Infiniti M

The Infiniti M35, Nissan's luxury sedan sold briefly in India around 2008-2012, boasts a 3.5-litre VQ35 V6 petrol engine pumping 306hp and 363Nm, mated to a slick 7-speed automatic for 0-100kmph in under 6 seconds. At 4.94m long with 2,860mm wheelbase, it offers limo-like rear space, quilted leather seats, dual-zone climate, and a 225W Bose system—perfect for chauffeured comfort on long drives. Suspension tunes for plushness over bumps, with rear-wheel drive and stability aids ensuring poise. Key aspects include active steering for effortless maneuvering, xenon headlights, 18-inch alloys, and safety via 6 airbags plus traction control. Drawbacks: discontinued service network means Rs 40-60k annual upkeep via specialists, and no diesel option hurts in fuel-conscious India. Weighing 1,800kg, it's nimble yet stable, ideal for executives valuing silence and power over mass-market blandness. For buyers, its build quality promises 2-3 lakh km durability if serviced right, positioning it as a sleeper luxury pick in the used market.

I find the Infiniti M35 a compelling luxury sedan for India's discerning buyers seeking Japanese refinement without the usual German heft. Its 3.5-litre V6 engine delivers 306 horsepower with seamless 7-speed automatic shifts, offering brisk acceleration and a composed ride on pothole-ridden highways from Delhi to Mumbai. The cabin wraps you in leather and wood, with heated seats, Bose audio, and intuitive controls that feel premium even today. Handling shines with active steering and adaptive suspension, making it agile in city traffic or twisty Ghats. However, its age shows in lacking modern ADAS and infotainment updates, and parts availability remains spotty post-Infiniti's India exit. Fuel thirst is real at 8-10 kmpl city, but for Rs 45 lakh ex-showroom, it undercuts rivals like the BMW 5-Series while delivering 90% of the luxury. I recommend it for enthusiasts prioritizing driving purity over gadgets—buy used from trusted dealers, budget for maintenance, and you'll own a understated gem that turns heads subtly. In India's chaotic roads, its reliability edges out European peers, making it a smart used buy for long-term ownership joy.

I think this is a shame, as the M was a solid contender in the luxury sedan market.

The Q70 was seen as a more modern and technologically advanced successor.

I believe the V8 option was particularly popular among those seeking a blend of luxury and power.

The interior was often praised for its comfort and elegance.

These updates were aimed at keeping the model fresh until its discontinuation.

In India, the Infiniti M35 carried an ex-showroom price of Rs 45 lakh in Delhi, as listed by reliable sources, though this could fluctuate slightly by city due to taxes and dealer margins. On-road pricing pushed it to around Rs 52-55 lakh, factoring in 12-15% road tax, 10-12% insurance, RTO registration, and fastag—exact figures varied by location, with higher taxes in states like Maharashtra adding Rs 5-7 lakh extra. I view this as a steal in the luxury segment; at launch around 2008-2010, it undercut Mercedes E-Class (Rs 55+ lakh) and BMW 528i equivalents while matching their opulence. Today, used examples hover at Rs 10-20 lakh depending on mileage and condition, offering massive value against new sedans like the Mercedes C-Class at Rs 60 lakh on-road. Factor high import duties (100%+ back then) that inflated costs, yet its depreciation makes it accessible now. For buying decisions, prioritize CPO units to avoid import part premiums (Rs 50k+ per service), and negotiate hard—its rarity boosts resale if maintained, but scout Delhi-NCR dealers for best deals amid fuel and service costs.

I rate the Infiniti M35's mileage at 7-9 kmpl city and 10-12 kmpl highway on Indian roads with 91-octane fuel, totaling Rs 150-200 daily running costs for 50km commutes. High V6 thirst demands premium fuel, inflating expenses versus efficient rivals like the Toyota Camry (14+ kmpl), so budget Rs 2.5-3 lakh yearly for 15,000km. Opt for it if performance trumps economy—cruise control aids highways, but skip for pure cost-savers.