Infiniti M37 3.7 Sports Premium (A) Review
29 Jun 2012|21,486 views
Not too long ago, Infiniti returned to our local shores with a big bang (literally), with the larger-than-life FX-range SUVs. Similarly, the rest of FX's stablemates bear distinctive body shapes that were nothing like what we had on our roads.
The M sedans have had its own share of limelight - most memorable being the M37h Hybrid which stole the World's fastest accelerating hybrid sedan accolade from renowned sportscar manufacturer Porsche.
Now that the marque has made its mark in the field of performance, it hurries to move forward in terms of product differentiation. Finding the standard M37 a tad too tame for your liking? The M37 Sports Premium may carry the answer to your prayer.
Exterior
Like on a dose of steroids, the M37 in Sports Premium guise is distinctively more purposeful and charismatic. The bits of aesthetic upgrades, albeit minor, match the form of the M37 perfectly.
In details, the five twin-spoke alloys in 20-inch application flows nicely with the masculine arches and curvaceous outlines. The rump is filled with subtle-looking features, such as the boot-lid integrated spoiler, and twin-exhaust tugged quietly underneath the bulbous bumper - as if to offer a hint of the potent prowess hidden within the looks of the car.
The M sedans have had its own share of limelight - most memorable being the M37h Hybrid which stole the World's fastest accelerating hybrid sedan accolade from renowned sportscar manufacturer Porsche.
Now that the marque has made its mark in the field of performance, it hurries to move forward in terms of product differentiation. Finding the standard M37 a tad too tame for your liking? The M37 Sports Premium may carry the answer to your prayer.
Exterior
Like on a dose of steroids, the M37 in Sports Premium guise is distinctively more purposeful and charismatic. The bits of aesthetic upgrades, albeit minor, match the form of the M37 perfectly.
In details, the five twin-spoke alloys in 20-inch application flows nicely with the masculine arches and curvaceous outlines. The rump is filled with subtle-looking features, such as the boot-lid integrated spoiler, and twin-exhaust tugged quietly underneath the bulbous bumper - as if to offer a hint of the potent prowess hidden within the looks of the car.
 |
The pictures may only speak so much about the sports sedan we have here. Up close and person, visual contacts are a delectable experience, especially with our test car in a blackish hue, the stance is much more intimidating up close. In short, the Sports Premium easily sets itself apart from the more popular German contenders.
Smoke-headlamps, 20-inch alloys, and a reworked bumper add charisma to the sports sedan  |
Interior
The people at Infiniti have not forgotten to instil elements of sportiness into the cabin. Interior portrays a more matured mood, with dark lacquered trims taking the place of wooden garnishes found in the lesser brethrens.
Everywhere else, the M37 oozes quality, with soft leather and plastic knobs encircled with chrome accentuating an up-class feel, which does not feel short of those on its German competitors.
Starring the central console is a white-faced analogue time with chromed surrounds, which is likely to garner as much attention from the occupants as the driver.
Like many other luxury offerings, an analogue timepiece takes centre stage in the console panel
The people at Infiniti have not forgotten to instil elements of sportiness into the cabin. Interior portrays a more matured mood, with dark lacquered trims taking the place of wooden garnishes found in the lesser brethrens.
Everywhere else, the M37 oozes quality, with soft leather and plastic knobs encircled with chrome accentuating an up-class feel, which does not feel short of those on its German competitors.
Starring the central console is a white-faced analogue time with chromed surrounds, which is likely to garner as much attention from the occupants as the driver.
Like many other luxury offerings, an analogue timepiece takes centre stage in the console panel  |  |
While the array of niceties looks set to impress even the discerning motorists, there are bits which will bring memories of the marque's more humble parentage (Nissan), such as the steering wheel and key fob.
Space wise, the M37 will fit three at the rear with ease. The long leg room is definitely a delight, even to occupants who are vertically inclined. At the rump, the M37 will engulf a voluminous 500 litres of load, with ease of loading thanks to the wide boot opening; crippled only by the restrictive side intrudes flanking the boot space.
 |
The Drive
The range-topping M sedan retains the drivetrain as found on its less sporting stablemate, producing identical power figures and century sprint timings.
What it does receive, however, are an array of gadgetries which should please the tech-inclined. For starters, Infiniti has seemingly imbued the Drive Select program with a mind of its own. Twist the rotary button to show 'eco', and any enthusiastic tugs at the accelerator will be responded with a resistant force. A nip of the bud at its roots indeed.
Unique to the Sports Premium is also the 4-Wheel Active Steer - a system which varies the front steering ratio and rear camber, to increase the nimbleness and stability. Features such as lane departure and warning, similar to those found on the FX-series, are also present.
Tipping the scale at close to 1.8-tonne, the Sports Premium comes equipped with four pots front and two pots rear brakes to see to speed shedding manoeuvres. Putting them to work, the brakes feel progressive and reassuring. Last but not least, a sports suspension system completes the list of upgrades.
Cylindrical symphony courtesy of a 3.7-litre V6 block
The range-topping M sedan retains the drivetrain as found on its less sporting stablemate, producing identical power figures and century sprint timings.
What it does receive, however, are an array of gadgetries which should please the tech-inclined. For starters, Infiniti has seemingly imbued the Drive Select program with a mind of its own. Twist the rotary button to show 'eco', and any enthusiastic tugs at the accelerator will be responded with a resistant force. A nip of the bud at its roots indeed.
Unique to the Sports Premium is also the 4-Wheel Active Steer - a system which varies the front steering ratio and rear camber, to increase the nimbleness and stability. Features such as lane departure and warning, similar to those found on the FX-series, are also present.
Tipping the scale at close to 1.8-tonne, the Sports Premium comes equipped with four pots front and two pots rear brakes to see to speed shedding manoeuvres. Putting them to work, the brakes feel progressive and reassuring. Last but not least, a sports suspension system completes the list of upgrades.
Cylindrical symphony courtesy of a 3.7-litre V6 block As a whole, the car feels adeptly sporty and confident-inspiring, thanks to the potent power delivery matched with stiffened springs setup and the well-weighted steering. That said, those expecting a magic carpet's ride may be disappointed with the slightly uncompromising springs settings.
Conclusion
Infiniti has put together a distinctive piece of kit - just what we reckon it needed to gain the recognition. While the marque has without doubts demonstrated the emphasis on sporting essence in its offerings, it is to anyone's guess on how the public's receptivity will be affected by the high COE premium.
That aside, there should be no doubt that experiencing the car in question will leave a lasting impression - masculine stance, grown-up handling, and needless to say the intoxicating growls from the V6.
Conclusion
Infiniti has put together a distinctive piece of kit - just what we reckon it needed to gain the recognition. While the marque has without doubts demonstrated the emphasis on sporting essence in its offerings, it is to anyone's guess on how the public's receptivity will be affected by the high COE premium.
That aside, there should be no doubt that experiencing the car in question will leave a lasting impression - masculine stance, grown-up handling, and needless to say the intoxicating growls from the V6.
Not too long ago, Infiniti returned to our local shores with a big bang (literally), with the larger-than-life FX-range SUVs. Similarly, the rest of FX's stablemates bear distinctive body shapes that were nothing like what we had on our roads.
The M sedans have had its own share of limelight - most memorable being the M37h Hybrid which stole the World's fastest accelerating hybrid sedan accolade from renowned sportscar manufacturer Porsche.
Now that the marque has made its mark in the field of performance, it hurries to move forward in terms of product differentiation. Finding the standard M37 a tad too tame for your liking? The M37 Sports Premium may carry the answer to your prayer.
Exterior
Like on a dose of steroids, the M37 in Sports Premium guise is distinctively more purposeful and charismatic. The bits of aesthetic upgrades, albeit minor, match the form of the M37 perfectly.
In details, the five twin-spoke alloys in 20-inch application flows nicely with the masculine arches and curvaceous outlines. The rump is filled with subtle-looking features, such as the boot-lid integrated spoiler, and twin-exhaust tugged quietly underneath the bulbous bumper - as if to offer a hint of the potent prowess hidden within the looks of the car.
The M sedans have had its own share of limelight - most memorable being the M37h Hybrid which stole the World's fastest accelerating hybrid sedan accolade from renowned sportscar manufacturer Porsche.
Now that the marque has made its mark in the field of performance, it hurries to move forward in terms of product differentiation. Finding the standard M37 a tad too tame for your liking? The M37 Sports Premium may carry the answer to your prayer.
Exterior
Like on a dose of steroids, the M37 in Sports Premium guise is distinctively more purposeful and charismatic. The bits of aesthetic upgrades, albeit minor, match the form of the M37 perfectly.
In details, the five twin-spoke alloys in 20-inch application flows nicely with the masculine arches and curvaceous outlines. The rump is filled with subtle-looking features, such as the boot-lid integrated spoiler, and twin-exhaust tugged quietly underneath the bulbous bumper - as if to offer a hint of the potent prowess hidden within the looks of the car.
|
The pictures may only speak so much about the sports sedan we have here. Up close and person, visual contacts are a delectable experience, especially with our test car in a blackish hue, the stance is much more intimidating up close. In short, the Sports Premium easily sets itself apart from the more popular German contenders.
Smoke-headlamps, 20-inch alloys, and a reworked bumper add charisma to the sports sedan |
Interior
The people at Infiniti have not forgotten to instil elements of sportiness into the cabin. Interior portrays a more matured mood, with dark lacquered trims taking the place of wooden garnishes found in the lesser brethrens.
Everywhere else, the M37 oozes quality, with soft leather and plastic knobs encircled with chrome accentuating an up-class feel, which does not feel short of those on its German competitors.
Starring the central console is a white-faced analogue time with chromed surrounds, which is likely to garner as much attention from the occupants as the driver.
Like many other luxury offerings, an analogue timepiece takes centre stage in the console panel
The people at Infiniti have not forgotten to instil elements of sportiness into the cabin. Interior portrays a more matured mood, with dark lacquered trims taking the place of wooden garnishes found in the lesser brethrens.
Everywhere else, the M37 oozes quality, with soft leather and plastic knobs encircled with chrome accentuating an up-class feel, which does not feel short of those on its German competitors.
Starring the central console is a white-faced analogue time with chromed surrounds, which is likely to garner as much attention from the occupants as the driver.
Like many other luxury offerings, an analogue timepiece takes centre stage in the console panel | |
While the array of niceties looks set to impress even the discerning motorists, there are bits which will bring memories of the marque's more humble parentage (Nissan), such as the steering wheel and key fob.
Space wise, the M37 will fit three at the rear with ease. The long leg room is definitely a delight, even to occupants who are vertically inclined. At the rump, the M37 will engulf a voluminous 500 litres of load, with ease of loading thanks to the wide boot opening; crippled only by the restrictive side intrudes flanking the boot space.
|
The Drive
The range-topping M sedan retains the drivetrain as found on its less sporting stablemate, producing identical power figures and century sprint timings.
What it does receive, however, are an array of gadgetries which should please the tech-inclined. For starters, Infiniti has seemingly imbued the Drive Select program with a mind of its own. Twist the rotary button to show 'eco', and any enthusiastic tugs at the accelerator will be responded with a resistant force. A nip of the bud at its roots indeed.
Unique to the Sports Premium is also the 4-Wheel Active Steer - a system which varies the front steering ratio and rear camber, to increase the nimbleness and stability. Features such as lane departure and warning, similar to those found on the FX-series, are also present.
Tipping the scale at close to 1.8-tonne, the Sports Premium comes equipped with four pots front and two pots rear brakes to see to speed shedding manoeuvres. Putting them to work, the brakes feel progressive and reassuring. Last but not least, a sports suspension system completes the list of upgrades.
Cylindrical symphony courtesy of a 3.7-litre V6 block
The range-topping M sedan retains the drivetrain as found on its less sporting stablemate, producing identical power figures and century sprint timings.
What it does receive, however, are an array of gadgetries which should please the tech-inclined. For starters, Infiniti has seemingly imbued the Drive Select program with a mind of its own. Twist the rotary button to show 'eco', and any enthusiastic tugs at the accelerator will be responded with a resistant force. A nip of the bud at its roots indeed.
Unique to the Sports Premium is also the 4-Wheel Active Steer - a system which varies the front steering ratio and rear camber, to increase the nimbleness and stability. Features such as lane departure and warning, similar to those found on the FX-series, are also present.
Tipping the scale at close to 1.8-tonne, the Sports Premium comes equipped with four pots front and two pots rear brakes to see to speed shedding manoeuvres. Putting them to work, the brakes feel progressive and reassuring. Last but not least, a sports suspension system completes the list of upgrades.
Cylindrical symphony courtesy of a 3.7-litre V6 block As a whole, the car feels adeptly sporty and confident-inspiring, thanks to the potent power delivery matched with stiffened springs setup and the well-weighted steering. That said, those expecting a magic carpet's ride may be disappointed with the slightly uncompromising springs settings.
Conclusion
Infiniti has put together a distinctive piece of kit - just what we reckon it needed to gain the recognition. While the marque has without doubts demonstrated the emphasis on sporting essence in its offerings, it is to anyone's guess on how the public's receptivity will be affected by the high COE premium.
That aside, there should be no doubt that experiencing the car in question will leave a lasting impression - masculine stance, grown-up handling, and needless to say the intoxicating growls from the V6.
Conclusion
Infiniti has put together a distinctive piece of kit - just what we reckon it needed to gain the recognition. While the marque has without doubts demonstrated the emphasis on sporting essence in its offerings, it is to anyone's guess on how the public's receptivity will be affected by the high COE premium.
That aside, there should be no doubt that experiencing the car in question will leave a lasting impression - masculine stance, grown-up handling, and needless to say the intoxicating growls from the V6.
Photos by Nicholas Low
Also read our comparison article on:
Audi A6 1.8 TFSI Ultra S-tronic (A) vs Infiniti Q70 2.5 V6 Premium (A)
Car Information
Infiniti Q70 3.7 Sports Premium (A)
CAT B|Petrol|9.8km/L
Horsepower
236kW (316 bhp)
Torque
360 Nm
Acceleration
6.2sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Infiniti Q70
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