2013 INFINITI M56 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Moving into 2013, Infiniti's highest tier of its flagship midsize M sedan benefits from the same updates as its small-block brothers while gaining some new inclusions to option packs that were already available for 2012 and just became available to all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions for 2013. Apparently the glaring lack of complaints has allowed Infiniti some room to sweeten the deal on an already drool-worthy lineup featuring stylish looks, awe-inspiring cabins, cutting-edge technology, rip-roaring performance and even fuel efficiency with the addition of a remarkable hybrid for 2012.
Believe it or not, side by side that M35h hybrid performs no differently from the V8-powered M56. Well, unless you count fuel economy as part of performance—in that case, the hybrid wins hands down with an impressive 27 mpg city/32 highway. However, if you count the engine's song as part of its performance, the beefy 420 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque roaring out of the tailpipe of the M56's V8 beats the M35h and its whiny Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP) module any day, though it means sucking up and dealing with an expectedly unimpressive 16/25 mpg at best.
Nevertheless, both accelerate to 60 mph from a standstill in just over 5 seconds, and both offer the same sporting small-car feel, but the M35h comes with a firm sporty ride by default and only rear-wheel drive (RWD), whereas the M56 can be had in a more touring form, and its sporty side is now available to AWD M56x buyers for 2013.
The Sport Package newly available to M56x buyers is also expanded from the 2012 RWD-only option pack to include a 16-speaker Bose Surround-Sound system, Forest Air purification and a power rear sunshade above the Sport Package's usual 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, sport breaks, solid magnesium paddle shifters, enhanced sport seats and unique front end. 2013 buyers of the Sport Package also benefit from a new Stone Sport interior color option, and a renewed Performance Tire and Wheel Package offers sport brakes and 20-inch wheels and tires instead of the previous 18-inchers.
Like every other 2013 M the M56 and M56x also gain auto-dimming side-view mirrors and an automatic trunk cincher to make closing the lid on those 15 cubic feet of cargo space a bit easier. For those especially taken by this beauty's derrière, the Premium Package now includes a rear sonar system to keep it beautiful and Infiniti Connection for immediate assistance—among other things, of course, as is typical of today's infotainment systems.
With an engine second to none in its premium-fuel class for rip-roaring power balanced with fuel efficiency, more technology than you could fit in a phone book and impeccable style inside and out, the M56 would be a rare breed even before you consider its responsive yet supple dynamics and cavernous room for 5. Infiniti isn't exaggerating in its advertising—the M56 truly does challenge the status quo of luxury. Taken as a whole, Infiniti's M series really should be considered a class of one, but I think that might break some law somewhere. This trio is a remarkable set worthy of at least a spot on your short list.
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2013 INFINITI M56 Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 9.3GB · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brake width: 0.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: dual level · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.61
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 8 in. · Video system: auxiliary audio/video input
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.1
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Infiniti Connection
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 9.3GB · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brake width: 0.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: dual level · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 2.61
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 8 in. · Video system: auxiliary audio/video input
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Infiniti Connection
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation