The automotive world has its hidden gems—cars that arrived before their time, offered something unique, and then faded into obscurity. The first-generation Infiniti M45 (2003–2004) is one such vehicle. It was Infiniti’s bold attempt to marry the raw power of a V8 engine with the refinement of a luxury sedan, a combination that largely went unnoticed at the time but now makes it an unexpectedly compelling find.
A Precursor to Performance Luxury
The M45 debuted before “performance luxury” became a mainstream marketing term. It predates widespread launch control and the obsession with horsepower figures. This timing is critical: it explains why the car slipped under the radar. Today, however, this obscurity makes it an attractive proposition. For a modest price, you can own a rear-wheel-drive, naturally aspirated V8 luxury car with Japanese build quality and a design that still looks purposeful.
Under the Hood: A 340-HP Sleeper
The heart of the M45 is Nissan’s 4.5-liter VK45DE V8 engine, producing 340 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque. Coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission, this car could sprint to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds in 2003—competitive with BMW 540i models of the era. The power delivery is linear, with a classic V8 growl and none of the lag associated with forced induction. It’s muscular without being crude, refined without losing its edge.
Why It Was Different: An Unconventional Approach
Infiniti didn’t try to mimic European luxury sedans. Instead, they built the M45 on the Japanese-market Nissan Gloria platform, giving it aggressive styling and a performance-first attitude. The result is a car that feels distinctly different from its competitors. The interior is spacious and well-equipped, featuring xenon headlights, heated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and a Bose audio system—features that were impressive for the time.
Rarity and Affordability: A Unique Combination
Infiniti sold only around 8,000 M45s in the U.S. across both model years, making it rarer than many enthusiast-favored cars. Yet, today, clean examples trade for between $5,000 and $10,000—less than many high-mileage economy sedans. This affordability is due to its relative obscurity; it lacks the collector’s halo of German rivals and the tuner fame of other Japanese models.
Why Now Is the Time to Notice
As with many overlooked classics, attrition is starting to play a role. Finding a clean, well-maintained M45 is becoming increasingly difficult. Enthusiasts are beginning to realize the car’s potential, and demand is slowly rising. This is a pattern seen repeatedly in automotive history: cars that are ignored at launch often gain a following as their unique qualities become more appreciated.
A Driver-Focused Experience
Inside, the M45 offers a straightforward, driver-centric experience. The seats are supportive, the controls are intuitive, and there’s no distracting touchscreen dominating the dashboard. Visibility is good, and the car feels built around the person behind the wheel. It’s a refreshing contrast to modern luxury interiors that prioritize aesthetics over usability.
Reliability and Ownership
The VK45DE V8 is a durable engine when properly maintained. Regular oil changes, cooling system care, and suspension upkeep are crucial. Parts availability remains good due to shared Nissan components. Fuel economy is not a strength (around 16 mpg city, 22 highway), but that’s the trade-off for a naturally aspirated V8.
The Infiniti M45 didn’t get its moment in the spotlight, but it stands out today as a rare example of Japanese luxury with genuine muscle-car power.
The first-generation Infiniti M45 is a forgotten gem: a powerful, comfortable, and surprisingly affordable luxury sedan that deserves a second look. If you seek something different—a car that delivers performance without the pretense—this sleeper is worth considering.
