Already a mid-size luxury sedan seamlessly combining a pleasant handling experience with an interior reeking with comfort and amenitities, Infiniti upped the ante for 2006 by completely redoing its Infiniti M series. The five trims went on sale early in 2005 and at this year’s 2006 Chicago Auto Show, the Infiniti M was named “Best Luxury Sedan” in MotorWeek Magazine’s Drivers’ Choice Awards. There are now three M35s using V-6 engines - base, Sport and AWD - and two M45s using the more powerful V-8 engine - base and Sport, our test drive. The M45 Sport is the top-of-the-line, and adds to an already impressive list of standard features. Comfort comes with heated /cooled front seats. Handling, which in the M45 Sport makes everyone feel like a top-notch driver, improves with a standard rear active steer system that alters the angle of the wheels to help remain on track in tight, high speed turns. Also standard is a sports-tuned independent front and rear multi-link suspension that adjusts the suspension geometry in conjunction with the rear active steer system and 19-inch wheels with high performance tires. Safety features are especially strong and helped by adaptive front lights that turn with the steering wheel and provide additional illumination.

Our only added feature was $600 for Rosewood trim, for a softer feeling of luxury. The Infiniti Ms compete with Acura RL (with has a V-6 engine but costs the same), the BMW-5 series and Mercedes-Benz E class. Consumer Guide magazine states Ms are “Best Buy alternatives” to automotive rivals at each point on the premium midsize car spectrum. The Ms are built on Infiniti’s Front Mid-Ship platform - also used on other Infiniti vehicles like the GS35 and FX - which places the engine behind the front axle for better weight balance and handling. Approximately 60% of the platform design and components underwent enchancements for the new Ms. A carefully slotted choice that is larger than the entry-level Infiniti G35s and less expensive but smaller than the flagship Q45, the M45 and its siblings all have leather interiors, signature dashborad digital clock, visors with extenders to block out sunlight, fold down mirrors when in reverse, recessed coat hooks - the list of luxury touches is lengthy. Flawless fit and finish and easily reached audio controls (with top speaker quality), climate controls and a central information LED screen contribute to making this an upscale sedan that flies under the radar but captivates the imagination when manipulating the 5 speed automatic or switching to the manual mode.