The redesigned Infiniti M37 posted an "Excellent" score in Consumer Reports' ratings, as part of a test that featured three luxury cars. The M37 remains CR's top-rated midsized luxury sedan.
Much like the previous Infiniti M, the new car delivers a great combination of performance, comfort, and luxury, according to the magazine's reviewers. The test group also includes the redesigned BMW 5 Series which also posted an "Excellent" score and was luxurious and quick, as well as surprisingly fuel efficient, but has lost some of its agility.
The Hyundai Genesis V8 which also had an "Excellent" road test score and is the bargain of the group, costing thousands less than any of its 6-Cylinder powered competitors.
"The Infiniti M37 combines agile handling, a taut yet comfortable ride, and a beautifully-finished interior," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut.
No recommendation for the "Beemer"
While both the Infiniti M37 and Hyundai Genesis are Recommended, the BMW 5 Series is too new for Consumer Reports to have reliability data. CR recommends only those vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on the Annual Auto Survey of its more than seven million print and Web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.
The Infiniti M37 and BMW 535i were both redesigned for 2011. CR previously tested a Genesis with a V6 engine that scored very well. Since the V8-powered version is even more aggressively priced compared to luxury sedan competition, CR wanted to see how it would stack up.
A closer look
Consumer Reports gives the Infiniti M37 ($53,825 MSRP as tested high marks for strong performance and a smooth and quiet highway ride. It's powered by a 330-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine that performs adequately and gets 21 mpg overall in CR's own fuel economy tests. The seven-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Braking is Excellent. The opulent interior features thickly-padded surfaces on the dashboard and doors, and nice detailed stitching. The trunk is large, but liftover height is a bit high.
The Hyundai Genesis has a spacious interior and a smooth powertrain, "providing most of the luxury of sedans that cost thousands more," according to CR. Handling is fairly responsive, but not particularly sporty, and it rides well enough, though it doesn't feel like a true luxury car. The Hyundai Genesis 4.6 ($43,800 MSRP as tested,) is powered by a 378-hp 4.6-liter V8 engine that provides smooth and strong acceleration and 20 mpg overall. The six-speed automatic transmission works well. Braking is Very Good. The well-finished interior features high-quality materials and nicely stitched leather. The trunk is large.
The total driving experience of the BMW 535i favors a refined, quiet ride over handling prowess and finesse. On the surface, the 535i seems taut and agile, but the magazine found that the new electric steering doesn't transmit feedback well. The BMW 535i ($58,375 MSRP as tested), is powered by a 300-hp, 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine that is smooth and responsive and gets 23 mpg overall on premium fuel. The new eight-speed automatic transmission shifts imperceptibly. Braking is Very Good. The interior is "luxurious, beautifully finished, and quiet with soft-touch materials and rich-looking wood. The trunk is roomy."
Other reviews
The magazine's November issue also includes reviews of the new Mustang GT -- in both coupe and convertible models -- which received "Excellent" and "Very Good" scores respectively. In addition, the magazine rates the Honda SH150i and Aprilia Scarabeo scooters and car batteries.
The Honda outscored the Aprilia scooter, and both had very high fuel economy, with 82 mpg overall and 68 mpg overall respectively. CR's tests found that inexpensive car batteries often perform as well or better than those that cost more than twice as much. EverStart Maxx batteries, which cost just $75, were particularly impressive overall; nine of them were CR Best Buys.
