2012 Infiniti M56x
MSRP $65.00
“For those who drive a lot and need V8 power and space, the M56x is the best sedan we’ve driven all year. However, it can’t match other luxury cars in terms of acceleration and technical features.”
Avg
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Lots of space for people and stuff
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The AWD system improves handling
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It just has that very refined feel to it
Against
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The V8 wakes up at illegal speeds, but we don’t live in Germany
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Outmatched by rivals
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Features that should be standard at this level are optional
If you could only use one word to describe the Infiniti M, it might be this: refined.
In the 2012 model, which we tested for a week, there were no improvements to the 420-horsepower V8 engine, no added luxury accessories and no new interior changes. Still, driving this luxury sedan for the first time (since we haven’t reviewed the 2011 version) and comparing it to the Infiniti M37x (which we reviewed last year), there’s a sense of refinement in the way the car drives. Not quite as punchy as the BMW 5 Series, or as tech-laden as the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63, the M56x has more in common with the Audi A7 in that some of the superior craftsmanship begins to reveal itself over time.
For starters, the M56x isn’t a blazingly fast car. In our tests, even in Sport mode, 0-60 was right around 5 seconds, well off the mark set by the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG we drove just a few weeks ago. In terms of handling, the M56x is no match for the adaptive suspension in the Audi A8.
The outward appearance of the M56x suggests that it is larger than the M37x, the latter of which has a more pronounced bubble shape and a longer wheelbase, but they are actually the same size. What we got out of the car is that it delivers an extremely smooth ride. Sliding over potholes is one thing, but the four-wheel drive was sure-footed on the road. (We only had one minor spin when we tried to get the rear wheels to lose traction.)
Image used with permission of the copyright holder
The interior is reminiscent of the M37x, but without as much of a cocooned feeling, mainly because the vehicle is bigger. There are similar controls in the cockpit to change the drive mode (you can use normal mode, sport, snow and eco mode) and adjust the climate and entertainment controls.
A few times we reached for the drive mode menu thinking it was the steering wheel for the entertainment system, since it’s a Mercedes or BMW staple. The Bose surround system was clear and loud, but not nearly as pristine as the CLS 63 or as loud as the Cadillac CTS.
Space and handling
What this luxury sedan delivers is space, an incredibly smooth ride and power when you need it. There’s plenty of room for passengers in the back, even when the front seats are all the way up. Unlike many European luxury sedans, there is room for three passengers to sit comfortably in the back. Cargo space (at 14.9 cubic feet) is more than adequate—we’ve stuffed a few duffel bags and have plenty to spare. Headroom is a shade better than the C63, which is intended for quick starts and tight handling.
Image used with permission of the copyright holder
The ride is smooth and refined, but not sporty. You don’t feel like you want to race the person next to you, but everyone in the car will get a better night’s sleep on the long commute. However, the 7-speed transmission does a great job of channeling the power from the 5.6-liter V8, and you might not immediately notice it for passing or acceleration. The M56x seems more than capable at higher speeds, once you approach 80. The vehicle seems to release some latent burst of power beyond that point.
Technical features?
Infiniti has stripped back the gee-whiz features of the M56x in favor of engine power and extra passenger space. On the model we tested, which retails for about $65,000 (base price is $57,000), there was no option for adaptive cruise control (slowing down for the car in front of you), lane departure prevention (gently nudges you back into your lane), or even blind spot indicators. The M56x has a reversing camera, GPS navigation, a heated steering wheel and a folding rear window privacy curtain.
The M56x has a few other hidden features that don’t seem obvious at first. The car has a standard hill start assist feature, for those difficulties when you are standing at a traffic light and the car is right behind you. The vehicle will hold you in place when you take your foot off the brake. Another advantage: the 10-way adjustable seats provide plenty of position for a better view of the drive.
Image used with permission of the copyright holder
Of course, like any top luxury brand, the M56x also uses xenon headlights which are super bright for easier night driving, a stability control system and ABS brakes.
Infiniti offers a technology package for the M56x that has some extra tech features like sport blind spot warning and adaptive cruise control. Of course, it will cost you: $3,000 for the package.
In terms of mileage, the V8’s power trumps fuel economy. We got about 22 mpg in our tests, barely below the rated 23 mpg highway, and that was mostly freeway driving back and forth to work and only a few miles of city driving. The M56x can drop well below 20mpg if you’re driving in start-stop situations. The smooth ride becomes most apparent at highway speeds, as does the smooth shifting of the 7-speed transmission. This is a passenger car, not so much intended for urban excitement.
Conclusion
In the end, the Infiniti M56x is in the same league as other luxury cars we’ve tested recently, including the Audi A7, BMW 5 and even the Mercedes CLS 63. It’s undeniably a quieter ride. At high speeds, the power under the hood is certainly superior to the BMW 5, and even gives the A7 something to think about. There is no competition compared to the C63 – the M56x flops in that upper segment.
For those who drive long distances and need V8 power and space, the M56x is the best sedan we’ve driven all year. However, it cannot match other luxury cars in terms of acceleration and technical features.
Editor’s recommendations
Categories: GAMING
Source: newstars.edu.vn