2011 Infiniti m
Is the new “M” from Infiniti just another letter, or can it really do something to outrun its competitors such as the new 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class or the BMW 5-Series? Well, you can say it is an answer to both of the stated questions, and a bit more, too. Just redesigned for the 2011 model year, Infiniti has made the M a little bit bigger in width thanks to a wider front end with a wider front air dam and longer thanks to a longer wheelbase.
The engines had also been updated in reference to two all-new models. The M35 has been bumped up to an M37, and the M45 had been promoted to the M56. The M37 has the same 3.7-liter V6 as in the G37 which produces 330 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 270 lb-ft. of torque at 5200 rpm. The M56 has a new 5.6-liter V8 with a hefty 420 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 417 lb-ft. of torque at 4400 rpm. This 5.6-liter engine is the same engine that is currently offered in the new 2011 QX56.
The M37 and the M56 come in both base and an “x” model, which includes standard AWD. The M37 and the M56 also have an “S” model which stands for “Sport.” Infiniti was not really the type of brand to make dual-clutch transmissions unlike its German counterparts such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW; therefore, what Infiniti had done was to make both the M37 and M56 buddy up with a 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control. ASC technology senses the driver’s driving style with quick sequential up-shifts and downshifts thanks to the DownRev Matching technology that was found in Nissan’s 370z.
Both the M37 and M56 have highly-expected performance numbers. While they are considered to be heavy 3500+ - pound cars, both cars can accelerate from 0-60 mph without much difficulty. The M37 comes up in just 5.5 seconds, while the V8-powered M56 crushes the competition such as the Mercedes-Benz E550 and the BMW 550i with an astonishing…and I mean, astonishing 5 seconds flat. Would there be an Infiniti version that would compete with the E63 AMG or the BMW M5? Infiniti has made a high-performance version of the G37 to compete with the M3; we do not know for sure, but we sure would like to find out, won’t we? As far as gas mileage goes…not too shabby considering that the M has a 20-gallon tank. The M37 gets 18 miles per gallon around town, and 27 miles per gallon on the highway, while the M56 gets about 2 miles per gallon less, and the AWD version gets a bit less than that too.
The ride is very smooth like a Lexus GS, but with a little bit longer wheelbase on the Infiniti, so the rear passengers would not have any problems with rear legroom complaints. Whether you get the M37 or the high-powered M56, you would feel like you are not really driving a smooth-riding luxury car like a Lexus, but also a performance car that grips the road such as a BMW or Mercedes-Benz. Now, you might be thinking, why didn’t you mention Audi? I have just one thing to say about that: The A6 does not stand chance against the new “M,” even if the A6 is just another one of Infiniti’s counterparts.
As far standard features go, Bluetooth, USB connectivity for your iPod, dual automatic climate controls, and a push-button start are all standard on the Infiniti M. The M also comes with 10-way power driver’s seat with driver’s seat memory and 2-way lumbar support. On the outside, fog lights, power-folding outside mirrors, and auto-on/off HID headlights are standard just to name a few options.
Safety on an Infiniti is a must if you were to stay safe in a luxury car. The M37’s brakes are really sensitive and powerful thanks to its 12-inch rotors all around, and when you get the Sport Package, the brakes get upgraded to 14-inch ventilated rotors with 4-piston calipers in the front and 2-piston calipers in the rear. Dual front and side airbags are standard along with side-curtain airbags and front-active head restraints. TMPS, Brake Assist, traction control, and Dynamic Stability Control are all standard on all M models, especially the AWD trims; a blind spot monitoring system as well as a lane-departure warning system is optional.
The new “M” is sleek, sexy, and very fun to drive. I would recommend this to anyone who would want to save money on any luxury car. This is a very good Japanese alternative to any Mercedes-Benz S-Class or BMW 7-Series.
