The Infiniti “M” series, now into its third generation, has had a rough run so far. The first-generation car was closely based on the JDM Nissan Gloria, so much so, that the design was considered outdated by the time it hit US shores. It was considered a sales flop, which is sad because it’s actually quite a good car. The second-generation M35/45 sold much better, but always seemed to play tag-along with the BMW 5-series, Lexus GS, and Mercedes E-Class in sales, despite winning several comparison tests.
Now, we’re testing the third-generation car, and wow, is this something new and improved. But is it new and improved enough to take down the German heavy hitters in the mid-large segment? Hit the jump to find out.
The beautifully sculpted curves are as anti-Mercedes as we’ve seen recently, and the design is quintessentially Japanese luxury. We’ll let the photos do the talking when it comes to exterior, except to say that the car was clearly designed with the optional 20” wheels in mind, which our car didn’t have; the M37 is all about what’s going on inside.
The interior is a model of perfect fit and finish, and honestly feels worth every penny of our test car’s $59,460 asking price. Although the center stack requires some getting used to, as it contains about 30 buttons too many, the seats, workmanship on the doors, wood and aluminum trim, dash, and gauges are damn near perfect. Its not a Bentley, but at this price, you’d be hard pressed to find better build quality. The best part is, most of the good stuff can be had for the $46,250 base price, plus the $3,800 Deluxe Touring Package. Our test vehicle also came with the $3,000 Technology Package, which we would pass on, since it mostly comes with drivers aids that people who can actually drive properly don’t need.
Speaking of driving, the M37 makes a fine daily driver, and even a good canyon carver. Though it lacks the low-end thrust of the optional 5.6L V8, the 330 hp, 3.7L V6 is more than enough power for most any driver, and when mated to the 7-speed transmission, will yank the car to sixty in the mid-five second range. Not bad for the “base” engine. The 7-speed does hunt for gears sometimes, a downside of having one cog too many, but it returns up to 26 mpg in freeway driving, so for many, the compromise is worth it.
One of our favorite features? Forest Air, which basically oscillates the air in the cabin through the vents to give an impression of a natural breeze. It sounds cheesy, but in practice, is a very neat trick that we love. Another is the slick integration of the tweeters into the front seats, a nice, functional touch.
The $3,350 Premium Package is also worth the money, as it adds in the Navigation system, 9.3GB hard drive, and our other favorite feature, heated/cooled seats. I don’t know what it is about cooled seats, but we just love them on a hot day.
The Infiniti M37 has so much available technology that on a price sheet, it far outclasses the competition. And if you don’t need it all, the M37 has a relatively low price of entry compared to Ze Germans.
We wished we could have had some more time to really explore what the Infiniti M37 can do, butwe will be testing the M56 soon, and we can really do a thorough review (and possibly even a drag race, we hear it’s a rocket). But we do know one thing: Infiniti has really come into its own, and the new M-class is destined to be a big hit. Now that Acura’s styling is out to lunch, Infiniti is poised to take its position on the podium as the best value in luxury motoring today.
Besides the engine and platform, what else does this car share with the Maxima? Is it worth the price premium?
there isn't anything visible about the M37 that would immediately lead me to believe it shares anything besides the engine with the Maxima. The Maxima is a great value, but it's Front wheel drive. The M37 is rear-wheel drive, and in my opinion, the better driver's car. As nice as the Maxima's interior is, the M37's is much nicer, as is the styling and detail work.
Hey guys, feel free to keep taking pictures in my neighborhood, I honestly get a little kick out of it.
P.S. Please bring some cooler stuff next time, if an angry sounding black C6 drives buy and honks it's probably me saying hi.
is it the Supercharged one I see driving around LA all the time? If so, email me… we wanna film with that.
Nope no supercharger for me yet, I've been salivating over the new Edelbrock E-Force setup. But that probably won't happen until later in the fall. The guy with the ATI kit sometimes shows up at the Ruby's diner show on Friday afternoons. It's no Cars and Coffee but there are some nice classic builds and some of the old timers have a good story or two to share.
Maybe it's becuase I'm not Japanese but I think cars styled all gloopy like this look ugly. Guess my eyes just prefer hard edges.