The other standard issue items were equally impressive with a five speed automatic transmission, dual zone climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, power tilt/telescoping wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats, 10-way power driver seat with power lumbar, a much appreciated 8-way power passenger seat, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, analog clock, outside-temperature indicator, compass, universal garage-door opener, variable-intermittent wipers, superior xenon headlights, and alloy rims. Of all these features, easily the best were the magnificent headlights. They are extraordinary.
On the other hand, the difficulty in figuring out the climate controls and confusing audio controls was a problem. With time this would not be a problem, but why did Infiniti make the buttons nearly the same size, label them "audio" and "auto," and place them next to each other? I also felt that the voice-activated feature was easy to use. Just a click on the steering wheel mounted button and you could change a number of functions such as the radio station or temperature setting for the driver's side. The driver's mirror also turned downward when you were backing up, which was an interesting feature.
Dad's view
Infiniti builds notable engines and the 4.5-liter V8 is simply magnificent. It has dual overhead camshafts, 32 titanium valves, and continuous variable valve timing. The result is a car that loves to romp, but it doesn't get up on its toes until 6400 rpm, which makes it essential that the transmission cooperates and kick-down rapidly. It doesn't always do this and so we did shift for ourselves on occasion. We found it difficult to more the lever quickly and soon abandoned the notion and accepted the Infiniti for what it was intended, a cruiser. It as also anti-climatic to find the steering is rather dull and there is enough lean in the corners to take some of the joy of spirited driving away. If you are into such adventures, the Infiniti M45 is a probably a better choice with the same engine and a few hundred pounds less weight to tout. But neither car is a canyon runner. We would definitely look into the handling option when buying the Q45.
Driving such a dominant sedan demands good brakes. The Infiniti has them thanks to brake assist, and electronic brake force distribution features. This is also important because this is a large vehicle with a 113-inch wheelbase, and it takes up over 16 feet of the fast lane. That is a lot of car to stop and it is not nimble.