May 15, 2002

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Preview:
2003 Infiniti M45
by Greg Wilson

What's this? A new mid-size Infiniti? A surprise unveiling at the New York International Auto Show in March, the 2003 Infiniti M45 luxury sedan was overshadowed by the splashy introduction of the G35 sedan and G35 coupe. Too bad really, because the M45 is a significant new addition to the mid-size luxury sedan class.

Scheduled to go on sale this Fall, the V8-powered M45 will be in the same league as the Lexus GS430, BMW 540i, Mercedes-Benz E430, Audi A6 4.2, and Jaguar S-Type V8. However, Infiniti says the M45 will be priced to compete with six cylinder versions of those cars, not the V8 models. That should put the M45 in the low to mid $60,000 range in Canada.

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Based on the Japanese market Cedric sedan, the rear-drive M45 will be positioned between the top-of-the-line Q45 and the G35 sedan. Equipped with the Q45's potent 340 horsepower 4.5 litre DOHC 32 valve V8 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, the M45 will offer all the credentials of a high-performance sport sedan: longitudinally-positioned front engine and rear-wheel-drive, a 4-wheel independent suspension (front strut/rear multi-link), 18-inch alloy wheels and P235/45WR-18 Michelin tires, standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), 4-wheel power-assisted vented disc brakes with a 4-wheel anti-lock braking system, Brake Assist with Electronic Brake force Distribution and High Intensity Discharge (HID) xenon headlights.

With the same horsepower as the Q45 and a lighter curb weight, the M45 should be even quicker from 0 to 100 km/h – the Q45 does it in 6.5 seconds, so the M45 may be under six seconds!. That may qualify it as the fastest vehicle in its class. In addition, its long 2799 mm (110.2 inch) wheelbase will contribute to a luxurious ride and a roomy cabin.

The M45 will be the only car in its class to offer optional Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), an automatic speed adjustment system which uses lasers to sense vehicles ahead and adjust speed to maintain a selected distance.

The M45's well-equipped interior will offer few options. Standard equipment will include climate-controlled (heated and cooled) front sport bucket seats, Infiniti-exclusive Sojourner leather seating surfaces, a 240 watt Bose Premium audio system with 6-disc CD changer and 8 speakers, automatic dual-zone temperature control with ambient temperature display, and a Vehicle Information System with centre multi-function large LCD screen that is available with Infiniti Voice Recognition. The interior also features genuine Bird's Eye Maple wood trim with a smoke graphite colour and a performance-oriented instrument cluster, complete with orange lighting that silhouettes the gauges. The only options will be a DVD-based navigation system, upgraded LCD display screen and intelligent cruise control.

Every M45 also comes equipped with an illuminated entry/exit system, rear console mounted air conditioning vents and rear heater ducts, leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, and Infiniti signature analogue clock.

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Standard safety features will include dual stage supplemental front air bags, front seat side-impact and curtain air bags, active had restraints for the front seats, and a standard tire pressure monitor.

Though it has impressive luxury, performance and value credentials, the M45's styling is rather conservative, and certainly not as handsome as established style leaders like the BMW 540i and Benz E430. As well, buyers in this class tend to be more entrenched in their brand loyalty, and the M45 is likely to have a tough time luring away BMW, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and Audi buyers. Still, the M45 may attract Infiniti buyers who want to move up from an I35 or G35, and those looking for the best bang for the buck in this class. And the M45 will give Infiniti a presence in one of the most important categories in the luxury vehicle market.

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Greg Wilson is a Vancouver-based automotive journalist and editor of CanadianDriver