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Is the 2011 M56 S infinitely better?

Is the 2011 Infiniti M56 S the ultimate luxury saloon? It's our new long-termer, so we have plenty of time to figure that out for you

By Imran Malik, wheels magazine
Published: 00:00 June 17, 2011

Image Credit: Grace Paras/ANM
The Infiniti's 5.6-litre V8 features direct injection and variable valve timing.

There really aren't many, if any, cars out there that can fill the void left by the SLS AMG. We're feeling quite depressed after a month of sheer pleasure thanks to the fabulous Merc. But the show must go on.

In its place has come something from the other end of the spectrum, with normal doors — four of them, and a boot that can hold more than just an apple. Please, give a warm welcome to our new long-termer, the Infiniti M56 S.

Hmm, that wasn't the rapturous applause we were expecting, but that's just the sort of reaction this luxurious saloon gets. It seems the phrase ‘a wolf in sheep's clothing' was coined for the M56 S. It might just be the ultimate sleeper.

Its 5.6-litre V8 features direct injection and variable valve timing. The 420bhp engine is mated to a seven-speed automatic with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. It's also got four driving modes — Standard, Sport, Snow and Eco. You can be sure we'll be putting all of them to the test. Well, maybe not all, unless we get a sudden snowstorm.

I've taken it around the block a couple of times and I can already report that when in Sport, the M56 S is one wild ride. It may look like it was designed to waft along but don't be fooled by its innocent styling for there is a properly sporty car under the chubby body. Leave it in standard mode and it feels so smooth you'd be forgiven for thinking its gears were made from silk. It swaps cogs effortlessly.

Other noticeable highlights so far include the roomy interior, which according to Nissan is class-leading, and a rear-view camera, which will come in handy since it is bigger than its predecessor, the M45.

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