Edmunds: 2011 Infiniti M56 First Drive (pics + impressions)

[Vinsanity]

I wonder how much more the Bimmer is gonna cost, though...

[sportyaccordy]

I wonder how much more the Bimmer is gonna cost, though...

Yea they are very close on paper. However something tells me the Bimmer, even with the auto, will be the more engaging drive.

[TBR]

Yea they are very close on paper. However something tells me the Bimmer, even with the auto, will be the more engaging drive.

But will it be engaging enough to be worth an extra $10k?

[Catman]

But will it be engaging enough to be worth an extra $10k?

Good question.

[sportyaccordy]

But will it be engaging enough to be worth an extra $10k?

The Germans have been ripping us off since the SOHC E30 318i. However, the Japanese just can't seem to get the last 2/10ths right. The F10 looks better and has better engines. The M56 is the kind of car that is representative of Infiniti's abilities right now; and while it looks like it will be a great car I really don't know that it will match up with any F10. But we'll see. The F10 may be too complex for its own good.

[AltinD]

All of their lineups were developed under Ford.

Wasn't the Range Rover developed by BMW when they were owning the brand?

[Submariner]

Wasn't the Range Rover developed by BMW when they were owning the brand?

Yes, I believe you're right.  In fact, the RR shared the engine and transmission from the 740, and for a while shared the sat-nav and instrument cluster parts as well. 

[cawimmer430]

The Germans have been ripping us off since the SOHC E30 318i.

HISTORY & HERITAGE

[565]

Yea they are very close on paper. However something tells me the Bimmer, even with the auto, will be the more engaging drive.

I dunno, the last M45 was more "fun" than the last 550i.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/06q4/2007_bmw_550i_vs._infiniti_m45_lexus_gs450h_m-b_e550-comparison_tests/2007_infiniti_m45_sport_page_4

"In any case, numbers are only part of the story. The M45 prevailed for two big reasons. First, there is its character. The logbook commentary seemed to favor the Infiniti for its eagerness ? a light steering touch with good feedback, brisk turn-in, quick transitions, a general sense of being quick on its feet that made the Bimmer's responses seem a tad heavy and, well, Teutonic. Yes, we gave the 550i a one-point edge in fun-to-drive, a tribute to its superb competence. But of the two cars, the M45 seemed the more exuberant and ready to play."

I think BMW makes a point to make the 5 series a bit more "grown up" than their 3 series, while the M is alot more like an upsized G (same platform).  I believe the new F10 chassis is derived from the 7 series.

[GoCougs]

Saw a few of the new M on this last trip to Japan. It is a striking vehicle in the flesh.

[sportyaccordy]

I dunno, the last M45 was more "fun" than the last 550i.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/06q4/2007_bmw_550i_vs._infiniti_m45_lexus_gs450h_m-b_e550-comparison_tests/2007_infiniti_m45_sport_page_4

"In any case, numbers are only part of the story. The M45 prevailed for two big reasons. First, there is its character. The logbook commentary seemed to favor the Infiniti for its eagerness ? a light steering touch with good feedback, brisk turn-in, quick transitions, a general sense of being quick on its feet that made the Bimmer's responses seem a tad heavy and, well, Teutonic. Yes, we gave the 550i a one-point edge in fun-to-drive, a tribute to its superb competence. But of the two cars, the M45 seemed the more exuberant and ready to play."

I think BMW makes a point to make the 5 series a bit more "grown up" than their 3 series, while the M is alot more like an upsized G (same platform).  I believe the new F10 chassis is derived from the 7 series.

Hopefully this new M solidifies Infiniti's position over BMW in this category for the fun-to-drive factor. However I still think even with about the same power and weight the BMW will put down better performance numbers. Those turbo motors are no joke.