After all these years Make mine Infiniti
Sacramento, California â€" I like Infiniti’s cars.
Seriously, I always have. It’s not the stylish thing to say when friends, family and fellow auto reviewers ask what auto brands I like. Infiniti doesn’t roll off the tongue like Lexus or Rolls or Bentley.
I have no problem with this. I’ve always liked Infiniti styling, the historically over-the-top technology that came with cars like the Infiniti Q, the bird’s-eye view from the nav system and the general fit and finish of things.
The 2010 Infiniti M35x AWD luxury sport sedan gave me no reason to change my mind.
The tester was blessed with horsepower, elegance, classy standard features and just enough gee-whiz technology for a starting price of $47,950. That’s almost $10,000 less than what you’d spend for a 2010 Infiniti M45x, but I’m not sure I’d spend that much more for a car that gives you just a little bit more horsepower and a few more luxury goodies.
The 3.5-liter V-6 on the tester had more than enough oomph at 303 horses. Getting a 4.5-liter V-8 on the M45x raises the bar a mere 22 ponies. Gas mileage on the M35x is a fairly ugly 16 miles per gallon in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, but folks who buy this car usually aren’t counting pennies at the gas pump.
Styling is decidedly sporty on the front end, because you want a little flash to let the neighbors know that you desire something more than a pricey, boxy sedan. The M35x surprises fellow interstate travelers with its sudden muscle when you ask for it. Luxurious surroundings and a torque turn-on … such a deal.
On the inside, the Infiniti is loaded with so many likable comfort/con venience features that you feel like you should go back and pay the dealer a few more bucks (but resist that temptation please).
A short list of perks includes 10-way power front seats with lumbar supports, leather seating/steering wheel surfaces, hands-free phone system and full memory positioning for the driver’s seat, setting wheel and exterior mirrors. Can you say spoiled?
Safety systems also run the gamut. The car could be certified as a bodyguard. Given the driving I’m seeing these days, that’s a big plus.
Rest assured that Infiniti has kept up with the times. Options will accommodate your iPod, satellite radio and other high-tech audiovisual needs.
I suppose it pains some to hear that I would be tempted by an Infiniti over a Lexus or a Cadillac, but alas, it’s true. It depends on the model, of course, but an Infiniti feels like a favorite pair of shoes in my book. Kudos to Nissan’s luxury division for not messing up a good thing, even in the face of relentless competition.
For those who must have the latest thing, be advised that Infiniti took the wraps off the all-new 2011 M sedan during a December event in Beverly Hills. For some reason, I was not invited to this gathering … something about not owning a $1,000 suit.
But from what I’ve seen, 2011 will be a very good year.
Seriously, I always have. It’s not the stylish thing to say when friends, family and fellow auto reviewers ask what auto brands I like. Infiniti doesn’t roll off the tongue like Lexus or Rolls or Bentley.
I have no problem with this. I’ve always liked Infiniti styling, the historically over-the-top technology that came with cars like the Infiniti Q, the bird’s-eye view from the nav system and the general fit and finish of things.
The 2010 Infiniti M35x AWD luxury sport sedan gave me no reason to change my mind.
The tester was blessed with horsepower, elegance, classy standard features and just enough gee-whiz technology for a starting price of $47,950. That’s almost $10,000 less than what you’d spend for a 2010 Infiniti M45x, but I’m not sure I’d spend that much more for a car that gives you just a little bit more horsepower and a few more luxury goodies.
The 3.5-liter V-6 on the tester had more than enough oomph at 303 horses. Getting a 4.5-liter V-8 on the M45x raises the bar a mere 22 ponies. Gas mileage on the M35x is a fairly ugly 16 miles per gallon in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, but folks who buy this car usually aren’t counting pennies at the gas pump.
Styling is decidedly sporty on the front end, because you want a little flash to let the neighbors know that you desire something more than a pricey, boxy sedan. The M35x surprises fellow interstate travelers with its sudden muscle when you ask for it. Luxurious surroundings and a torque turn-on … such a deal.
On the inside, the Infiniti is loaded with so many likable comfort/con venience features that you feel like you should go back and pay the dealer a few more bucks (but resist that temptation please).
A short list of perks includes 10-way power front seats with lumbar supports, leather seating/steering wheel surfaces, hands-free phone system and full memory positioning for the driver’s seat, setting wheel and exterior mirrors. Can you say spoiled?
Safety systems also run the gamut. The car could be certified as a bodyguard. Given the driving I’m seeing these days, that’s a big plus.
Rest assured that Infiniti has kept up with the times. Options will accommodate your iPod, satellite radio and other high-tech audiovisual needs.
I suppose it pains some to hear that I would be tempted by an Infiniti over a Lexus or a Cadillac, but alas, it’s true. It depends on the model, of course, but an Infiniti feels like a favorite pair of shoes in my book. Kudos to Nissan’s luxury division for not messing up a good thing, even in the face of relentless competition.
For those who must have the latest thing, be advised that Infiniti took the wraps off the all-new 2011 M sedan during a December event in Beverly Hills. For some reason, I was not invited to this gathering … something about not owning a $1,000 suit.
But from what I’ve seen, 2011 will be a very good year.
Comments
Post a Comment