2010 Infiniti M45 Review

Overview

M45, an Infiniti M mid-size premium performance sports sedan, enters the fifth and last year in its current product cycle in 2010. The Infiniti M45 is again offered with a 325-horsepower 4.5-liter V8 with rear-wheel drive or ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive. It is available in two models - M45 RWD and M45x AWD.

Power and performance

The M45 has a titanium-valve 325-hp 4.5-liter V8 engine. Rear-drive M45 models have a 5-speed automatic transmission. AWD versions are dubbed M45x. Intelligent AWD delivers all-wheel-drive traction and adapts to road conditions by regulating wheel spin, throttle, and speed, sending power to the front wheels. Rear Active Steer which comes with the Sport Package assists in the car's precision handling. Estimated fuel economy is 16/21 mpg (city/highway).

Body and styling

The 2010 Infiniti M45 showcases Infiniti?s advanced technology like the Intelligent Cruise Control and the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems, an advanced Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with touch-screen, 9.3GB Music Box hard drive for digital music storage and playback and available XM NavTraffic (XM subscription required, sold separately). The Infiniti Mobile Entertainment System Package is now included only as part of the Premium Package instead of as a stand-alone option. In addition, all models offer revised exterior and interior color selections and combinations. The M45 is designed with state-of-the-art technology to deliver a sporty performance and luxurious ride quality. Standard and luxury options offer a sweep of generous levels of conveniences and an exemplary build quality that's reminiscent of classic European luxury cars. Leather upholstery, sunroof, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and key-less entry/engine start are standard. Other features include air conditioning with dual-zone automatic climate controls; cruise control; heated/cooled front seats; 10-way power front bucket seats with lumbar adjustment; memory system; wood interior trimmings; heated power mirrors with tilt-down; power accessories; AM/FM radio with in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer; digital-media player connection; satellite radio; wireless cell phone link; rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers; automatic rearview mirror; universal garage door opener; rear defogger; and automatic headlights.

Safety Features

Safety features on the M45 include front-seat and rear-seat head restraints for all occupant positions; LATCH system for children; dual front airbags; front side airbags; curtain side airbags; front-seat active head restraints; anti-lock 4-wheel disc brakes; traction control; brake assist; anti-skid system; tire-pressure monitor; and emergency inside trunk-lid release. ?Snug Kids?, a pioneering program developed by Infiniti, provides installation tips and a Child Safety Seat Fit Guide to assist parents in choosing a child restraint for their vehicle.