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2011 Infiniti M56x AWD Review

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Luc Gagné
If you're looking for exclusiveness
Buyers can also choose to equip their M with a heated steering wheel, one of many options and accessories. Including genuine silver-powdered wood accents.

Despite its impressive girth, the M sedan doesn’t boast a very practical trunk. Its loading capacity is limited, and the tortuous shape of the opening doesn’t give much freedom. The BMW 550i (520 litres), Mercedes-Benz E550 (540 litres) and Lincoln MKS (453 litres) all fare better than the M in this regard, which only proposes 422 meagre litres of loading capacity.

Despite its impressive girth, the M sedan doesn’t boast a very practical trunk. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com)

The high profile of the trunk also reduces rear visibility. The rear-view camera proves essential in reducing the risk of collisions when reversing. You wonder why Nissan doesn’t equip its premium sedan with the Around View Monitor system gracing the humble EX35 crossover…

Rich mechanical appointments
The Infiniti M also distinguishes itself by its rich mechanical appointments designed to enhance its level of sophistication in the eyes of potential buyers.

For this model, Nissan created an Intelligent Cruise Control system and a Blind Spot Intervention system, not to mention the Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention systems, Distance Control Assist and Intelligent Brake Assist with Forward Collision Warning. Whew.

But despite all these features, a competent driver is still required to get the M sedan moving.

À la carte driving
This premium model boasts another exclusive feature: your choice of driving modes. Whether indulging a whim or responding to road or weather conditions, you have a choice of four modes: Normal, Eco, Sport or Snow. Talk about à la carte driving.

Simply select the desired mode by turning a digital dial located on the centre console. Each mode adjusts the throttle response and transmission settings to optimize performances according to your needs.

Whether indulging a whim or responding to road or weather conditions, you have a choice of four modes: Normal, Eco, Sport or Snow. Talk about à la carte driving. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com)
Luc Gagné
Luc Gagné
Automotive expert
  • More than 30 years of experience as an automotive journalist
  • Over 59 test drives in the past year
  • Attended over 150 new vehicle launches in the presence of the brand's technical specialists