Overview

What's New
The Infiniti M-Series is an all-new model in the lineup for 2006; it combines the luxury of the Q45 sedan with the sportiness of the G35. The M is available in two models: the V-6 powered M35 and the V-8 powered M45. The M35 is available in Base, Sport, and All-wheel-drive models; the M45 comes in either Base or Sport trim. Both feature a five-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, Bluetooth technology, an all-new Vehicle Information System with 7-inch LCD screen, Infiniti voice recognition, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Also featured is an available lane departure warning system that alerts the driver to an impending unintended lane change.

Overview
Originally introduced in 2003, the M-Series fuses both luxury and sport styling to create a dynamic visual appeal. Under the hood, the M45 features a 4.5L DOHC V-8 producing 335 hp and 340 lb.-ft. of torque. The M35 is powered by a 3.5L DOHC V-6 producing 280 hp and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines are mated to a standard 5-speed automatic transmission featuring a manual shift mode with downshift rev matching, which automatically adjusts engine speed for smoother shifts. The M35 also features an available intelligent all-wheel-drive system.

Safety features include numerous airbags (driver/passenger dual-stage supplemental airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, and front/rear side curtain airbags), front-seat active head restraints, seat belt pretensioners and load limiters, energy-absorbing steering column, front/rear crumple zones, Infiniti Intelligent Key with push-button ignition, remote keyless entry, a vehicle security system, and the Infiniti vehicle immobilizer system.

Standard amenities include leather seating surfaces, 10-way adjustable power seats for the driver (6-way for the passenger), aluminum or rosewood interior trim, 6-disc CD changer with MP3 capability, a glass sunroof, and voice recognition for audio, climate, and Bluetooth systems. Options include the Journey Package that includes a Bose audio system, climate-controlled front seats, rearview monitor, and adaptive front headlamps. The Technology Package adds a DVD-based navigation system, intelligent cruise control, a Bose Studio Surround Sound system, the lane departure warning system, and a choice of XM or Sirius Satellite Radio. Other options include a DVD-based mobile entertainment system for rear-seat passengers and a full-size spare tire.

The Competition
The Midsize Premium Conventional segment contains no less than 13 entries. This segment accounts for slightly more than 2 percent of all sales, but it is a highly competitive and prestigious category.

According to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM the Infiniti M-Series posted 24,000 sales in calendar year 2005. The segment was led by the Lexus ES Series (67,577 units in 2005), followed by the BMW 5-Series (52,722) and Mercedes-Benz E-Class (50,383).