2005 INFINITI Q45 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Interior and exterior updates, new standard features, and a reshuffling of trim lines make up the changes to the 2005 Infiniti Q45, a rear-wheel drive luxury sedan packing sport-like performance in its roomy frame. Offered only in one Luxury trim, the former Premium trim is now an option package that adds 18-inch wheels, heated and cooled front seats, and reclining rear seats to the already well-appointed Luxury. In addition to power front seats with memory settings, leather upholstery, a sunroof, voice-activated controls, and a Bose stereo, the Q45 now comes standard with an updated navigation system, dark maple and chrome interior trim, electroluminescent gauges, and rain-sensing wipers. Expanding on the plush leather seats, new sport seats keep front passengers comfortable and secure when making the most of the 4.5-liter, 340-hp V8 engine around curves. The 5-speed shiftable automatic receives improvements to its downshifting response this year, and the 2005 Q45 gets a performance-tuned active-dampening suspension.

Criticisms leveled at the Q45 in the past focused on its lack of character, especially when placed next to the luxury sedans from Europe. The solution this year seems to be an aggressive character to match the sedan's sporty pretensions. Bigger and bolder front and rear ends are complemented by a redesigned hood and grille. New xenon HID headlights come with integrated foglights. Consisting of seven lenses, which reduce glare for oncoming cars, the beams can be adjusted for height, and Infiniti claims they are the most powerful headlamps on any vehicle. Other safety features include ABS brakes, dual front-side and side curtain airbags, a rearview camera, auto-dimming mirrors, and traction and stability control. Brand new for 2005 are pre-crash seatbelts that tighten up when the brakes are slammed.

The 2005 Infiniti Q45 seats four comfortably, with decent legroom front and back, but has a distinctly small trunk, measuring only 14 cubic feet. What drivers seem to admire most is the V8 engine's power and acceleration, and the luxury features that are comparable to Mercedes and BMW, but at a lower price. The interior is comfortable and the ride smooth. Downsides are its 17/23 mpg and the complicated dash control, despite a clear and large 7-inch LCD screen and voice-activated commands for the climate, radio, and navigation systems.