Used 2013 INFINITI M

As the flagship sedan from Nissan’s prestige division, the 2013 Infiniti M delivers A-list levels of luxury, style and performance, with an accent on performance. On the value front, the Infiniti M offers a host of upscale features as standard issue along with more standard horsepower than its BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Lexus GS and Audi A6 competitors. Its ride quality may not exceed theirs, but that’s a trade-off Infiniti accepted to ensure a dynamic driving experience. The 2013 Infiniti M lineup features an enticing array of models and drivetrains to choose from, including the value-packed M37, the 420-horsepower M56, a fuel-efficient hybrid version, and an available performance-oriented all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

The 2013 M is truly a blast on the road. With three eager powertrains, a comfortable interior and an impressive array of new and innovative technology, there’s precious little to complain about – as long as you understand the car’s sporting bias means ride smoothness is not up to pure-luxury-car standards. Technologies like 4Wheel Active Steer and downshift rev-matching enhance the car’s fun-to-drive quotient, while lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring subtly help keep you safe. And the interior’s a pretty nice place to spend time – the seats are supportive, the dash intuitive and the M’s iPod connectivity and searchability are among the best. The M Hybrid, which Infiniti claims is the world’s fastest full-hybrid, delivers on its promise of combining the fuel efficiency of a hybrid with the engaging driving dynamics of a performance sedan.

Outfitted in rich, warm leather and high-quality soft-touch materials, the 2013 Infiniti M delivers an inviting in-cabin experience. The M’s spacious greenhouse comfortably accommodates its occupants, who enjoy 10-way power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather-trimmed seating surfaces and generous rear-seat legroom. The available Deluxe Touring Package adds a 16-speaker Bose audio system, a suede-like headliner and striking White Ash wood trim sprinkled with flecks of real silver. The only sour note is the all-in-one control knob’s inconvenient placement high on the center stack where you can’t rest your arm while operating it.

Combining a muscular stance and a sleek profile, the 2013 Infiniti M is among the most stylish cars in its class. Its modern look is complemented by xenon headlights for both the low and high beams along with LED taillights. All Infiniti M models ride on standard 18-inch split 5-spoke wheels, while the Sport Package (now available on both RWD and AWD models) offers fender-filling 20-inch wheels. That Sport Package also adds a touch of aggression to the M’s exterior with smoked surrounds for the grille and headlights, unique front end, larger brakes and performance summer tires.

ACTIVE NOISE CONTROL
Every Infiniti M features Active Noise Control to minimize aural unpleasantries caused by the engine. A ceiling-mounted microphone detects low-frequency noise and the system then generates similar-but-out-of-phase frequencies to cancel each other out.

4WHEEL ACTIVE STEER
For increased agility and control at any speed, the 2013 Infiniti M employs an optional 4Wheel Active Steer feature that seamlessly adjusts the steering angle of all four wheels according to speed and driver input.

The 2013 Infiniti M37 and Hybrid models come standard with Drive Mode Selector (Standard, Eco, Sport and Snow modes), leather seating, heated power front seats, a 6-speaker audio system with USB connectivity, Bluetooth, active noise control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a 7-inch color display for audio/climate/vehicle settings, and keyless entry and start. Moving up to the M56 adds a 5.6-liter V8, cooled front seats, a Bose 10-speaker sound system, a navigation system with SiriusXM NavTraffic and NavWeather, a 9.3GB hard drive for music storage and Bluetooth streaming audio. Safety equipment on every Infiniti M includes active head restraints and six airbags.

Any Infiniti M can be outfitted to your liking, thanks to available Premium, Deluxe Touring and Technology Packages. Creature comforts include a 16-speaker Bose Studio Surround System, power rear sunshade, silver-metallic wood trim, and a "Forest Air" system that provides a clean breeze through the cabin. The Technology Package includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and prevention, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive front lighting. The Sport Package (for all but the Hybrid) adds 20-inch wheels with summer tires, a sport-tuned suspension, 4-wheel active steering, sport brakes, magnesium paddle shifters, sport seats and special exterior trim.

The 2013 Infiniti M comes with a choice of three engines: a 330-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 (the same engine found in the G37), a 420-horsepower 5.6-liter V8, or a gas/electric hybrid powerplant using a 3.5-liter V6 and electric motor for a total of 360 horsepower. All these engines mate to a 7-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode that, on the non-hybrid models, includes a race-inspired downshift rev-matching feature. Unfortunately, all that great horsepower comes at a cost; EPA fuel economy ratings are only average for the category, and our real-world driving experience confirms both the M37 and M56 have a healthy appetite for fuel. Adding AWD to the M knocks off another mpg or two.

3.7-liter V6
330 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
270 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26 mpg (RWD), 17/24 mpg (AWD)

5.6-liter V8
420 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
417 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/25 mpg (RWD), 16/23 mpg (AWD)

3.5-liter V6 + electric motor
Hybrid system net horsepower: 360
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/32 mpg