Infiniti has released pricing information today on the all-new 2011 M sedan, starting the base MSRP at $47,115 for the rear-drive 2011 M37. The entry-level 2011 M37 features Infiniti's 330-horse 3.7-liter V-6 and a seven-speed automatic transmission. Those looking for improved all-weather driveability can step up to the all-wheel-drive M37x at a starting price of $49,265. Standard equipment on both models includes power-folding side view mirrors, front door handle courtesy lights, Active Noise Control, RearView Monitor, and Enhanced Intelligent Key memory - now including audio, navigation, and climate control settings.

Those with a bigger budget and a heavier throttle foot will likely opt for the M55 and all-wheel-drive counterpart, M56x, starting at $58,415 and $60,915, respectively. The two top-flight versions are distinguished by an all-new 420-horsepower 5.6-liter V-8 paired to the same seven-speed automatic as the six-cylinder variant, though with revised gear ratios. Both M56 models also include the previously-optional Premium Package (a $3,350 value, says Infiniti) as standard. The Premium Package includes Infiniti's hard drive navigation system with an 8-inch touch screen, a Bose two-channel, 10-speaker audio system, streaming audio via Bluetooth, climate controlled front seats, and a heated steering wheel. All standard M37 equipment is also included.


Prices for 2011 Infiniti M models represent an increase of $450 over the current 2010 models for the M37 series, while the M56 gets a $2050 bump and the M56x gets a $750 bump - increases that Infiniti says are negated by the additional standard equipment offered.

"The all-new M represents the kind of inspired design, performance, technology, and craftsmanship that luxury buyers are asking for," said Ben Poore, vice president of Infiniti's Business Unit. "Along with our other great vehicles, the 2011 M puts Infiniti right in the sweet spot of today's performance luxury market.

Even though the 2011 Infiniti M37 and M56 offer more power than the models they replace, they are more fuel-efficient than the 2010 versions.

For 2011, the M37 and M37x offer 330 hp, a handy increase over the outgoing model’s 303 hp. Economy for the rear-drive M37 is up one mpg in city and highway tests, to 18 city/26 highway mpg. The M37x jumps one city and two highway mpg to 17/24.


The M45 is supplanted by the M56. The older model employed a thirsty 325-hp 4.5-liter V-8 while the new model emits 420 hp from a 5.6-liter mill. Fuel economy jumps respectably: the rear-drive M56 gains an extra four highway mpg, to 16 city/25 highway. The all-wheel-drive M56x is rated two mpg more better than the M45x in the city and three mpg better on the highway, for ratings of 16/23.

The old M45x was so thirsty it was assessed a gas-guzzler tax; the M56x escapes such penalties. The 2011 M will reach Infiniti dealerships March 18.