MotorMouths

Our drive of the 2011 M37 revealed definite improvements over earlier M models, with performance and styling gains that should provide a stronger identity for Infiniti against the competition.

The M may have had some of its edginess polished away. But these sedans are easily the most comfortable and luxurious cars Infiniti has ever produced. The finely tuned blend of sportiness and luxury in these new M sedans could steal quite a bit of business from Infiniti’s German rivals.

The 2011 Infiniti M37 and M56 are a huge improvement over the outgoing model in terms of design, engineering, performance and overall luxury appeal.

As a luxury sedan the Infiniti M certainly succeeds. As a sports sedan, a little less so. The only thing that would keep us away from this are all those beeping “features.” But maybe we are just too old-school.

The new, curvaceous M is definitely sexier than its staid predecessor. Our M37x tester gave us a great ride, and the 330 horses on tap motivated the M sedan beautifully. The only time I could see this motor coming up short, is after a taste test of the M56.

Usually when you push a high-performance luxury sedan, it responds eagerly. The 2011 Infiniti M pushes back. However, it only does that if you want it to, and only if you’ve paid extra for an options package that amounts to a technology tour de force.

The new M is no more refined, no more special in the way it goes about its business, than its little brother. And that, not anonymity, is the real problem with the 2011 Infiniti M37S.

Functionally the Infiniti M series fulfills all needs; it’s a sweet-driving, powerful luxury sedan. Probably its biggest drawback is in perceived status.

Functionally the Infiniti M series fulfills all needs; it’s a sweet-driving, powerful luxury sedan. Probably its biggest drawback is in perceived status, something only a blue-and-white or three-pointed-star logo seems to cure.

Technology in itself is not the secret to a great performance car. It still comes down to power, cornering ability, styling and a comfortable interior. The 2011 Infiniti M offers all of the above plus the latest devices to make driving safer and more fun.

Infiniti is taking a bigger swing at its German competitors. The original M had most of the performance but none of the panache required to woo the faithful out of their Teutonic sedans. The M, especially in its 37X guise, is a far more concerted effort.

The Infiniti M’s seating, interior layout and level of luxury is on par with the rest of the luxury sedan party.