2012 Infiniti M

The 2012 Infiniti M is a favorite of many. The M is part of the large luxury car segment. Those who reviewed found its features easy to use. The interior is elegant while the engine provides sufficient power.

The Infiniti M is good as a utility car, at the same time delivering crisp and agile performance. There isn’t a lot to dislike about the 2012 Infiniti M.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Sedan Base Price: $47,700.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 gallons (76 l) MPG: 18 city / 26 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 194.7 in. (494.5 cm) Wheel Base: 114.2 in. (290 cm)
Height: 59.1 in. (150.1 cm) Width: 72.6 in. (184.4 cm)
Curb Weight: 3849 lbs (1746 kg) Ground Clearance: 6.0 in. (15.2 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 14.9 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 24 Valve V6 DOHC Displacement: 3.7 Liter
Horsepower: 330 HP Max RPM: 7000 RPM
Torque: 270 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm Transmission: 7-Speed Automatic
Available Trims & Engine
Option:M37x MSRP: $49,850; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy
Option:M35h – Hybrid MSRP: $53,700; MPG: 27 city / 32 hwy
Option:M56 – 5.6L V8 MSRP: $59,200; MPG: 16 city / 24 hwy
Option:M56x – 5.6L V8 MSRP: $61,700; MPG: 16 city / 23 hwy

Engine

The Infiniti M has three trims. The M37 comes with a 3.7 liter V6 engine that produces 330 horsepower and 270 lbs-ft of torque. The M56 is a 5.6 liter V8, 420 horsepower and 417 lbs-ft of torque. The automatic transmission has seven speeds and a manual mode.

A Hybrid version is also available. Many find the V6 engine powerful enough, but the power of the V8 engine is equally astounding.

The V6 handled better because it was lighter, and the V8 sacrificed fuel economy, handling and steering for added power. The Sport Package, which is an option of the M, did not receive a welcome reception because of the unexpected rough drive.

Performance

Some say that the M in either trim is a powerful car and drives like a smaller car, which is good. The 37 is a little more fun when it comes to whipping around tight corners than the heavier 56. The Sport Package, though it makes the ride rougher, is even more of a boon when the driver has to navigate really twisty back roads.

Both trims use rear-wheel drive. All wheel drive is optional on both the 37 and the 56. The M37 gets 18 miles per gallon in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, with the all wheel drive versions getting a little less. The M56 offers 16 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway.

Though all-wheel drive is available, most of the test drivers didn’t like it.

Exterior

The lines of Infiniti M looks elegant, even though some thought it looked like the G sedan model.

Interior

The inside of this luxury car is filled with not only luxurious leather and metal trim, but Japanese ash. The delightfully high-tech features are easy to use and the driver does not have to rely on one button to control everything, which many find irksome. Separate controls on the dash make everything very easy to operate. The M’s cabin is very comfortable, though tall passengers might find the back seat cramped.

Safety

The Infiniti M received excellent safety ratings. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave it a good for all its safety tests, and considered it a top safety pick. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave it five out or five stars in the side crash test and four out of five stars in the front and rollover tests.

Reliability

J.D. Power gave the M three and a half out of five rating for reliability. It comes with a four year or 60,000 mile warranty and a six year or 70,000 mile powertrain warranty.

Pros

The M is revered for its opulent interior and user friendly features. Test drivers love its sheer power, coupled with crisp and sporty handling.

Comparisons

The V8 was less nimble than the V6 and got less fuel economy. If you are looking for more luxury and more room in the back seat, you might consider the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (MSRP $50,490; 20 city / 30 hwy), though it’s considerably less powerful than the M. If space is not a priority might want to look into the Jaguar XF (MSRP $53,000; 16 city / 23 hwy). The M Hybrid has a bit more fuel economy. The BMW 528i (MSRP $46,900; 23 city / 34 hwy) is also worth looking at.

Overall Rating
84 out of 100

What others say:

“The Infiniti M is a luxurious four-door sport sedan, and it emphasizes a performance driving feel a bit more than some other cars in its class.”Car Connection

“Reasonably sporty, with good steering response and well-controlled body lean in fast turns.”Consumer Guide

“Handling is fairly agile, and the ride is firm yet compliant. The car is quiet but not super-hushed, due to some engine noise. Interior quality is top-notch, and the rear seat is roomy.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“As Infiniti’s flagship sedan, the 2012 Infiniti M delivers A-list levels of luxury, style and performance. On the value front, the Infiniti M offers a host of upscale features as standard issue along with more standard horsepower…”KBB

“The 2012 Infiniti M is the most sporting in its segment of premium sedans, but its firm ride might be a turn-off for luxury-minded buyers seeking a more gracious driving experience.”Edmunds

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