The IPL's refined interior is trimmed in premium-feel materials and has a dynamic look. Brushed aluminum looks classy, as does Infiniti's hallmark analog clock. Soft-touch leather and plastic pieces are in all the necessary contact places. Red contrast stitching adds a nice pop to the otherwise completely graphite-colored interior. Monaco Red is another IPL-exclusive interior color.

An intrusive and unacceptable level of tire thrum and general road noise at highway speeds ruined the ambiance, however, stopping conversation. My passenger's phone rang, and he opted to let it go to voice mail.

Infiniti gets an A+ for its navigation system. It's one of the easiest control interfaces out there, with an intuitive touch-screen and a large control knob that's easier to reach. What's even better is the navigation system doesn't absorb the climate and audio controls. Those are separate knobs, which are clearly marked and reachable.