD.

Technology Pkg.
Base	$3,350	$2,887
Navigation system, rearview camera, Bose sound system, hard drive, iPod adapter. Replaces 6-disc CD/MP3 changer w/single disc CD/MP3 player.

Advanced Technology Pkg.
Base	$2,800	$2,412
Adaptive cruise control, lane-departure-warning system, upgraded Bose sound system, DVD Audio. Requires Technology Pkg. Replaces 6-disc CD/MP3 changer w/single disc CD/MP3 player.

Premium Pkg.
Base	$9,650	$8,315
Technology Pkg., Advanced Technology Pkg. plus DVD entertainment system, rear heated and reclining seats, rear-seat climate and radio controls, power rear sunshade. NA w/Sport Pkg.

Comfort and Convenience Features
DVD entertainment system
Base	$1,500	$1,293
Requires Technology Pkg., Advanced Technology Pkg., Sport Pkg.

Special wood interior trim
Base	$600	$517
Requires Sport Pkg. NA AWD.

Cargo mat
Base	$100	$76
AWD requires Technology Pkg. or Advanced Technology Pkg.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights
AWD M35x	$800	$689


Rear spoiler
Base	$340	$260


Mud guards
Base	$160	$114


Chrome alloy wheels
Base	$1,000	$862
Requires Technology Pkg. or Advanced Technology Pkg. NA w/Sport Pkg.

Polished alloy wheels
Base	$1,010	$758
NA w/Sport Pkg.

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2008 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.	280 @ 6200	335 @ 6400

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	270 @ 4800	340 @ 4000

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed automatic	16/23	16/21

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 2008 Infiniti M Review:

Infiniti M

Infiniti M Road Test

Infiniti M Prices & Equipment

Infiniti M Specs & Safety

Infiniti M Photos