Topic: First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M37 and M56

[sacrat]

I've always been a huge fan of the M.  IMO, it's a beautiful car inside and out.......and a very competent performer as well.  Infiniti has a done a great job with the new M.

Yet your profile shows G35. Did you vote with your wallet or heart?

[CanuckS2K]

I've always been a huge fan of the M.  IMO, it's a beautiful car inside and out.......and a very competent performer as well.  Infiniti has a done a great job with the new M.

Yet your profile shows G35. Did you vote with your wallet or heart?

Definitely with the wallet.  As much as I love the M, I didn't even entertain the thought of getting the M as it was more than I wanted to spend.  I didn't need that big of a car as well. 

[Frontier1]

Infiniti and Acura have never managed to develop that certain cachet that Mercedes and BMW have when it comes to status. For some reason Lexus was able to move into that group but not the other two "luxury" marques from Japan.

Disagree, the ES3XX, a glorified FWD Camry that starts at $42,000. I see way more G's on the road.

[Benhaze]

This comment context was about the overall Brand recognition, not for a specific entry model. There is no question that there are far more Lexus, BMWs and Mercedes vehicles on the road than there are Infiniti or Acura vehicles.

[CanuckS2K]

This comment context was about the overall Brand recognition, not for a specific entry model. There is no question that there are far more Lexus, BMWs and Mercedes vehicles on the road than there are Infiniti or Acura vehicles.

Agreed, there is no doubt whatsoever that BMW, Merc, and Lexus have much more brand recognition than Infiniti.  Most people I know don't have a clue what an Infiniti is.  You have to take into consideration that Infiniti was barely even alive as a company until they introduced the G back in 03.  IMHO, they have a come a LONG way since then and from my personal experience they make a darn good vehicle.  Another thing to take into consideration regarding brand recognition is that BMW and Merc have had decades to establish themselves.  Lexus has done a fantastic job establishing themselves as one of the world's premiere manufacturers in a relatively short period of time.

[rrocket]

Infiniti and Acura have never managed to develop that certain cachet that Mercedes and BMW have when it comes to status. For some reason Lexus was able to move into that group but not the other two "luxury" marques from Japan.

Disagree, the ES3XX, a glorified FWD Camry that starts at $42,000. I see way more G's on the road.

Nonsensical comparison.  ES350 doesn't compete with the G-line.  IS does.  And outsells the G.

[CanuckS2K]

Infiniti and Acura have never managed to develop that certain cachet that Mercedes and BMW have when it comes to status. For some reason Lexus was able to move into that group but not the other two "luxury" marques from Japan.

Disagree, the ES3XX, a glorified FWD Camry that starts at $42,000. I see way more G's on the road.

Nonsensical comparison.  ES350 doesn't compete with the G-line.  IS does.  And outsells the G.

I don't keep track of monthly sales figures, but in February the G Sedan sold 2686 units while the IS (both 250 & 350 combined) only sold 1991 units. 

[rrocket]

Infiniti and Acura have never managed to develop that certain cachet that Mercedes and BMW have when it comes to status. For some reason Lexus was able to move into that group but not the other two "luxury" marques from Japan.

Disagree, the ES3XX, a glorified FWD Camry that starts at $42,000. I see way more G's on the road.

Nonsensical comparison.  ES350 doesn't compete with the G-line.  IS does.  And outsells the G.

I don't keep track of monthly sales figures, but in February the G Sedan sold 2686 units while the IS (both 250 & 350 combined) only sold 1991 units. 

I won't argue with you.  I know in some years past, the IS line has outsold the Gs.  Thanks for the correction.

[Iso Octane]

Agreed, there is no doubt whatsoever that BMW, Merc, and Lexus have much more brand recognition than Infiniti.  Most people I know don't have a clue what an Infiniti is.  You have to take into consideration that Infiniti was barely even alive as a company until they introduced the G back in 03.  IMHO, they have a come a LONG way since then and from my personal experience they make a darn good vehicle.  Another thing to take into consideration regarding brand recognition is that BMW and Merc have had decades to establish themselves.  Lexus has done a fantastic job establishing themselves as one of the world's premiere manufacturers in a relatively short period of time.

I'm happy with what Infiniti represents today; as the intelligent alternative.  If the plebes of the world gravitate themselves toward 328i's, IS250s, and ES350s because they want the brand then so be it.  I think Infiniti has reached a point where their products are well differentiated and can stand on their own.  

Infiniti might not be where it wants to be in terms of cache, but their line up (in the context of the Japanese luxury marques) definitely supports the story.

[CanuckS2K]

Infiniti and Acura have never managed to develop that certain cachet that Mercedes and BMW have when it comes to status. For some reason Lexus was able to move into that group but not the other two "luxury" marques from Japan.

Disagree, the ES3XX, a glorified FWD Camry that starts at $42,000. I see way more G's on the road.

Nonsensical comparison.  ES350 doesn't compete with the G-line.  IS does.  And outsells the G.

I don't keep track of monthly sales figures, but in February the G Sedan sold 2686 units while the IS (both 250 & 350 combined) only sold 1991 units. 

I won't argue with you.  I know in some years past, the IS line has outsold the Gs.  Thanks for the correction.

I wouldn't be surprised whatsoever if the IS has outsold the G fairly consistently in the last few years.  I just checked out February sales for the heck of it, but I honestly am not sure what the sales numbers have been in the past when comparing the two.

[CanuckS2K]

Agreed, there is no doubt whatsoever that BMW, Merc, and Lexus have much more brand recognition than Infiniti.  Most people I know don't have a clue what an Infiniti is.  You have to take into consideration that Infiniti was barely even alive as a company until they introduced the G back in 03.  IMHO, they have a come a LONG way since then and from my personal experience they make a darn good vehicle.  Another thing to take into consideration regarding brand recognition is that BMW and Merc have had decades to establish themselves.  Lexus has done a fantastic job establishing themselves as one of the world's premiere manufacturers in a relatively short period of time.

I'm happy with what Infiniti represents today; as the intelligent alternative.  If the plebes of the world gravitate themselves toward 328i's, IS250s, and ES350s because they want the brand then so be it.  I think Infiniti has reached a point where their products are well differentiated and can stand on their own.  

Infiniti might not be where it wants to be in terms of cache, but their line up (in the context of the Japanese luxury marques) definitely supports the story.

Completely agree on all points.

[CanuckS2K]

M56S Full test by Edmunds.  Pretty impressive performance numbers. 

http://www.insideline.com/infiniti/m56/2011/2011-infiniti-m56s-full-test.html

[Pervez]

I have been driving both a MB 350 E and a Infiniti 35Mx for the last 3 years. I have now left the E mostly for my wife for the 50,000 miles that I have put on the Infiniti in last 3 years have been some of the best driving I have done. Granted I am 60+ and may keep an egg between my foot and the accelerator, however, I do that for both the cars. In my opinion Infiniti M is a much better designed and built vehicle for which I paid approximately 8% less than a comparably equipped 350 E with all wheel drive.

N. Pervez

[denimo]

Im new to this site but am encouraged by the intelligence of some of the comments. The point about Infiniti reaching adult status among the premium brands seems totally valid.  Ive owned an FX 35 for three years and love it. I looked at a Cayenne GT in 08 despite its looks but the panic handles seemed silly and as for having to take the head restraints off to lower the 2nd row seats? Plus the sales guy scared my wife with his Batman-style driving.

As for the comment about Infinitis being Nissan knock-offs (eg Acura of Honda), can that writer put his magazine down, then go look at a real FX 35/45/50 and then tell me which particular Nissan's body shell my 08  FX is a knock off of?   No?   Didnt think so.

[BWL1949]

Very intersting comments on this board re: 2011 M37/M56.  Particularly like the comparison between MB E350 and M35 where the gntleman far preferred the M35.  I have owned a 2004 G35 since 2004 and love it!  (Also own a '09 Enclave SUV).  I'm looking at the new M37 to replace the G because the styling is great, it is a little bigger ((I'm 60+ and not a small person) and will fit my needs for a number of years.  Value for money - Japanese over German any time.  You pay for the name with MB, BMW, Audi.  You pay for substance with Japanese high-end.