Designed to entice potential buyers away from rivals such as Acura, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and most importantly Lexus, or at least delay their purchases until the real Infiniti becomes available, the M45 concept could cause the same problems for the midsize luxury benchmarks as the G35 did when it shook up the compact luxury segment upon its introduction - if it can be called compact.
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| The M45 could cause the same problems for midsize luxury competitors that the G35 did in the compact luxury segment. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
The M45 will without a doubt win over a lot of fence sitters, impressed by Infiniti's top-tier reliability, performance image and premium status, but so far not sufficiently wooed by the current car's sheetmetal.
The new car is much cleaner overall, tying in few styling elements from the current model. Carried over, more or less, is the four-slat bright metal grille, bound by two chrome strips top and bottom that gives the impression of two additional slats, and the jewel-like rear license plate surround with its finely crafted nameplate appliqué. The major changes include cues adopted from the popular G35 sedan, especially noticeable in the headlamps, arcing roofline, tall trunklid and L-shaped taillamps, but executing the design language even more cohesively.
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| Many of the popular design elements found in the G35 have found their way into the M45. (Photo: Infiniti Canada) |
But is improved styling all the M45 needs to compete head to head with Audi's A6 and BMW 5-Series, to name only two? Unfortunately not. The first thing the new model will need is an upgraded chassis design. The current car isn't as nimble as some of its rivals, a problem the G35 doesn't share. It's heavy and shares its rather outdated undercarriage with the Q45. The new M will adopt an enlarged version of the Japanese brand's next-generation FM (front-midship) architecture, that makes the G35 such a delight to drive. It's a double-wishbone independent front setup with a multi-link independent rear suspension, same as in the G, but with approximately sixty percent of its components upgraded and the addition of active rear control.