M45 to M56 converts - how is the upgrade?

Forum for Infiniti M35 and M45, and Nissan Fuga owners.
rjoe
Posts: 49
Joined: Tue Jan 10, 2012 4:05 pm
Car: 2011 M56S

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My 07 M45 sport is the best car I've ever had and have really enjoyed the experience with Infiniti as a whole.

Have any of you moved to an M56 sport and if so what do you like/dislike about the change? I've driven a new M37 and plan on checking out a 56 this weekend but would like the perspective of the folks around here.

Thanks


Larz
Moderator
Posts: 2894
Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2013 8:55 pm
Car: 2019 Q70-L RWD
Location: Ft Lauderdale, Florida
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I don't own one, so I have no long-term experience in one. My dealer always gives me a car whenever I take mine in for maintenance. Since nobody else replied (not many M56 members I'm guessing), I can at least give you my impression after driving one for the day on a couple of occasions.
The good bit is that it, of course, it's more powerful (not OMG what power!, but a very noticeable increase). Handling, sharp turning, and spirited driving are exactly the same as my M35, which is to say: excellent). They have finally added some sophisticated Euro touches like stitching along the leather that looks fab, but lots more plastic on the dash instead of leather or faux seude that you would expect from this level of saloon car. The interior door trims have a nice flowing, sculpted design. The over-all layout of the interior remains much the same as any other M series of the last few years. As for gas mileage, mine was getting around 16, so it's much the same as my M35, but with more power.
The not so great bit is the dash and steerring wheel. The dash has two large 'hoop' pieces that house the cluster with cheap-looking plastic buttons along the sides. These are two things you find in lots of other (cheaper) cars, and I'm not a fan of the design. They left the NAV screen up top in the center which is great, and the center stack switches are much the same as other years ... but they removed most of the buttons from the steering wheel, which is where they belong. The wood trim is quite the un-realistic colour and has a grain of almost straight lines, making it look 'manufactured' instead of natural. The 2-3 I drove didn't have the Bose surround system so the music was extremely lacking, compared to what I'm used to hearing, and it's worth mentioning that every other brand in this price range has a higher quality sound system.
As I've said in other threads, the over-all design of the body is what turns me away from owning one. It's more sedate, more curvy, and seems to want to blend into the crowd - like a pemtioner's car (which is NOT at all a bad thing). It's stance is not at all sporty or aggessive, minus the grille. M's should stand out from the crowd because they so deserve to be on another, higher level. I see so many of the new style that I am probably in the minority of peeps who feel this way. I will wait to see what they do with the new M is now Q design. The current Q50 has a great blending of the blah, curvy design with an aggressive stance. I'm hoping the Q which replaces the M will do as well or even better.

SmoovC
Posts: 436
Joined: Sun Feb 20, 2011 9:50 am
Car: '06 Infiniti M45 Premium, Brakemotive, H-Techs, KYB's, USA-Spec PA15-INFI w/ BT streaming, Kuda cell mount, Magnaflow exhaust. (CAR SOLD)

Current: 2012 Infiniti M56S, Harbour Blue, 4 pc Aero Kit
Location: WA State

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rjoe wrote:My 07 M45 sport is the best car I've ever had and have really enjoyed the experience with Infiniti as a whole.

Have any of you moved to an M56 sport and if so what do you like/dislike about the change? I've driven a new M37 and plan on checking out a 56 this weekend but would like the perspective of the folks around here.

Thanks
People ask me the same question; I tell them its like dating the younger, hotter sister who has a wild side. :biggrin:

Partysan7
Posts: 359
Joined: Sat Mar 19, 2011 5:28 am
Car: 2008 M35
Location: NJ

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SmoovC wrote:
rjoe wrote:My 07 M45 sport is the best car I've ever had and have really enjoyed the experience with Infiniti as a whole.

Have any of you moved to an M56 sport and if so what do you like/dislike about the change? I've driven a new M37 and plan on checking out a 56 this weekend but would like the perspective of the folks around here.

Thanks
People ask me the same question; I tell them its like dating the younger, hotter sister who has a wild side. :biggrin:

But old love does not rust :rotfl

SmoovC
Posts: 436
Joined: Sun Feb 20, 2011 9:50 am
Car: '06 Infiniti M45 Premium, Brakemotive, H-Techs, KYB's, USA-Spec PA15-INFI w/ BT streaming, Kuda cell mount, Magnaflow exhaust. (CAR SOLD)

Current: 2012 Infiniti M56S, Harbour Blue, 4 pc Aero Kit
Location: WA State

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....and neither does plastic. :tongue

Mike's 56
Posts: 1
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 8:27 pm
Car: Infiniti M56

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I had a FX35 and Equus. Bought my M56 today. It was a 2012 left over and the price was ridiculous. I wish I had more to share, but have been a member for 5 mins. Lol!

User avatar
TXT
Posts: 363
Joined: Wed Jul 11, 2012 7:13 pm
Car: 2006 M45 Sport
Location: Mooresville, NC

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Mike's 56 wrote:I had a FX35 and Equus. Bought my M56 today. It was a 2012 left over and the price was ridiculous. I wish I had more to share, but have been a member for 5 mins. Lol!
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