Infiniti M37 S Performance Luxury Sedan Review

The Infiniti M37 S represents a compelling entry in the competitive luxury sedan segment, offering drivers a sophisticated blend of performance capabilities, refined interior appointments, and contemporary styling. As a vehicle engineered to challenge established European luxury manufacturers, the M37 S delivers substantial value for those seeking premium features without excessive complexity. This review examines the key attributes that make this sedan an intriguing option for affluent buyers seeking an alternative to traditional luxury marques.

Engine Performance and Acceleration Characteristics

At the core of the M37 S sits a 3.7-liter V6 engine producing 330 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. This powerplant represents Infiniti’s latest generation VQ-series engineering, optimized to deliver responsive performance across a broad range of driving conditions. The engine demonstrates remarkable refinement, pulling strongly at nearly every engine speed and providing acceleration that feels more potent than its numerical specifications might suggest.

The acceleration metrics are particularly impressive for a midsize luxury sedan. The M37 S achieves 0-60 mph acceleration in approximately 5.6 seconds, with quarter-mile times around 14.1 seconds. This performance places the model competitively alongside vehicles equipped with larger displacement engines, demonstrating the efficiency gains achieved through modern engine management and transmission technology. The V6 configuration also contributes to a lighter overall vehicle weight compared to V8 counterparts, which directly translates to enhanced agility through turns and more responsive handling characteristics.

Transmission Technology and Driving Modes

The M37 S employs a seven-speed automatic transmission featuring Adaptive Shift Control and Downshift Rev Matching technology. This transmission integrates manual shift paddles and four distinct driving mode selections, allowing drivers to customize vehicle behavior according to driving preferences or environmental conditions.

The transmission mode options include:

• Standard Mode: Optimized for everyday driving, prioritizing fuel economy and smooth operation
• Sport Mode: Enhances throttle responsiveness and maintains lower gear selections for spirited driving
• Snow Mode: Adjusts power delivery and transmission shifts for traction in winter conditions
• Eco Mode: Prioritizes fuel efficiency through conservative throttle mapping and optimized transmission programming

While the transmission technology offers impressive capability, the sophisticated programming occasionally manifests in driving characteristics that prioritize efficiency. In standard driving modes, the transmission typically requires more than 50 percent throttle engagement before initiating downshifts, which may feel overly conservative to performance-oriented drivers. However, engaging Sport mode substantially improves responsiveness, making the seven-speed transmission feel more naturally attuned to driver inputs.

Fuel Economy and Efficiency Considerations

The 2011 model year represented a significant milestone for the M37 line, introducing the V6 engine alongside a 27-horsepower increase compared to the previous generation. Despite this performance enhancement, the M37 S maintains competitive fuel economy ratings, though real-world consumption depends significantly on driving patterns and selected transmission modes.

The model achieves approximately 21 mpg in combined driving cycles under EPA testing protocols. However, owners consistently report impressive efficiency figures under highway cruising conditions, with some vehicles achieving 26 mpg or higher during sustained interstate driving at moderate speeds. This discrepancy highlights the importance of driving technique in achieving optimal fuel economy, particularly when operating the vehicle in Eco mode to maximize efficiency benefits.

Steering and Handling Dynamics

The M37 S exhibits exceptional steering refinement for a luxury sedan, with weighting characteristics that feel notably precise and communicative compared to other Infiniti and Nissan offerings. The steering column integrates power tilt and telescopic adjustment, allowing drivers to establish their preferred seating position and grip angle.

One of the M37 S’s most impressive attributes is its ability to disguise its substantial size, handling significantly smaller through corners than exterior dimensions might suggest. The suspension architecture achieves an ideal balance between comfort and sportiness, avoiding the softness typical of traditional luxury sedans while eschewing the overly firm characteristics of dedicated performance vehicles. This suspension tuning contributes to genuinely engaging driving dynamics without compromising ride quality on varied road surfaces.

Optional four-wheel steering technology, available through the Sport package, further enhances cornering agility by reducing the turning radius and improving high-speed directional stability. All-wheel-drive M37x models incorporate Active Tracing Control, which mimics rear-wheel-drive handling characteristics while providing enhanced traction in challenging conditions.

Interior Design and Material Quality

The cabin represents one of the M37 S’s most compelling strengths, featuring top-tier design execution and material selection throughout. Infiniti’s design philosophy emphasizes flowing lines and tactile surfaces that create an environment of understated luxury rather than ostentatious ornamentation.

Key interior features include:

• Soft-touch leather upholstery on all seating surfaces
• Japanese Ash wood trim with authentic finish
• Diamond-quilted leather on premium package models with contrasting piping details
• Faux-suede headliner creating an upscale cabin atmosphere
• 10-way power adjustable front seats with heating capability
• Ventilated front seats for climate control during warm weather
• High-quality material coverage on all primary touch points

The interior dimensions provide substantial comfort for front seat occupants, with generous head and leg room accommodating adults of average stature without compromise. The rear seating area similarly offers respectable space, though trunk capacity of 14.9 cubic feet remains slightly below average for the vehicle class.

Technology Features and Infotainment System

The M37 S integrates cutting-edge technology throughout its interface, elevating the user experience beyond basic transportation functionality. Premium package options introduce navigation systems, premium audio solutions, and connectivity features that enhance both utility and enjoyment.

Advanced features available on well-equipped M37 S models include:

• 10-speaker Bose premium audio system with optimized acoustic tuning
• Navigation systems with real-time traffic information
• Infiniti Connection infotainment platform for vehicle integration
• Heated steering wheel for enhanced winter comfort
• Cooled seats reducing thermal discomfort during hot weather
• Auto-dimming side mirrors for enhanced visibility management
• Rear parking assist sensors facilitating reversing maneuvers
• Rain-sensing wipers providing automated precipitation response

Safety Systems and Driver Assistance

Infiniti prioritizes occupant safety through comprehensive passive and active safety systems integrated throughout the M37 S design. Standard safety equipment includes six airbags positioned throughout the cabin, providing comprehensive impact protection in various accident scenarios. Electronic stability control and traction management systems help maintain vehicle control during adverse driving conditions.

The braking system comprises four-wheel ventilated-disc antilock brakes with integrated brake assist technology, enabling shorter stopping distances while preventing wheel lock-up during emergency braking maneuvers. The M37 S demonstrates excellent braking performance, bringing the substantial sedan to controlled stops in comparatively short distances.

Wheel and Tire Options

The Sport package adds significant visual aggression and performance enhancement through 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels and upgraded performance tires. These larger rolling stock improves handling response and cornering grip at the expense of increased unsprung weight and reduced ride isolation.

The performance-oriented tire selection can generate noticeable road noise when traversing certain pavement textures, particularly over concrete sections and coarse aggregate surfaces. Despite this characteristic, the overall tire and wheel combination represents a worthwhile trade-off for drivers prioritizing responsive handling and athletic appearance.

Pricing and Package Configuration

The M37 S pricing structure reflects its position within the luxury sedan segment, with starting prices beginning around $54,115 for the fully-equipped Sport configuration. This represents approximately $2,450 more than the previous generation M35 S, reflecting improvements in engine output, design refinement, and feature enrichment.

The package structure requires attention from prospective buyers, as selecting the Sport package automatically bundles the Premium package containing navigation, premium audio, heated steering wheel, and cooled seats. This mandatory bundling increases the entry price for sport-oriented buyers but ensures access to comprehensive technology features in combination with performance enhancements.

Comparative Market Position

The M37 S competes directly against established European luxury manufacturers including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi midsize offerings. Unlike traditional competitors emphasizing brand heritage and performance pedigree, Infiniti focuses on delivering substantive value through modern engineering, contemporary styling, and comprehensive feature sets at competitive price points.

The M37 S’s combination of luxury, technology, and design sophistication offers compelling competition in a segment long dominated by European manufacturers. For buyers seeking luxury sedan credentials without excessive brand mythology or inflated pricing premiums, the M37 S presents a thoughtful alternative.

Strengths and Limitations Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: The M37 S as a Luxury Choice

The Infiniti M37 S represents a thoroughly modern luxury sedan addressing the practical needs of discerning drivers seeking performance, comfort, and technological sophistication. The refined V6 engine, responsive handling dynamics, and meticulously appointed interior create a compelling package that rewards daily driving while accommodating longer journeys with genuine comfort. For buyers evaluating alternatives within the midsize luxury sedan segment, the M37 S merits serious consideration as a vehicle delivering substantive luxury credentials without sacrificing driving engagement or practical usability. The combination of strong acceleration, sophisticated handling, and comprehensive feature sets positions the M37 S as a genuinely competitive option in a market segment traditionally dominated by European manufacturers.