San Diego, California — When the Q45 left the scene several years ago, the M sedan assumed Infiniti’s flagship role. Over the last couple of years, it didn’t quite seem up to that lofty responsibility.
All its closest competitors — Mercedes-Benz E Class, BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, Lexus GS — have been flaunting fresh designs and trouncing M on the sales court.
But its recent re-invention — wrought in Infiniti’s new design direction, as showcased by the incredibly beautiful Essence concept — now gives M a premier luster, that is undeniable and compelling.
The Essence of its design
The Essence concept takes the long-hood, short-cowl theme to a beautiful extreme. One wondered how Infiniti could translate its “essence” to a large, 4-door sedan, but I think they did. Like the Essence, the M’s front fenders arc above the hood, the front grille is low to the pavement, and a character line, just below the belt line, runs along the entire side of the vehicle.
The new, curvaceous M is definitely sexier than its staid predecessor.
Also aiding the visuals are the slightly revised dimensions — the new M is lower and wider. But this sportier stance comes at no cost to interior room; the 2011 M continues to feature commodious front and rear seating.
Interior rises to another level
In the extremely competitive luxury segment, Infiniti staked out a turf, where interior design is about being more natural and intuitive and inviting — and less intimidating and machine-like. As such, the all-new interior is all about flowing lines, and materials that look natural and are wonderful to touch. Infiniti said it took 1.5 year to determine how the leather should feel and how to make it so.
Japanese lacquering techniques inspire the wood trim, which flows through the cabin “in waves”.
Infiniti Canada product specialist, Ian Forsyth, noted that interior designers also made sure that switches and knobs had the right “weightiness.”
But this touchy-feeling interior is still packed with the latest electronic features. Some are industry firsts, like the Blind Spot Intervention System (which we’ll discuss later), and the Breeze Mode of the new optional Forrest Air System, which mimics the irregular but pleasing nature of cooling breezes. Forrest Air can also detect when unwanted odours, like tractor-trailer exhaust, is about to enter the car, and will automatically switch the HVAC system to re-circulation.
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| The new, curvaceous M is definitely sexier than its staid predecessor. (Photo: Mike Goetz/Auto123.com) |
All its closest competitors — Mercedes-Benz E Class, BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, Lexus GS — have been flaunting fresh designs and trouncing M on the sales court.
But its recent re-invention — wrought in Infiniti’s new design direction, as showcased by the incredibly beautiful Essence concept — now gives M a premier luster, that is undeniable and compelling.
The Essence of its design
The Essence concept takes the long-hood, short-cowl theme to a beautiful extreme. One wondered how Infiniti could translate its “essence” to a large, 4-door sedan, but I think they did. Like the Essence, the M’s front fenders arc above the hood, the front grille is low to the pavement, and a character line, just below the belt line, runs along the entire side of the vehicle.
The new, curvaceous M is definitely sexier than its staid predecessor.
Also aiding the visuals are the slightly revised dimensions — the new M is lower and wider. But this sportier stance comes at no cost to interior room; the 2011 M continues to feature commodious front and rear seating.
Interior rises to another level
In the extremely competitive luxury segment, Infiniti staked out a turf, where interior design is about being more natural and intuitive and inviting — and less intimidating and machine-like. As such, the all-new interior is all about flowing lines, and materials that look natural and are wonderful to touch. Infiniti said it took 1.5 year to determine how the leather should feel and how to make it so.
Japanese lacquering techniques inspire the wood trim, which flows through the cabin “in waves”.
Infiniti Canada product specialist, Ian Forsyth, noted that interior designers also made sure that switches and knobs had the right “weightiness.”
But this touchy-feeling interior is still packed with the latest electronic features. Some are industry firsts, like the Blind Spot Intervention System (which we’ll discuss later), and the Breeze Mode of the new optional Forrest Air System, which mimics the irregular but pleasing nature of cooling breezes. Forrest Air can also detect when unwanted odours, like tractor-trailer exhaust, is about to enter the car, and will automatically switch the HVAC system to re-circulation.
 |
| Infiniti staked out a turf, where interior design is about being more natural and intuitive and inviting. (Photo: Mike Goetz/Auto123.com) |