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2008 Infiniti M35 Safety Review

July 24, 2008

SAFETY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Not tested
NHTSA

Good," frontal offset; "good," side impact; "poor," rear crash protection
IIHS

Lane Departure Prevention...applies individual brakes to nudge the car back on course
Cars.com

Steering-linked xenon headlamps are standard on M45
ConsumerGuide

Except for rear crash protection, the 2008 Infiniti M receives top scores in crash tests. Unique safety technologies help prevent accidents from happening, and Ms offer a bevy of standard safety features.

Though the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not tested this Infiniti, 2008 Ms were tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and received "good" scores for both frontal offset and side impact tests. The Infiniti 2008 M35 rated an overall "poor" rating for rear crash protection: "poor" dynamic rating and "acceptable" seat/heat restraint geometry.

According to Cars.com, on the Infiniti M "standard safety features include six airbags, with side-airbags for the front seats and side curtain ones for both rows, as well as four-wheel-disc ABS, traction control and en electronic stability system. Front seat occupants have active head restraints and pre-crash seat belts."

Some of the unique safety features of the 2008 Infiniti M are in the optional Advanced Technology Package, as described by Cars.com: "you get adaptive cruise control, Preview Braking and Lane Departure Warning. Adaptive cruise control uses a laser beam to judge the distance to the car ahead and apply modest gas or brakes to maintain a proper distance. Preview Braking uses the same lasers to sense any oncoming obstructions, including a rapidly slowing vehicle...and it will alert the driver with an audio chime and pre-load the brakes for sharper response. Lane Departure Prevention...applies individual brakes to nudge the car back on course."

For drivers with car-seat attachment requirements, J. D. Power notes, "Rear seats are fitted with the LATCH system" on the Infiniti M.

Visibility from the driver's seat of the Infiniti M wasn't addressed much in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, save for Cars.com's mention of the RearView Monitor, which "shows the view behind the car when the transmission is in Reverse." Kelley Blue Book claims, "Bi-xenon adaptive front lighting is optional in the M35x but standard on all other M models...[and] their brilliant blue-white beams...provide an even better look at what lies ahead."

Conclusion

Standard equipment on the 2008 Infiniti M covers all the bases, while optional equipment makes it safer than the competition, save for rear impacts.

SAFETY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Not testedNHTSAGood," frontal offset; "good," side impact; "poor," rear crash protectionIIHSLane Departure Prevention...applies individual brakes to nudge the car back on courseCars.comSteering-linked xenon headlamps are standard on M45ConsumerGuide Except for rear crash protection, the 2008 Infiniti M receives top scores in crash tests. Unique safety technologies help prevent accidents from happening, and Ms offer a bevy of standard safety features. Though the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not tested this Infiniti, 2008 Ms were tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and received "good" scores for both frontal offset and side impact tests. The Infiniti 2008 M35 rated an overall "poor" rating for rear crash protection: "poor" dynamic rating and "acceptable" seat/heat restraint geometry. According to Cars.com, on the Infiniti M "standard safety features include six airbags, with side-airbags for the front seats and side curtain ones for both rows, as well as four-wheel-disc ABS, traction control and en electronic stability system. Front seat occupants have active head restraints and pre-crash seat belts." Some of the unique safety features of the 2008 Infiniti M are in the optional Advanced Technology Package, as described by Cars.com: "you get adaptive cruise control, Preview Braking and Lane Departure Warning. Adaptive cruise control uses a laser beam to judge the distance to the car ahead and apply modest gas or brakes to maintain a proper distance. Preview Braking uses the same lasers to sense any oncoming obstructions, including a rapidly slowing vehicle...and it will alert the driver with an audio chime and pre-load the brakes for sharper response. Lane Departure Prevention...applies individual brakes to nudge the car back on course." For drivers with car-seat attachment requirements, J. D. Power notes, "Rear seats are fitted with the LATCH system" on the Infiniti M. Visibility from the driver's seat of the Infiniti M wasn't addressed much in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, save for Cars.com's mention of the RearView Monitor, which "shows the view behind the car when the transmission is in Reverse." Kelley Blue Book claims, "Bi-xenon adaptive front lighting is optional in the M35x but standard on all other M models...[and] their brilliant blue-white beams...provide an even better look at what lies ahead." ConclusionStandard equipment on the 2008 Infiniti M covers all the bases, while optional equipment makes it safer than the competition, save for rear impacts.  2008 INFINITI M STYLING | [8 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: "A subtle but wide-ranging exterior revamp adds a bit bolder character" Edmunds: "an enhanced, cleaner appearance" ConsumerGuide: "cabin has warm, upscale appearance" Along with the new model, the 2008 Infiniti M sedans ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

When it's time for you to step out of the smaller entry-level premium sedans to something more serious (kind of like buying your first dark suit), the list of cars easily stratifies. The traditional German brands naturally slot in thanks to their reputations. However, the 2008 Infiniti M (either the M35 or M45) tend to be friendlier, more involving drives with a sportier personality--this especially applies to the Mercedes and Audi. The Acura RL is completely incapable of hitting the performance marks achieved by the 2008 Infiniti M cars, but is OK otherwise. Boldly storming into this category is the new Cadillac CTS. Especially with its 3.6-liter direct-injected V-6, this car is a solid performer with a lot of really good moves. The CTS could be the best deal in this group.

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See the Infiniti M35 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

Comments (1 total)

  1. By Ken McGinnis #1, Posted: 9/4/2008

    2008 Infiniti M35

    I usually lease an SUV to carry equipment for my company. My last was an Escalade ESV. But now I don't carry much anymore so I wanted a car and much lower monthly payments. I drove the Mercedes E350, BMW 5 series, Audi A6 (love it), Cadillac Sts, Dts and Lexus (forget the model but was the same size) I want the latest features. I was used to the backup camera. I think it is a safety feature and I will not buy a car without it. I want Navigation and satellite radio. I want rear, side, etc air bags. I want electric mirrors, electric cool & heated seats. I want a quiet and not-underpowered car. I do not want to spend 1 cent on fluff (sport packages, chrome wheels, etc) I am over 40. I need a reliable, comfortable car. The Infiniti won hands down, price, monthly payments, features. I went to the Frontier Infiniti in Santa Clara, CA. They have a no pressure, all numbers up front way of doing business. My sales person was 'G'. That was a nickname I think. I forget his real name.

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