The Infiniti signature of an oval analog clock mounts at the center of the dash above the console, and a high center pod contains controls for audio and climate systems plus the LCD screen of a vehicle information system. This screen is also used to display the optional DVD-based navigation system or images from a bumper camera that projects rearward views when using the reverse gear.

Special equipment includes premium Bose audio, voice recognition system for controlling audio, climate and navigation systems, and extra safety gear such as side-mounted air bags and curtain-style side air bags.

Optional gear brings the Journey Package on Luxury models with navigation equipment, power sunshades, an intelligent cruise control and run flat tires. Royal Pewter is the latest Q color for 2004.

Infiniti's midsize luxury sedan stands at the top of its class for pure muscular power. It easily beats all of the midsize luxury sedan competitors typically equipped with six-cylinder engines, but also out-powers pricy V8 rivals. Combine the V8 power with favorable price points and you end up with a luxury bargain.

Actually, the M45 amounts to an abbreviated version of the Q45 flagship sedan. It packs the powertrain and transmission of Q45, similar mechanical hardware including a four-wheel independent suspension system, even the same configuration for a luxury-laced passenger compartment. Differences between the two cars only become apparent with rulers and scales, as the Q runs about three inches longer and wider and it's an inch taller.

With more mass, it weighs more by perhaps a hundred pound or so. Those extra inches of space show up primarily in the rear seat of Q45 as additional legroom, while the weight difference favors M45 because it translates into even quicker acceleration and performance numbers.

In the plush cabin standard equipment includes a Bose premium audio system with seven speakers, sport bolstered bucket seats clad in luxurious Sojourner leather plus frontal and side-impact air bags as well as curtain-style side air bags.

New gear for 2004 editions ranges from a standard tire pressure monitor system to a six-disc CD changer mounted in the dash and an optional package combining Infiniti's DVD-based navigation system with a voice recognition system.

The midsize luxury sedan from Infiniti behaves in an aggressive manner when prompted, while serving up the taut handling attributes typical among expensive European touring sedans. It carries the 3.5-liter V6 used in G35 cars, as rated for 255 hp with a four-speed electronic automatic transmission.

In the five-place cockpit the I35 feels extravagant with indulgent comforts extending beyond necessity. Plush Sojourner leather covers all seats and wood-tone trim applies to the center console. Bright electro-florescent analog gauges for speedometer and tachometer stand out with legible faces, and an analog clock studs the dash. Also aboard is a 200-watt Bose audio system.

Several items have been added as standard equipment in 2004, such as a sunroof, power sunshade for the rear window and body side sills. A fresh paint tint is Desert Platinum. (CONTINUE...)