2009 INFINITI M: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026

The most important change for the 2009 INFINITI M is a stronger 303-horsepower V6, paired with a new 7-speed automatic in the rear-wheel-drive M35. This is a mechanical and equipment update, not a redesign.
About the 2009 INFINITI M
2nd generation (2006-2010), fourth year of the generation and the year after the 2008 styling/technology freshening.
The 2009 M is INFINITI’s midsize luxury sport sedan: a roomy four-door built to blend strong acceleration, rear-drive balance or AWD traction, and a cabin with a lot of comfort and tech for the class. INFINITI marketed it as a premium performance sedan with a clear sporty edge, aiming at shoppers who wanted BMW-like response without giving up everyday comfort and a generous standard feature set.
The 2009 range consists of the rear-wheel-drive M35 and M45 plus the all-wheel-drive M35x and M45x. The M35 models use a 303-horsepower V6, while the M45 models have a 325-horsepower V8; leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, adaptive xenon headlights, a moonroof, and Bluetooth give the lineup a well-equipped luxury focus.
What changed, by category
2009 INFINITI M specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V8, 4.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V8, 4.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Overdrive & Manual Mode | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive & Manual Mode | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive & Manual Mode | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive & Manual Mode |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 17 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 14 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 21 mpg | 22 mpg | 20 mpg |
| Horsepower | 303 hp | 325 hp | 303 hp | 325 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 336 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft | 336 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.9 cu-ft | 14.9 cu-ft | 14.9 cu-ft | 14.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.3 in | 37.3 in | 37.3 in | 37.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2009 INFINITI M compared with the 2008 model?
The biggest change is the updated 303-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 in the M35 and M35x. The rear-wheel-drive M35 also moves to a 7-speed automatic, while the body and cabin design largely carry over from 2008.
Is the 2009 INFINITI M a redesign?
No. The 2009 INFINITI M is a mechanical and equipment update within the same generation, following the larger styling and technology freshening for 2008.
Do all 2009 INFINITI M models have the 7-speed automatic?
No. Only the rear-wheel-drive M35 has the 7-speed automatic. The M35x, M45, and M45x use a 5-speed automatic, and every version has Drive Sport shift mode.
Which 2009 INFINITI M trims have all-wheel drive?
The M35x and M45x have all-wheel drive. The M35x pairs it with the 303-horsepower V6, while the M45x combines it with the 325-horsepower V8.
What equipment was added across the 2009 INFINITI M lineup?
Every 2009 INFINITI M adds Drive Sport shift mode, speed-sensing automatic door locks, and Scratch Shield self-healing clearcoat paint. The M35x also gains standard xenon headlights that turn with the steering.
Sources
- usa.infinitinews.com — en US / Releases / Release B6Cc1236Cd924924847De14D3Adda1B7 2009 Infiniti M Press Kit 2
- usa.infinitinews.com — en US / Releases / Release 5Cffbe5067E442B8A58D2Ac38Fa63C70 2008 Infiniti M Receives Major Upgrades Including First Available Production Lane Departure Prevention System
- usa.infinitinews.com — en US / Releases / Release 4F4214610Ac84207923D3D57Bae4707F 2010 Infiniti M Press Kit 3