By Mauricio Lezcano / carsNtravel.com
Now in its third year of the current generation design, the 2013 Infiniti M once again sets the bar high for mid size performance luxury sedans; it combines inspired performance, welcoming interior, crafted feel and advanced technology.
Expressive styling, meticulous hospitality, the Infiniti exterior combines balanced, rear wheel drive proportions and stance with a long, low hood and high rear deck to create an efficient aerodynamic shape while also providing a roomy cabin.
The Infiniti M exterior optimizes both luxury and sport styling cues with an expressive, signature Infiniti double arch upright low grille and crystal look headlight clusters, large aluminum alloy wheels and a wave like trunk with a high aerodynamic performance that works like a spoiler to increase down force.
Standard exterior features include a power sliding tinted glass moonroof with one touch open/close, tilt feature and sliding sunshade, automatic on/off High Intensity Discharge bi-functional Xenon headlights with windshield wiper interlock, dual exhaust with polished tips and courtesy lamps built into the outside door handles.
The M instrument panel features Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges, gear like rings on the instrument cluster meters, a 7.0-inch color vehicle information display and Infiniti analog clock. Leather appointed heated 10 way power driver and front passenger’s seats including 2-way power lumbar support is standard, along with a dual occupant memory system for the driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors which can be linked to the individual Intelligent Keys.
For buyers seeking a slightly higher level of features and technology, the Premium Package adds the next generation Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with 8.0-inch WVGA color touch screen display.
For 2013, the Premium Package includes Infiniti Connection services, with Automatic Crash Notification, Emergency Call, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, My schedule, Remote Door Lock/Unlock and access to Infiniti Personal Assistant a 24/7 personal concierge service that is available at no charge for the first four years .
The Deluxe Touring Package adds such notable features as the Bose Studio Surround sound system with digital 5.1 channel decoding and 16 speakers, power rear sunshade, and a unique quilted seat pattern with contrasting piping and additional seat bolstering.
Under the hood, the M37 3.7 liter VVEL, 24-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy V6 engine is rated at 330 hp @ 7,000 rpm, 270 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm. The engine also features rigid ladder frame construction, large crank journal and pin diameters, asymmetric piston skirts, twin knock sensors and electronically controlled drive by wire throttle system.
The M37 model comes standard with Infiniti’s refined 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control and Manual Shift Mode with Downshift Rev Matching, which allows for sportier shifts during spirited driving.
A unique feature of the 2013 M is Infiniti Drive Mode Selector, an integrated control system that allows drivers to select from four driving modes, depending on mood or driving conditions, with a dial switch located on the center console. Each mode, Standard, Eco, Sport or Snow, adjust throttle sensitivity and transmission mapping to help optimize performance.
The steering system is an electronically controlled vehicle speed sensing variable assist power rack and pinion design; it also features Infiniti’s advanced Vehicle Dynamic Control with Traction Control. The system utilizes the M’s VDC system to help improve cornering feel by automatically applying the brake so that load is increased on the front wheels.
Infiniti M is available with a number of innovative technologies, including Infiniti’s Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention, also offered are Blind Spot Warning and Blind Spot Intervention systems, which are available as part of the technology package.
Overall I found the 2013 Infiniti M37 an enjoyable and easy car to drive; the interior is absolutely solid full of useful features that performed excellent with both a USB port and Bluetooth audio streaming. It worked perfectly with my iPhone and should work with the gadgets most people bring into the vehicle.
Estimated fuel economy is rated at 18 mpg City and 26 mpg Highway, the manufacturer’s suggested retail base price is $48,200.00 the one I drove included the Technology, Deluxe Touring, and Premium Packages it came in at $61,845.00 including destination charges.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
