 2011 Infiniti M56. Click image to enlarge |
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2011 Infiniti M
San Diego, California – Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Nissan’s luxury “Infiniti” brand enjoys great success in Canada with some of its models, but has lagged behind in others. The “G” line of cars (G35, G37), for example, are definitely winners with consumers, but the “M” line has had trouble gaining a foothold in the large luxury segment. This is not for lack of trying, as Infiniti has released some capable “M” vehicles over the years. It’s more a lack of focus and brand image.
Now there’s an all-new 2011 Infiniti M, and three key dimensions of the car — performance, technology and design – really stand out. In short, this is the best “M” yet; a car that has some real character to separate it from its predecessors and the competition.
There are two “M” models: the V6-powered M37 and the V8 M56, both available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) “x” versions. Base price for the RWD M37 is $52,400, with AWD adding $2,500 for the M37x ($54,900). The RWD M56 starts at $66,200, rising to $68,700 for the M56x.
   2011 Infiniti M56. Click image to enlarge |
Various options and packages (Premium, Touring, Sport, Technology) are available, and prices are very competitive with like-sized vehicles from Audi and BMW (A6, 5 Series), while lower than the outgoing 2010 Infiniti M models.
2011 Infiniti M performance – in both V6 and V8 specification – is a notable feature of the model. Available power from the 3.7-litre V6 and all-new direct injected 5.6-litre V8 is exceptional, with the V6 making 330 horsepower at 7,000 r.p.m. and 270 pound-feet of torque at 5,200 r.p.m., and the V8 generating 420 hp at 6,000 r.p.m. and 417 lb.-ft. torque at 4,400 r.p.m. Compared with the equivalent 2010 models, the V6 gains 27 hp and the V8 gains 95 hp. To put the output of the M56 in perspective, it has the same horsepower as the supercar Audi R8.
A new seven-speed transmission (with paddle shifters available) sends power to the wheels, and a driver-selectable four-mode control system (Infiniti Drive) manages throttle and transmission mapping responsiveness (normal, Eco, Snow, Sport). The “M” — V6 or V8 — accelerates, turns and stops with surprising authority and capability.
Fuel economy is commendable for a vehicle of this size and power, and improves upon estimates from the 2010 Infiniti M models as seen in the chart below, with last year’s numbers in parentheses. Notably, the $1,200 “gas guzzler” tax levied by the Province of Ontario on the 2010 M45x is slashed to $75 for the equivalent 2011 model, despite the prodigious increase in power.
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2011 Infiniti M
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M37
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M37x
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M56
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M56x
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City L/100 KM
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11.4
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12.0 (-1.3)
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12.9
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13.4 (-1.7)
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Highway L/100 KM
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7.6
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8.3 (-0.8)
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8.0
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8.5 (-1.7)
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Along with the lusty performance, technology – especially in the area of consumer amenities and safety systems – is a highlight of the 2011 Infiniti M.
 2011 Infiniti M56. Click image to enlarge |
Examples include Active Noise Control, which creates a quieter interior, and available “Forest Air,” designed to reduce odours that may intrude into the cabin while generating a more natural “breeze-like” flow of air. Another innovation is the Eco Pedal, which gives driver feedback to encourage fuel efficient driving. For audiophiles, an available Bose Studio Surround sound system features 16 speakers and digital decoding.
A Technology Package includes Blind Spot Warning (detects vehicles in the “blind spot” area) and Blind Spot Intervention, which is a system that helps prevent a driver from changing lanes when a vehicle is approaching. (In practice, as the driver attempts to move into an occupied lane, the vehicle “pushes back” on the steering wheel in an attempt to prevent a collision).
Lane departure warning (LDW) and lane departure prevention (LDP) are part of the available intelligent cruise control system that helps the driver maintain proper position in relation to lane markings and surrounding vehicles. Audio warnings and steering wheel pressure alert the driver who wanders across lane markings.
 2011 Infiniti M56. Click image to enlarge |
Other technologies in the package include Adaptive Front Lighting, Intelligent Brake Assist with forward collision warning, front pre-crash seat belts, Forward Collision Warning, auto-levelling headlights, Adaptive Front Headlights, the Eco Pedal and Active Tracking Control (adjusts engine torque and braking to improve cornering performance).
An $11,000 Sport Package is available on RWD models only. It adds a Premium Package (Navigation, Voice Recognition, Bose audio, climate-controlled front seats, heated steering wheel) and four-wheel active steering, a sport tuned suspension, higher performance sport brakes, aluminum accent pedals and 20-inch wheels and tires. The Sport Package adds $7,200 to the M56, which starts with the Premium Package as standard equipment.
Standard equipment for all “M” models includes leather seating surfaces, Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, satellite radio, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, power sliding moonroof, rain sensing windshield wipers 18-inch alloy wheels, power seats, foldable mirrors, and bi-xenon headlights.
 2011 Infiniti M56. Click image to enlarge |
Infiniti makes no apologies for the amount of technology in its “M” models. While some driving enthusiasts may argue that these safety, entertainment and driving aids alienate the driver from the vehicle, Infiniti believes that its target market will be attracted to an M37 or M56 precisely because of the comprehensive and advanced technologies they feature.
Styling of the 2011 Infiniti M vehicles clearly quotes from the sleek and elegant Essence show car that Infiniti has been featured at auto shows around the world for the past year. That car is more than simply a design exercise, and is providing Infiniti with a template for future and current models.
Granted the 2011 M-line is not quite as swoopy and sensuous as the Essence, but it is lower, wider and longer than the outgoing model, and its lines – especially those of the fenders, are obviously Essence-inspired. Unfortunately the grille doesn’t angle back like the Essence (and current Maserati models), but maybe that would have affected the M’s very low 0.27 coefficient of drag. Sure would have looked good, though.
    2011 Infiniti M56. Click image to enlarge |
Inside, the M37 and M56 are beautifully appointed. All components, down to the smallest details, are finely crafted and assembled. The level of luxury and taste exceeds one’s expectations.
On the roads around Southern California’s Chula Vista area, the M37 and M56 felt solid and built to last, while retaining agile handling and excellent balance (they range in weight from 1,750 to 1,916 kilograms). Power from both engines is smooth and substantial, but from the V8, acceleration from a standstill is breathtaking. Most will opt for the V6 engine, however (about two-thirds of buyers), while 80 per cent will choose all-wheel drive.
It’s worth mentioning that even though these cars are packed with driver aids, and the numerous controls needed to operate them (the instrument panel and centre stack feature layers of switches and buttons), you can easily deactivate systems if you wish (lane departure, for instance). Additionally, operating the navigation system, climate controls and audio system was simplicity itself.
As for the Eco Mode, this is an interesting experiment that may have a role in city driving, but doesn’t work very well on hilly, country roads. The accelerator actually requires more pedal pressure to increase speed than normal, kind of “pushing back” on your foot in an attempt to tell you that you’re not driving fuel efficiently. However, if you are already driving fuel efficiently in one of the other Infiniti Drive modes, the Eco mode won’t improve your fuel consumption.
The point, one supposes, is to dissuade “jack rabbit” starts and other unnecessary behaviours, but I suspect that the “rabbits” will never use Eco mode, and the eco-drivers already know how to drive fuel-efficiently.
In conclusion, here’s a car that’s worth a look if you’re in the market for a five-passenger luxury sedan. Infiniti has created an M that has the personality, performance and appearance to effectively compete in its sector. Now that Infiniti is becoming a global brand, the luxury credibility it desires and requires could be realized.
