Not new, but definitely updatedThe Infiniti M lineup was reintroduced last year after a hiatus with cars in this class. The 2012 Infiniti M56 isn’t a brand-new iteration, but an update to last year’s all-new model and a hail to the popular, sporty M line-up. There are a few minor changes to options packages as well as the significant addition of a hybrid drivetrain to the Infiniti stable.
The 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid uses Nissan’s first hybrid technology that was developed by this Japanese automaker’s in-house team and Nissan claims nearly doubles the fuel economy. Along with the
Nissan LEAF, it showcases the all-new Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians with an alert for pedestrians and the blind, when the hybrid is operating in all-electric mode.
We were behind the wheel of the rear-drive 2012 Infiniti M56 luxury sedan. Our ride was under-the-radar-colored Platinum Graphite; the cockpit was trimmed in Stone, with top-of-the-line semi-aniline leather appointments, along with Japanese White Ash wood inlays with genuine silver powder accents—with a “Forest-Air” system - think woodland air freshener on a grand scale!
We loved the sprightly drive of the M56 that sheds the bad rap for tricky traction that some rear-drivers bring along for the ride. We also enjoyed the crisp shifting auto tranny and the option to use the manual-shift mode that matches the engine’s revs with downshifts, giving exciting, smooth shifts that bring the sound of “blipping the throttle” when driving in a spirited fashion. The Infiniti’s brakes are confidence-inspiring and the sedan is loaded with all the latest sound, navigational, safety and vehicle technologies that you would expect of a vehicle in this class.
Starting at $59,100, our M56 sedan had plenty of options and was priced at $67, 425 including the $875 destination fee. On board were the Luxury Options Package; Deluxe Touring Package and an 18-inch Wheel Package. Fuel economy is EPA rated at 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
The 2012 Infiniti M56 starts at $59,100; Choosing the all-wheel-drive M56x, prices start at $61,600, while the added fuel economy of the 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid starts at $53, 700.
Strength by the numbersThe 2012 Infiniti M56 is one of three models in the M line-up with the other two model being the M35 Hybrid and the base M37. The M56 is motivated by a V-8 that makes 420 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque, and it is mated to a fuel-saving, seven-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode. Rear-drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available (this version is designated by a 56x badge). The hybrid model has a V-6 that delivers 320 horsepower and is rated at 32 mpg.
Sitting prettyThe large, cushy cockpit of the 2012 Infiniti M56 is made exceptionally comfortable and convenient through features like 10-way power adjustments for the driver and front passenger seats that can be heated and cooled, and Intelligent Keys, which are sort of like individual thumb-drives that store information about seat positions, climate control settings, audio preferences and navigation information for each driver. A heated steering wheel, Bluetooth and a rearview monitor also are standard.
The cool thing about the interior, however, is the artistic details that give the cabin a sophisticated look and feel like chrome, polished wood and leather trim sweeps around door handles and other surfaces. Outside, dual exhaust pipes are crafted with polished finishers.
More than a pretty faceAlthough the 2012 Infiniti M56 looks gorgeous, its sweeping waves of sheet metal add up to more than a pretty face. The M56 has a low coefficient of drag (0.27), and it makes good elbow room for five passengers along with the ability to store their gear in a large trunk which has a pass-through to the rear seat for long items such as skis. The headlamps have a crystal-like sparkle, and the trunk shape has been crafted to work like a spoiler. A power moonroof and automatic on/off headlights are standard, as are 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels (20-inch wheels come with the Sport option package).
Our only complaint centered on the M’s rear seat legroom which we found ample in general, but when a tall driver or passenger used all of the seat travel up front, it compromised taller riders in the rear.
Battle-ready performanceThe 2012 Infiniti M56 is engineered with a dial switch on the center console that allows drivers to select from four driving modes: Standard, Eco, Sport or Snow. The ancient Greeks couldn’t have prophesied the kind of auto-pilot technologies offered through the M including a feature in the $3,000 Technology Package which gives slight pushback on the driver’s foot through the accelerator pedal if he or she is driving inefficiently.
The tech package also includes Active Trace Control, which helps control braking under cornering and automatically applies the brakes. The $5,600 Sport Package includes 4WAS, or four-wheel active steering, which adjusts how much assistance the power steering system provides, depending on the vehicle’s speed. It’s a little bit like advanced driver training without having to go near the race track.
Infiniti provided the vehicle for this review.
