Model Tested: 2011 Infiniti M37 Sport
Comparable vehicles in its class: Audi A6, BMW 5-series, Jaguar XF, Lexus GS350
How much? MSRP $65, 290 for the model tested
When I first agreed to preview this vehicle, I was a little worried I wouldn’t be able to fully enjoy it. With two small children to cart back and forth to daycare, I was concerned there wouldn’t be enough room for them in the back with their boat-sized car seats.
Not only did the seats fit fine, but there was more than enough room for their feet which, with car seats, tend to sit a little higher on the back of the chair; in fact, there was more room back there then in some of the larger SUVs I’ve been driving lately (reviews to come!).
The cushy backseat not only boasts enough space that the boys were comfortably able to maneuver themselves into their seats – with little help from me – but I wasn’t pressed into the steering wheel to give them enough leg room (though I wouldn’t mind making out with this car a little).
Fully-loaded doesn’t even describe this car.
This luxury sedan includes many, many bells and whistles; in fact many options that would be considered upgrades on other models come standard on the M37 Sport: In-dash Navigation System, streaming audio via Bluetooth® technology, Bose® Studio sound system with 14-speakers – including two in each of the front seats, and my personal favourite: Heated steering wheel. Oh yes, baby.
Similar to the Nissan Quest (yes, I realize they are entirely different, but they are of the same car family), the Infiniti M37 Sport includes the Intelligent Key™, Push Button Start, and one touch entry.
The Infiniti M37 Sport, however, ups the ante with the Forest Air System – which purifies the air within the cabin by removing those unpleasant odours and humidity which can linger sometimes – and a Lane Departure Prevention System™. The Lane Departure Prevention (<— link to video on Infiniti website describing technology) is a camera-based technology which notifies the driver when the vehicle has unintentionally crossed a painted line. An indicator will flash on the dashboard and audible beep can be heard. But get this: if you continue to drift, the vehicle will gently apply breaks to the opposite side of the car to gently steer the vehicle back into its lane without taking steering control away from the driver.
I hit the paint a couple times to see what would happen (you know, for the review) and never had any indication of the car being maneuvered independently, but it may have been that I wasn’t over the line long enough…
Amazing attention to detail.
Everything in this vehicle is placed perfectly for accessibility and comfort. Infiniti’s
attention to detail is evident in the little things like: stitched emblems in the leather seats; the height of the centre console to allow comfortable elbow-resting while shifting; the location of the panel for adjusting the temperature and radio; the cup holders in their sleek stowaway compartment.
The only eyebrow-raising inclusion in this car, for me, is the ashtray and lighter; car manufacturers actually still provide these? Personally, I’d much rather see an optional compartment which can be converted from an ashtray, maybe to stow a phone or loose change.
Space for all the essentials.
The truck space in this car reminded me of my mom’s humongous Buick Regal growing up. I think it was large enough to fit my almost-three-year-old and his entire daycare class (not meant to be morbid at all, there’s just THAT much space). A robust stroller would definitely fit provided it could make its way through the slightly narrower opening.
The M-series is definitely a treat to drive. Quiet, smooth handling and fast, it’s not only a sport luxury vehicle, it’s one that can be enjoyed by everyone in the family; just ask my husband, he’s still whining. I won’t lie: I did wonder how long it would take them to come after me if I didn’t return it.
