The faster sibling to the M35, the 2008 Infiniti M45 blends luxury and performance in a stylish package. The rear-wheel drive sedan gets a few exterior refinements to its front and rear fascias, head and taillights, and more chrome trim to accentuate its sports coupe-like profile. Inside, new gauge clusters and electroluminescent lighting add even more flair.
The big addition to the 2008 M35 is a new all-wheel drive trim. Branded the M35x, this sedan features full-time all-wheel drive which defaults to the rear wheels on dry pavement or 50/50 off-road, but adjusts torque automatically according to wheel slippage. The M35 also loses the Sport trim, sending those features (sport suspension, rear spoiler, side sills, alloy pedals, 19-inch wheels, active rear steering)to an optional Sport Package. For 2008, the M35 comes only in Base and x trims, both with the powerful 4.5-liter, 325-hp V8 engine, which has been tested doing 0-60 in six seconds. The engine is matched to a 5-speed shiftable automatic, with downshift rev matching for smoother transitions.
Other changes to the 2008 M35 include an optional Lane Departure Prevention systm which actively controls the brakes and steering when the driver ignores the lane drift warning alarm. The sedan seats four very comfortably, with a roomy 15 cubic foot trunk, thanks to a long 114-inch wheelbase. Luxury comes in the form of full power features, remote start, power front seats, leather upholstery, a sunroof, and a 6-CD player with MP3 playback. Options add a highly praised navigation system and a hard drive. The M35 caters to many different high-end tastes -- the taste for speed, the taste for luxury trappings, and the taste for a comfortable family car. Owners rate the acceleration power, sporty handling, and interior space highly. Complaints focus on the 17/21 mpg and the harsh ride with the optional sports suspension.
