Video: 2011 Infiniti M

Apr 12, 2010 1:31 PM

The completely-redesigned 2011 Infiniti M luxury sedan recently hit dealerships with a lower nose and a number of improvements over the previous model. Perhaps most significantly, both the V6 and V8 engines boast more horsepower and better fuel economy: The M37 replaces the M35, and has a 330-hp V6 with EPA ratings of 18/26 city/highway, 1 mpg more than its predecessor. The 420-hp, V8-powered M56 is rated at 16/25 for the M56, a 4 mpg improvement in highway mileage compared with the old M45. When we tested a 2005 M35, we got 19 mpg overall.

In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash ratings, the M receives the highest score of Good in the front and side crash tests. In addition, the vehicle will now offer a blind spot intervention system. Available on other upscale sedans like the Volvo S80, Buick Lucerne, and Cadillac DTS and STS, the safety system will alert drivers of the presence of adjacent vehicles if they are intending to change lanes.

Pricing for the 2011 Infiniti M37 starts at $46,250 for the rear-wheel drive model and $48,400 for the M37x all-wheel drive version. These prices are $450 more than the current generation M. Pricing for the M56 starts at $57,550 for the rear-wheel drive and $60,050 for the all-wheel-drive. For a closer look at the new M, see our video above.

Infiniti has also announced plans to add a hybrid to the M line for the 2012 model year.

In our tests, the M35 was a top performer in its class. Its 3.5-liter V6 was quick and strong; the car felt agile and the interior was roomy and well designed. We'll see if the next generation M will stay at the top of the class when we put it through our tests.