The all-new 2011 Infiniti M37 makes an appealing case for itself with its sleek yet brawny design, long list of premium features, roomy cabin, powerful V6 engine and engaging road dynamics. The fact is, its 330 horsepower is far more robust than any of its V6-equipped competitors.
It's also one of the most high-tech-oriented sedans in its class, with a wide array of technological goodies to enhance safety, comfort, entertainment and performance, such as Active Trace Control which improves the transition from braking to acceleration when cornering and a Forest Air purification system.
The new M37 is certainly a worthy contender, but it's also a crowded segment with well-proven rivals, though most are more expensive. Those shopping this segment may also want to consider the BMW 5-Series as well as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, both with their own positive attributes. And like the M37, the Hyundai Genesis also offers a lot of value for the dollar.
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
Standard features on the 2011 M37 include leather upholstery, 8-way power front seats, a sunroof, 18-inch wheels, a rearview camera, automatic bi-xenon headlights, foglights, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, driver memory settings, keyless entry/ignition, power-folding heated mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power tilt/telescoping steering column, automatic wipers, Bluetooth and a 6-speaker audio system with a CD player, satellite radio, an iPod interface and an auxiliary audio/visual jack.
Update: Weak Economy Leads To Lower M37 Prices:
Car sales have been on the weak side historically for close to the past two years now. And Infiniti has recently been offsetting at least some of the market weakness through strong incentives and easier-to-get discounts. It remains a buyer's market right now, resulting in an excellent opportunity to get the lowest price.
The bottom line? Car dealers will "wheel and deal" bigtime right now if you know how to push their buttons to get the best price. Here's an article on the best negotiating technique to take advantage of the current slow car market (definitely read before ever going to a dealership): How To Buy A New M37 At The Best Price given current car market conditions.
In terms of available options, the Premium package includes voice-controlled navigation, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats and a 10-speaker Bose audio system with digital music storage and streaming Bluetooth audio. The Deluxe Touring package adds upgraded leather upholstery and interior trim, an in-car air purifier, a power rear sunshade and a 16-speaker Bose surround-sound stereo system, while the Sport package (not offered on all-wheel-drive models) adds sport-tuned suspension and brakes, 20-inch wheels with summer tires, four-wheel active steering, a sport steering wheel, sport seats and special exterior styling accents. (The Sport package is only available on models with the Premium package and can not be added to those with the Deluxe Touring package).
There's also a Sport Touring package which includes everything in the Sport package plus the surround-sound stereo system, the power sunshade and the air purifier. Finally, the Technology package adds a blind-spot warning system, adaptive cruise control, a lane departure warning system, a front collision warning system, adaptive headlights and an "eco pedal" which gives feedback to improve fuel-efficient driving.
Incidentally, here's an infographic listing the 12 carmakers who've given the biggest new car price discounts off MSRP (includes Infiniti).
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
Powering the 2011 M37 is a 3.7-liter V6 engine that's good for a robust 330 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission that includes manual shift paddles and four selectable shift modes (Standard, Sport, Snow or Eco). While rear-wheel drive is standard, the M37x is equipped with all-wheel drive.
The EPA-estimated gas mileage for the new M37 is 18 mpg city and 26 mpg on the highway with rear-wheel drive and 17 and 24, respectively, with all-wheel drive.
Safety:
Standard safety equipment on the 2011 Infiniti M37 includes traction and stability control, antilock brakes (ABS), front side airbags, side curtain airbags and active head restraints. In addition, the available Technology package includes the lane-departure, blind-spot and forward collision warning systems mentioned above.
In the new and more strenuous government crash tests put into effect this year, the M37 earned five out of five stars for overall side-impact protection and four stars for overall frontal-impact protection.
Interior:
The M37's cabin is very attractively designed, luxurious and finely crafted with high-quality materials, certainly on par with those of its better known European competitors. What's more, by adding the Deluxe Touring or Sport Touring packages, the interior is even further upgraded by seats with diamond-quilted leather and contrasting piping, a faux-suede headliner, special silver-powdered wood trim accents and several other materials upgrades.
The cabin also provides ample roominess, while the seating is comfortable and supportive, both front and rear. And in terms of technology, it's simply hard to beat given all its available features. In addition, the Infiniti's navigation and audio interfaces are considered among the most user-friendly available.
Drive:
The 2011 Infiniti M37 has engaging road manners and excellent handling abilities, particularly impressive for a large sedan. It's steering is precise and responsive, while there's plenty of grip in the corners and abundant thrust from the V6 engine. Even with this level of power and athleticism, the M37 still manages to provide a pleasant ride quality both around town and on the highway.
Those wanting even more advanced driving dynamics will likely be pleased with the Sport package's multiple performance upgrades, however, the sport suspension and 20-inch wheels makes for a somewaht harsher ride quality.
Price:
2011 Infiniti M37 Sedan:
M37, RWD: list price: $47,050, invoice price: $43,438
M37x, AWD: list price: $49,200, invoice price: $45,418
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