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The Basics:
The 2011 Infiniti M sedans are on a mission: to erase some of the distance shoppers put between the German super sedans and Nissan's most luxurious and powerful four-doors. With subtle, gorgeous good looks and truly great handling, the M37 and M56 arrive none too soon to replace the dynamic-driving, but not as dynamic-looking, 2010 M35 and M45.
At a base price well under $50,000 and a top end higher than $60,000, the 2011 Infiniti M37 and M56 will compete with the Audi A6, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the BMW 5-Series, the Lexus GS, the Jaguar XF, and even the Hyundai Genesis and Lincoln MKS—but it's the E-Class, 5-Series and XF that find themselves outgunned in many ways by the new M.
Likes:
- Sleek and sensual lines
- Gorgeous, functional dash
- Super-sedan handling
- All-wheel drive on the options list
- Real back-seat room
Dislikes:
- M37's powerful but grumbly
- A little gadget-happy
- Status seekers still don't respect it
Reason Why:
The 2011 Infiniti M pits itself against some of the best-selling luxury sedans in the world. The Audi A6 is in its final year of production, yet still offers a balanced ride and handling package, a well-fitted cabin, and choices of engines, transmissions and front- or all-wheel drive. The BMW 5-Series will be new for 2011, and a more cohesive look will put its recent styling troubles in the past--though electronic systems could overwhelm its essential driving characteristics. The Benz E-Class arrived new for the 2010 model year, with a sharply pressed new suit and an upgraded interior--and a newfound sense of the road ahead, with sharper, quicker steering and a hot AMG-powered E63 four-door version. Also revamped this year: the Jaguar XF, which gets a 510-hp V-8 as its most powerful offering while its rejuvenated body still draws stares and its gimmicky interior still wows first-time passengers. Two dark horses in this race are the turbocharged Lincoln MKS, which marries Volvo-style dynamics with a brilliant powertrain and a distinctive, chrome-lined interior, and the Hyundai Genesis--a dead ringer for the former Infiniti M, down to its leather-trimmed dash and its rippling V-8 option.
The Bottom Line:
The 2011 Infiniti M pairs beauty with a beastly V-8 engine—and at last, Infiniti makes its marque in a class full of winners.
This 2011 Infiniti M Review originally appeared at TheCarConnection.com where you can see more photos and news on the Infiniti M
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