2011 Infiniti M56x
Infiniti M Challenges European Luxury Sedans
Infiniti is taking a serious run at the European midsize luxury cars with its redesigned M37 and M56 sedans. These 2011 Infinitis have sexy styling, class-leading power, sporty handling and high-tech features that rival those of Audi, BMW and Mercedes.
The new M series sports a curvaceous body with bulging front fenders, sweeping character lines and an aggressive-looking grille. It’s definitely more sensuous than the car it replaces. The interior has swoopy touches too, like the wood trim on the dash, shaped like a Nike swoosh, that sweeps around onto the front doors.
As with previous M models, the center control panel on the dash features a large number buttons. However, they are clearly marked, and are neatly separated for climate control, navigation and audio functions. The seats are well contoured and supportive, but passengers in the rear have less legroom now. However, the trunk is the same size as before at 14.9 cu.-ft.
Infiniti has pumped up its M sedans with added horsepower for 2011. The V-6 in the M37 delivers 330 hp, up from 303 in last year’s model, and the V-8 in the M56 cranks out 420—95 more than the outgoing M45. Both engines are teamed to seven-speed automatic transmissions and can be had with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.
Infiniti equips the its M sedans with a wide array of luxury features. The M37 gets standard pushbutton entry and start, leather seats with a driver’s memory function, a rearview camera, Bluetooth and iPod interface and a sunroof. The M56 adds a navigation system in the base price. The Deluxe Touring package provides goodies like an air purifier, upgraded leather and a 16-speaker Bose sound system. A Sport package that includes 20-inch wheels, a stiffer suspension and four-wheel steering is also available on rear-wheel-drive models.
However, if it’s high-tech features you want, the M sedans have them too. Infiniti takes a backseat to no one in this department. The Technology package offers safety features like adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning and intervention, lane departure warning and prevention and forward collision warning. While most of these features can be lifesavers, I found the lane-departure system to be annoying in everyday driving.
Although the Infiniti M sedans excel with luxury and tech features, they also standout as driver’s cars. Both models deliver excellent power. The V-6 has more horsepower than last year’s V-8. The eight-cylinder engine is really strong. It will whisk you to 60 in five seconds, and do it effortlessly. The seven-speed automatic is almost seamless in its shifts.
Furthermore, these Infinitis are entertaining to drive. The handling of the M sedans, even those without the Sport package, is engaging. The steering delivers a good feel of the road, and it’s weighted just right, taut but not too heavy. The suspension is tuned for sporty driving. The M sedans are as at home on a twisty back road as they are on the highway. The ride, although firm on standard models, is reasonably compliant over most surfaces. However, if you are considering an M with the Sport package, be sure to check it out over some bumpy roads first, you may find it too stiff for comfort.
Pricing for the Infiniti M37 starts at $47,115. The M56 begins at $58,115. Both these prices are below that of their European counterparts. My test car was a loaded M56x with all-wheel drive, the Technology package and the Deluxe Touring package. It had a bottom line of $68,280.
Snapshot Review:
Sexy Styling
Class-Leading Power
Loads of High-Tech Options
Sporty Handling
