2010 Infiniti M35 - Styling Review

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While it's undeniably attractive, the 2010 Infiniti M's exterior design is maybe a little too plain. It doesn't stand out against the edgy new sedans at Mercedes and BMW. It's related to the sleek Infiniti G37 sport sedan, just not as daring. Edmunds calls this generation "more stylish" than the first M sedan; a 2010 update brings an "enhanced, cleaner appearance...including revised front and rear fascias, grille, rear fender panels, rear decklid and taillights, and updated 18- and 19-inch wheels," they add. Cars.com raves, "The 2006 original took the field by storm, and today's car is nine-tenths as terrific," while pointing out the M35 and M45 differ little from each other "aside from the badging." Cars.com asserts the latest Infiniti M is "a much more alluring and well-rounded midsize performance sedan with the form to match its already impressive function." The optional Sport Package has "unique alloy rims, more aggressive front and rear soft-trim contours, integrated side sills and charcoal-colored headlamp bezels," attests Kelley Blue Book.

The Infiniti M interior is a pretty marvelous destination. The M35 and M45 exude luxury in a way the smaller G37 does not; it's as plush as the E-Class, the 5-Series, and the Lexus GS, more so than the like-sized Volvo S80 and Acura RL. The cabin has a "warm, upscale ambiance," coos ConsumerGuide, admiring its "satin-finish wood or real metal [aluminum], precise-movement switchgear, and ample soft-touch surfaces." There's sumptuous leather seating, a wide band of wood trim, crisp white-on-black gauges, and soft metallic trim that blend seamlessly with its conservative sheetmetal. Edmunds feels "most shoppers will discover a spacious interior that's both warm and accommodating," but some small details could lead to "minor quibbles with cabin design." A distinctive interior accompanies the Sport-edition M sedans; Edmunds notes a "unique steering wheel and shifter stitching, exclusive front sport seats, aluminum cabin accents and bright-trimmed pedals."