The Infiniti M37 I drove was powered by a 3.7L 24-valve Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) V-6 engine with aluminum alloy block and heads, delivering 330 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 270 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,700 rpm.
Infiniti Drive Mode Selection with Standard, Sport, Snow, and Eco modes allows you to choose the exact performance climate you propose to drive. Most of my driving experience was in the Standard mode.
The Infiniti M sedan is also available in the form of the M Hybrid, which is powered by a 3.5L V-6 engine coupled with the Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid system. This hybrid component consists of a 50 kW electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. Lithium-ion batteries pack a much greater power density than conventional nickel-metal hydride batteries.
The M37 has yet another sibling in the Infiniti M family: the M56 powered by a 5.6L 32-valve V-8 aluminum block and heads engine.
All three engines have an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic with Adaptive Shift Control. Driver-adaptive learning algorithm senses driving style and automatically adjusts shifting accordingly. Manual shift mode is also available. Infiniti has an engine with enough power to make you want to drive a lot, since the M37 gets 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg highway.
The price for the Infiniti M37 is $48,200. That may seem expensive, but keep in mind you are getting a luxury sedan that is appealing as you develop a sense of pride in technology that is state-of-the-art, while riding in outstanding comfort. So much so you feel the richness of the experience at the onset of getting behind the wheel.
Inside the M37 are leather appointed seats, as expected in such luxury class. The heated front seats offer 10-way power adjustment and adjustable lumbar support. The Japanese white ash wood trim, front door handle courtesy lights, and sequential welcome lighting add beauty in the day while whispering a soft warm light into the darkness.
The M37 keeps track of individual preferences with a dual occupant memory system for driver’s seat, steering wheel, outside mirrors, climate control, and audio setting linked to intelligent keys. All you have to do is show up, get in, and allow Infiniti to place your preset preferences into actuality.
Infiniti not only wants the passenger to be comfortable, but also be involved. A dual zone temp control system and the rear seat climate vents help others to be proactive in selecting levels of personal comfort.
There is a bucket load of technology in this car. Items like rear-view monitor, active noise control, and 6-speaker AM/FM audio system with simple disc CD players are standard.
A 7-inch color vehicle information display handles items like Sirius XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth, and hands free phone system with HomeLink Universal Transceiver. Information is easy to see at a glance.
There are more than two dozen features listed on the Monroney. Everything from the Advanced Air Bag System, security alarm, brake assist and tire pressure monitoring system to a rear with independent, multi-link coil springs over shock absorbers, stabilizer, and anti-roll bar.
For an additional $3,000, Infiniti has a Technology Package, consisting of Blind Spot Intervention and Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Distant Control Assist, and Intelligent Brake Assistance, to name a few. The RWD M37 and M56 can add a Deluxe Touring Package ($3,900).
The Infiniti was a joy to drive. It handles well, was quiet, and had plenty of power. It felt luxurious with lots of technology that provided additional safety, economy, and communication.
But I did have some issues. The driver and front passenger seats felt too small. The console area was too crowded with small buttons and knobs that could have been helpful if found in a timely manner. Small open compartments are at a premium. No storage for loose items. There is space dedicated for storage, but inconveniently located for the driver’s use.
Though there were these issues, they took little away from a fine driving experience in a quality vehicle.
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected]
