The competition is intense and many car manufacturers have a vehicle in the full size luxury sedan market. The Infiniti M56 is up against the best from BMW, Mercedes Benz, Audi, Lexus and Acura just to name a few. The previous generation M56 was formally known as the M45 and was not well received by consumers. Again, this is one cramped niche and Infiniti did not do enough to set the M45 apart from the rest of the pack. But, maybe this has all changed for M56′s current model year.

Infiniti’s largest and most powerful luxury sedan was normally overshadowed by its little brother the G35 and G37. For 2011 the Infiniti M56 has a base price of $58k. The M56 has been tightened and buttoned up, it now has the fit and finish the Germans have been known for, and Infiniti has also manned up to produce a V8 engine worthy of its German Luxury rivals. With 420 hp available the M56 surpasses the 60mph mark in a scant 4.7 seconds. For comparison last year’s model took almost a full second longer to reach a 60 mph. The Infiniti M56 out accelerates all its competitors in this area.

Complaints about older have always begun with how harsh the ride is. But, Infiniti created a luxury ride even though the car was meant to handle. twenty inch rims, firm springs, and double-piston shocks. If this sounds like the vehicle would ride rough, it does not. With the new M56 you get the chance to select 4 different modes. The Eco mode is there to conserve fuel, The Snow mode is self explanatory, the standard mode is regular all around drive setting, and finally The Sport mode improves all power, throttle and shift strategies for optimal performance.

Opt for the $3k technology package and you get some cool stuff; like a lane departure prevention system, blind spot alert, and radar adaptive cruise control which when set keeps the same difference between you and the car in front no matter the speed. There is also a $3800 touring package which adds extras such as a Bose stereo system, wood trim, and a cabin air system which in essence is just a fan that blows air at random speeds like the tropical setting on your fan at home. The final optional package is the Big Daddy Sport Package. At $3600 this pricey package comes with four wheel steering, a sporty suspension, massive twenty inch rims with summer tires, and an awesome sport steering wheel.

Performance wise the Infiniti M56 kicks butt. The 400 hp V-8 can propel the M56 zero to 60 4.7 seconds as aforementioned, and the quarter mile is eclipsed in 13.4 seconds, which is just a tiny bit off pace from the awesome Ford Mustang GT and the Camaro SS muscle car. All that power wrapped in a luxury car. The M56 can also post a 0.86g on skid pad.

Compared to its rivals the Lexus GS460, Jaguar XF, and the Mercedes E550, The M56 trumps them all. Only downside is the M56 is also the most expensive of the group. It can out accelerate, outbrake and out corner the best. Plus, the Infiniti M56 has the best fuel economy in its class. Now more than ever has the full sized luxury sedan from Infiniti become a serious contender.

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