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2011 Infiniti M56X (photos)

Infiniti's flagship sedan, the M, has never been quite stately enough to compete with Lexus' LS, BMW's 7-series or Mercedes-Benz's S-class; however, its latest version comes closer. Its big engine and newly luxurious interior puts it in the running.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
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Infiniti restyled its M sedan for the 2011 model year, and added a much bigger engine choice. Although the interior is much improved, the size of the M56X keeps it from truly competing with flagship sedans from luxury competitors.
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Infiniti established its design language earlier this decade, using raised fender lines embracing the hood's graceful curve. Rear styling on the M56X also creates a unique look with more curving architecture.
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Although you can still get the M with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, the new top engine is this 5.6-liter V-8. It makes 420 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque, giving the M56X substantial acceleration.
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Although the front seats are quite comfortable, the rear area is just a little cramped, which keeps the M56X from competing with cars like the Mercedes-Benz S-class and Lexus LS.
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The X in the name means this car comes with all-wheel-drive. The suspension is not adjustable, but maintains a sporty firmness.
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Trunk space is not excessive, as the rear of the car is a little short.
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Infiniti did an excellent job improving the interior, using fine materials and a beautiful silver flecked gloss on the wood trim.
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The seven-speed-automatic transmission is the only gearbox choice. It lacks paddle shifters to give the car a sport character.
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This dial changes the power train response, and the Eco mode additionally actually creates resistance on the gas pedal to discourage fast acceleration.
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Along with its many driver aid features, the M56X has blind spot detection.
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Infiniti refined its cabin tech controller, making it more befitting a luxury car.
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The navigation system maps show some 3D buildings.
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Traffic data is used to dynamically reroute around problems.
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The M56X shows extensive weather information in its navigation system, including this countrywide map.
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Zagat ratings for restaurants are a helpful navigation feature, but the interface is poorly arranged.
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With iPod integration the M56X even shows album art.
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These shoulder speakers complement the other 12 speakers in the audio system, for a total of 16.
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The Bluetooth phone system includes dial by name voice command.
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With multiple numbers for an address contact, the car asks which one you want to dial.
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The M56X's rear view camera shows overlays for distance and trajectory, particularly useful for parallel parking.

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