2005 Infiniti M35

1. Infiniti M35
In the same way the Infiniti G35 targeted and surpassed the BMW 3 Series in driving dynamics and value for dollar, the BMW 5 Series became the bogie for Infiniti's completely revised M35, based on the enhanced FM platform (front midship) shared with the G35 and Nissan 350Z. Compared with the G35, the M has a wider stance, and there's a taller cowl to handle the V-8 of the M45 model.

One complaint buyers had with the first G35 was the Spartan cabin. Not so on the M35, which Nissan gave an upgraded materials to attract more luxury buyers. Even on the base car, the interior is richly appointed. There's a lot of eye candy. Real rosewood trim adorns the center console, dash, and doors. Virtual-image electrofluorescent instruments have brilliant red needles that swing Samurai-style through their full range and back at startup. A seven-inch color LCD screen, keyless locking, push-button starting, voice-recognition system, supportive leather seats, sunroof, and Bluetooth wireless connectivity are standard. So is translucent lighting around key switches, center-stack controls, and the analog clock. Infiniti is one of the few automakers that lets owners choose between optional XM or Sirius Satellite Radio. And just in case the luxurious interior gets too relaxing, an optional Lane Departure Warning system lets out with an audible wakeup call should the car cross over lane markings without the turn signal actuated.

Some editors had issues with the layout of the secondary controls for the climate and audio systems on the center stack, particularly the ones atop the dash.

Beyond the luxury, the M35 remains a car with a spirited, Z-car-inspired engine and crisp transmission that can rip sensational matched-rev downshifts in manumatic mode. Though the lightweight aluminum suspension can sometimes deliver a jolt over rough pavement, the suspension is well-damped and the car composed. Superb weight balance and pinpoint steering make this sport sedan a willing partner on any road you care to choose. No wonder the M35 smoked the competition in acceleration tests and tied for first with the Sport-package-equipped 530i in braking and the figure-eight test.

Six years old and counting, the sixth-place-finishing S-Type Jaguar is cramped inside and getting long in the tooth. While pleasant enough to drive, there isn't really anything that distinguishes it from the pack other than heritage styling. A complete redesign, based on the aluminum components of the flagship XJ, is due out in a couple years and should be a more compelling proposition.

Cadillac's STS cuts a striking figure, and the Sigma platform that underpins the STS imparts a Euro sport-sedan feel with solid structure, crisp steering, and Nuerburgring-tuned suspension. But interior materials and finishes aren't worthy of a premium sedan, and most of the interesting new features in the fifth-place STS are extra cost.