2003 Infiniti M45 - Best Kept Luxury Car Secret
In a move most didn't fully expect, Infiniti launched a new midsize model based on the full-size Q45 last fall. Its not that this was a bad idea, quite the contrary really, it's more about timing. With last fall's prolific level of new Infiniti introductions, highlighted by the G35 Coupe and FX45 sport utility, the M45 hardly got noticed. And that's a shame, as the new model is an impressive luxury car. Its wonderfully quiet, beautifully finished and wickedly powerful, a perfect high-speed freeway cruiser.
Its overall exterior design deviates slightly from current Infiniti styling trends, especially in the rear where its taillights are much more conventional than the G35's for instance. Its profile is also less rakish than the smaller sedan, while a uniquely shaped set of tri-lens headlamp clusters surround a decidedly masculine titanium-colored 4-slat grille. The detailed precision of the INFINITI brand appliqué on the rear decklid is wonderfully executed, showing the lengths the Japanese brand has gone to elevate its models over similarly equipped European competitors.
And just what cars is the M45 up against? The first that comes to mind is BMW's benchmark 5-Series sedan, still selling well despite a new model on its way for 2004. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, also in this category, was completely redesigned for 2003. Jaguar has its S-Type while Audi puts forward a solid A6 sedan. Of course it would be a mistake to forget Lexus, Infiniti's arch-rival, with its midsize GS series. Serious competition indeed.
But while the $69,500 GS 430 sports a 300-hp 4.3-L V8 with 325 lb-ft of torque, the new $62,000 M45 steps up with a 340 hp 4.5-L V8 with 333 lb-ft of torque. If it were particularly lacking in creature comforts the $7,500 difference in price could be easily justified, but even when fully optioned out with arguably one of the best navigation systems in the industry, the Infiniti totals a mere $66,940.
In a move most didn't fully expect, Infiniti launched a new midsize model based on the full-size Q45 last fall. Its not that this was a bad idea, quite the contrary really, it's more about timing. With last fall's prolific level of new Infiniti introductions, highlighted by the G35 Coupe and FX45 sport utility, the M45 hardly got noticed. And that's a shame, as the new model is an impressive luxury car. Its wonderfully quiet, beautifully finished and wickedly powerful, a perfect high-speed freeway cruiser.
Its overall exterior design deviates slightly from current Infiniti styling trends, especially in the rear where its taillights are much more conventional than the G35's for instance. Its profile is also less rakish than the smaller sedan, while a uniquely shaped set of tri-lens headlamp clusters surround a decidedly masculine titanium-colored 4-slat grille. The detailed precision of the INFINITI brand appliqué on the rear decklid is wonderfully executed, showing the lengths the Japanese brand has gone to elevate its models over similarly equipped European competitors.And just what cars is the M45 up against? The first that comes to mind is BMW's benchmark 5-Series sedan, still selling well despite a new model on its way for 2004. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, also in this category, was completely redesigned for 2003. Jaguar has its S-Type while Audi puts forward a solid A6 sedan. Of course it would be a mistake to forget Lexus, Infiniti's arch-rival, with its midsize GS series. Serious competition indeed.
But while the $69,500 GS 430 sports a 300-hp 4.3-L V8 with 325 lb-ft of torque, the new $62,000 M45 steps up with a 340 hp 4.5-L V8 with 333 lb-ft of torque. If it were particularly lacking in creature comforts the $7,500 difference in price could be easily justified, but even when fully optioned out with arguably one of the best navigation systems in the industry, the Infiniti totals a mere $66,940.