We've been wafting along in total comfort for three weeks with our long-termer, the M56 S, and it's been as good as gold so far.
Its 5.6-litre V8 is a smooth operator, it's loaded with as many standard comfort and infotainment systems as its German rivals and as far looks are concerned, it has really begun to grow on me.
If you're expecting a ‘but' right about now, it won't be coming, not in this report. The Infiniti has been on its best behaviour and done all that's been asked of it without throwing a fuss or a fit. It's proving to be a real pleasure wherever I've driven it — mostly around town — even though it is a rather chunky car measuring 4,945mm long, 1,805mm wide and 1,501mm high.
You don't notice its sheer mass, especially not when parking, thanks to the around-view system. It boasts four cameras positioned on all sides of the car so you can watch yourself manoeuvre into the tightest of spaces on the display screen — which also shows you a bird's-eye view. It certainly helps, as does the soft steering, meaning you don't need biceps the size of tree trunks when turning the wheel. Perhaps a little too soft is the accelerator pedal, which I seem to be burying every time my ankle twitches. I've done that while it's been in Sports Mode and boy, does it go. I even managed a little tyre squeal in this ultra-refined machine, which I must admit made me proud.
The interior doesn't blow you away, however; everything about it says ‘business class', and you can't moan about that unless you enjoy travelling via economy with your knees against your chin. There is space galore for both driver and passengers. There aren't any gaudy colours to unsettle the lavish black leather, while the wood trim adds a touch of class. It's all solidly put together and nothing's fallen off so far.
Bur Dubai traffic can be a nightmare and so I decided to stretch its legs and head on over to Abu Dhabi. Along the way, I was able to make full use of the intelligent cruise control, and it really is worthy of the name. It'll detect the car ahead of you slowing down and it'll also do the same, maintaining your programmed distance (one, two or three car lengths) until it senses the traffic speeding up, upon which it does likewise. So, what was I doing in the front seat? I could have curled up in the back and had a snooze since the intelligent brake assist with forward collision warning would slam on the anchors automatically in an emergency situation. Since the cooling function is only available on the front seats, I decided my bottom would be happier there.
There's tons of technology in this luxurious saloon and I'd need another page to get through it all. But for what's a large car, it handles like something half its size. That's partly down to the four-wheel active steer which adjusts both the front-steering ratio and the rear-wheel angle to give you crisp and precise cornering. Clever stuff.
Week 3 facts
Driven by Imran
Start mileage 4,955km
Recent cost Fuel
Average fuel economy 11 litres-per-100km
Highs User friendly technology
Lows Takes time to get used to its looks
The progress
Week 2
It might not be as sporty as the BMW 5 Series or as elegant as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but it beats both its German rivals when it comes to relaxed highway cruising.
Highs Great AC, adaptive cruise control, economy
Lows Build quality could have been better
Week 1
The Infiniti M56 S could well be the ultimate sleeper, as its innocent styling belies a properly sporty car with a powerful 5.6-litre V8 under its bonnet.
Highs Smooth ride, luxurious interior
Lows Rather large, looks bland
