Thursday 3rd December 2009

Infiniti M: 5-series Rival Unveiled

New Infiniti executive revealed in the metal; G37 saloon gets a refresh

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Infiniti has revealed its new third-generation M-series luxury saloon in the metal, and it will be the first to go on sale in Europe. The new 5-series rival will go on sale in the US in spring next year, while Europe-wide sales (and yes, that includes the UK) will start in September 2010.

The Infiniti M is based on the same FM platform as the rest of the Infiniti range, which means rear-wheel drive and an engine set back behind the front wheels. Engine choices (at least for us Europeans) will be the 316bhp 3.7-litre V6 as seen in the rest of the Infiniti range and a new V6 turbodiesel, while a petrol-electric hybrid will join the range in 2011. All versions will transmit their drive via a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

Sadly, the range-topping M56S version, which will be powered by a 400bhp 5.6-litre V8 won’t be making it to the UK (or indeed the rest of Europe).

Infiniti hasn’t released exact prices or specifications, but it’s understood that the car will be aimed squarely at the 5-series and Mercedes E-class, a fact hinted at by Infiniti’s description of the M’s shape: “The M’s design is signature Infiniti, its subtle curves and complex surfacing endowing it with an emotional draw that goes beyond the colder, more austere class norm,” gushes the PR blurb. “Its deeply sculpted door surfaces and front bumper section add distinction and a sense of both aggression and intrigue.”

As is de rigeur for an executive saloon these days, the Infiniti M is packed out with trick technology. In this case that includes active four-wheel steering, adaptive cruise control, a blind spot warning system, a lane departure warning system and a climate control system called ‘Forest Air’.

This last, says Infiniti, offers “unrivalled temperature, humidity and pollution control while re-creating the gentle breezes and subtle scents of an environment known to promote alertness and relieve stress: the forest”. Er, right…

In the spirit of general housekeeping, Infiniti has also given the G37 saloon (right) a spruce-up with smarter cabin materials, a sharper front-end design and the option of four-wheel steer and four-wheel drive.

[Beefmeister]

Hmmm, need t oponder those images for a while. Part of me likes it, part of me thinks it's a bit too 'bulbous' - looks a little bit like a 1990's Kia Sorrento...

[E21_Ross]

is everyone now following suit on bmw with the whole centre console/idrive style system and screen now?

[pilchardthecat]

PH said:

Sadly, the range-topping M56S version, which will be powered by a 400bhp 5.6-litre V8 won’t be making it to the UK (or indeed the rest of Europe).

Well if i was going to buy one, it would have been that one.

[forzaminardi]

I quite like the idea of it but as the first comments says, it is oddly bulbous. It'll be a great buy used in 5 years time...

[mylesmcd]

like the front, dont like the back.

[kambites]

Better looking than the new 5' but still not exactly a thing of beauty.

[Art_Vandelay]

The interior looks fantastic IMO for a car in this class, don't know why I like it so much, but I just do.

Agree that the exterior is a bit lumpy, perhaps a car that looks better in the flesh.

[LuS1fer]

Is it now impossible to design a stylish and good-looking car?

[Belfast Boy]

I'm afraid so LUSIFER but this looks like a 1990s Chrysler Concorde/Mazda Xedos 9?

[Chris-R]

LuS1fer said:

Is it now impossible to design a stylish and good-looking car?

Certainly not impossible...

[Dickster]

My eyes seem quite confused.

I think I really like it.....

I don't think I really like it....

Some of it says "class" and some of it "Korean" to me.

[alfav6]

Ugly and bulbous. Yuk.

[LuS1fer]

Chris-R said:

LuS1fer said:

Is it now impossible to design a stylish and good-looking car?

Certainly not impossible...

Is it behind the Jag?

Better but hardly a stunner and very angle-dependent. But then I love the new CTS-V so what do I know....

[nsmith1180]

Sorry, Herr Car Maker, your new BMW and Mercedes has just lost to the Oriental upstarts.

Where do I sign up?

[havoc]

LuS1fer said:

Is it now impossible to design a stylish and good-looking car?

I was about to say "I take back all those nasty comments about the new 5-series" when I saw those pics...

[Tim16V]

Dickster said:

My eyes seem quite confused.

I think I really like it.....

I don't think I really like it....

Some of it says "class" and some of it "Korean" to me.

+1

Spot on!

I grumbled that the new 5 series was bland and then you get something like this that isn't, but it is confusing...probably a grower though and the front is bold.

I think it's the rear view, it's weak...the lights look like they've come from the Mazda 6 parts bin circa 1994. It needs to make a 'bold exec' statement as it passes you.


In any event I'm going to get one in a couple of years when the depreciation has really set in but the quality should still be there.

Be interesting to see whether they throw untold millions at the UK market like Lexus (so are here for the duration) or decide to dabble like Cadillac.

[GlenMH]

I have seen a few of these about already. The rear looks ok in the metal. The front is way way too "Korean" and blobby.

Good level of interior kit though.

[k-ink]

This is hideous. As is that horrific Jag above.

Anyway, is this made by Nissan? Who's behind the marketing?

[collateral]

Front grill is a bit big but I really like that

[ScoobieWRX]

The grill is awful and that badge design just sucks!! the whole car as has been said looks somewhat Korean and not very attractive.

I'd take a Lexus, or bimmer over that, and the XF over all of them!!