First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M37 and M56

March 16, 2010

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.

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