Vehicle: Infiniti M37x AWD with Premium Pkg and Deluxe Touring & Technology Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$75561
We were came away impressively with the M56 Sport. However, most of M’s sales would be the V6 version with VQ37HR engine. This 3.7 liter DOHC V6 has always been highly praised at Directshift for its level of engine refinement and flexability, the same goes for M37′s application. Not only does it address previous M35′s lack of power, its also a smooth operator that suits its luxury car character. 330hp and 270 lb/ft of torque certainly help a whole lot in this regard.
With Infiniti’s intelligent AWD which works seamlessly through the process by delivery all-weather traction, when mated with standard suspension and VSC. M37′s handling prowess is as impressive as M56 does, with more superior ride comfort on washboard pavement. For most driver’s perspective, this well-calibrated standard suspension is more comfortable but doesn’t sacifice any of its handling prowess. The steering is equally precise, same goes for the exceptional control of its body motions and uninstrusiveness of VSC.
Inside, M37 received the same kind of classy materials as its M56 silibing does. Everything else from stereo control to dual-zone climate control are very initutive. The leather seats provide exceptional support for both driver and passenger.
If you don’t need the extra grunt of a V8, M37 is more than capable for most driver’s needs in a mid-size luxury sedan. It provides the equal amount of driving pleasure and luxury without breaking your bank account. In short, a very impressive package.
Likes:
Sweet VQ37HR
Handling and ride compromise
Interior materials and fit-and-finish
Amount of standard features standard
Dislikes:
Annoying “Eco” mode with non-linear throttle response
Trunk liftover and cut-off
Lack of a proper fold-down rear seats
Instrusive stability control
Competitions:
Audi A6 Quattro
BMW 535i X-Drive
Mercedes E350 4-Matic
Vehicle: Infiniti M56 Sport
Price as tested: CDN$86601
Performance: While the V6 M has been upgraded from 3.5 into 3.7 liters, V8 has been upgraded from 4.5 to 5.6 liters respectively. As we will have a “follow-up test” on the M37 in the near future, the highlight of our tester is the M56.
Infiniti M has always been considered as rather sporty and athletic alternative to its Japanese rivals, the latest M56′s performance prowess is another prove that Infiniti wants M to be the performance benchmark in this class. The new M56, as its designation suggests, is powered by a sweet 5.6 liter DOHC 32-valve V8 that is good for 420 ponies and 417 lb/ft of torque. When it comes to engine refinement and flexability, this powertrain is simply top notch. The throttle response is quick without feeling overly responsive. On the other hand, there is no shortage of power at any rpm. Infiniti’s VVEL and CVTCS technologies certainly help its breathing. Its also very willing to rev with a solid engine note. In terms of engine note, Infiniti’s engine note used to sound rather cheesy and boy racer. Their latest generation of exhaust setting has changed to a more pleasing sound, which is more suitable to Infiniti’s upscale image. Instead of sound like every other Civic with the early G35, this engine note sounds sophiscated, which is a delightful change. The smooth 7-speed manumatic is the only gearbox mated with the M56. Not only does the shifts are wonderfully smooth and coordinated, the gear ratios are perfectly matched with V8′s performance characteristics. Since the introduction of the 370Z, Nissan has started to use “rev match” with any of its manumatic and works exceptionally well. If the “rev match” works great with 370Z, it works awesomely with this M56. On the other hand, this manumatic has paddle shifters on the steering wheel. That makes any driver can make use of this V8′s rpm even more effectively. The problem is, just like 370Z, is mounted on the steering column instead of steering wheel. This kind of combination has moved M56′s 4224 lb Japanese leather opulent of luxury with authority.
Handling: What makes a luxury car handles like a sports car. Give it a strong and rigid chassis, then caliberate a proper sports suspension setting and add 4-wheel Active Steer to improve the tail from getting out at a corner. In the meantime, M56 has the usual rear-wheel-drive 50/50 perfect balance for docile handling when pushed. That means the whole car feels extremely well balanced and composed when driven hard on a track or on black-top twisties. The Active Steer has made the tail from getting out easier for better adjustability. While the sports suspension is firm, it doesn’t feel any harshness when driven through rough pavement. The ride is comfortably compliant with a sense of European suppleness dial in through the process. What the sports suspension really does help is how flat and secure when pushed hard, given M56′s weight. The body motion control is superb, just like the VSC’s uninstrusive setting. It remains uninstrusive until driver rears M’s ugly head. Given the purpose of a luxury sports sedan, this kind of setting has come as a bit of a surprise even for an enthuisastic driver.
Brakes: Given M56′s weight, its braking performance is as impressive as its dynamic package does. The stopping distance is short while pedal feels alive and solid. The brake pedal always feels reassuring and confidence-inspiring. The ABS doesn’t step in unnecessarily .
Interior: Infiniti has really come a long way in recent years. With the early G35 received such a nasty treatment with those cheap plastic galore. The new M56 is anything but classy and well-finished. There are plenty of soft-touch plastic materials on the dashboard and door panels, while the leather feels soft and supple. Those leather seats provide decent support when driven M56 hard into a corner, with the right thigh and back support. The only drawback is the rather weird, or French-like, driving position.
As with all the latest Infiniti, the power seat switches finally placed on the side of the seats instead of on the seat bolsters beside the center armrest.
The backseat is equally comfortable. There are plenty of head and legrooms for all passengers to spend time on a long trip.
Conclusion: While the previous M was a sporty and athletic car to drive, it comes as a rather underwhelmer when it comes to performance and use of materials. The new Infiniti M56 is anything but. It has everything to run with the top dogs right from performance to the world-class interior ambience.
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2011 Infiniti M56 Sport ===================================== Performance: 5/5 Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5 Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5 Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5 Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5 Value-for-money: 4/5