2006 Infiniti M45 Road Test

Young working woman's view: Most interestingly, the optional lane departure system on the Infiniti uses a camera to detect lane markings and buzzes the driver when the car crosses that line. It is deactivated under 45 mph or when you use the turn signals. Should be a good tool for those who aren't used to signaling. If you travel tired or take long journeys this could save your life.

We didn't test the M35X with its all wheel drive, but noticing the ease of which the large V8 applied torque to the rear wheels I would highly recommend this model to those who frequent the snow, either willingly or by default. The M45 is too much car for my needs, but I liked the comfortable interior and the wonderful rear view monitor. Perhaps the V6 model would be more favorable, but the Infiniti G35 makes more sense to me and is easier to park.

It has a four year/60,000 mile warranty and the range of costs go from about $40,000 for the base M35 to $46,750 for the M45 and three thousand more for the Sport model. All models get a good, but not great, five speed automatic transmission. I think it takes too much time to downshift.

The major option groups are the Journey Package that includes an upgraded Bose sound system, HomeLink, rear view video monitor, front pre-crash seatbelts, and a compass for $1,700 and a very good, but not up to Acura standards, $2000 navigation system. The GPS has an interesting bird's eye view map that makes it much easier to find places quickly in large cities.

I was frankly disappointed with the travel range with the Infiniti M45 as we barely got 350 miles on the 20-gallon tank before we had to sell another acre of land to for fuel. Other than that I would highly recommend this vehicle to those who really like to drive or really like to have it all. Impressed, but than again I'm young.

Family conference: The Infiniti M Class is such a giant leap forward that it is hard to imagine why anyone interested in a sporty and luxurious vehicle would not consider it. Yes, it could be more refined, but the slightly more powerful and polished BMW 5 Class costs $7000 more. It is a car for those who like to show a car who's the boss and rather drive than be driven. For a list of all vehicle websites go to www.reacheverychild.com and click on business.