Consumer Reports still loves redesigned Infiniti M37, likes Hyundai Genesis 4.6 a lot

[Sal Collaziano]

Filed under: BMW, Hyundai, Infiniti, Luxury

2011 Infiniti M - Click above for high-res image gallery​

The Infiniti M37, Hyundai Genesis V8 and the BMW 5 Series were tested in the latest issue of Consumer Reports, and the results were fairly predictable. All three vehicles received ratings of "Excellent," though each vehicle's road to the top came from a different direction.

The newly redesigned M37 remains CR's top-rated midsize luxury sedan for its combination of performance, luxury and comfort. CR chief David Champion credits the M for combining "agile handling, a taut yet comfortable ride, and a beautifully-finished interior." Solid praise, indeed. The BMW 535i's top rating comes on the heels of a test that revealed the new sedan as quick, luxurious and fuel efficient. Interestingly, CR believes that the new 5 Series has lost some of its trademark agility for 2011.

While the M37 is the top-rated midsize luxury sedan the V8-powered Hyundai Genesis could be the big winner of this test. South Korea's best nailed the test with the most power of the three vehicles tested and the lowest price tag of the group. We're not talking a couple thousand bucks, either. The Genesis was $10,000 cheaper than the M and $15,000 less than the BMW. The dark-horse luxury sedan was called spacious and smooth, though the 'built for comfort' chassis was called out for being "not that sporty." Both the M37 and Genesis have been granted the coveted CR "Recommended" label, while the 5 Series doesn't have enough reliability data available to qualify just yet. Check out the official press release after the jump.


Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Infiniti M



Gallery: 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan



Gallery: First Drive: 2011 BMW 535i



[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Consumer Reports still loves redesigned Infiniti M37, likes Hyundai Genesis 4.6 a lot

Consumer Reports still loves redesigned Infiniti M37, likes Hyundai Genesis 4.6 a lot originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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[STREETS]

As a former 5 Series owner, the new 2011 looks very bland to me. Some say that of the Genesis- I don't see it. Much more character with the Hyundai. Infiniti M Sport is a nice machine.

 

[TJPark01]

I own both a Genny and 5 series so I guess I should chime in here. The real loser is the M37. Like all of the big 3 Japanese brands, they have gotten too aggressive with their pricing and the Germans are way past them in the cache and road feel department. Basically they're not the raging bargain they were 20 years ago. Now, people will pay up to drive a Benz or pay down to get the Hyundai with most or more than what the Japanese are offering.

Had very good seat time in a M37, to see if I screwed myself by getting the 5 series or not (wasn't available at the time the new 5 came out). The one I drove was the premium package with normal tire set up. I know some of you may be looking at this car as a cheaper alternative to say a 535i or a bit nicer than the Genny.

First Looks - Car looks upscale. Nice design, great fit and finish, big trunk (doesn't fold down and can't order that either).
Interior - Much better than previous model. Easy to use Nav, big screen, nice wood, a little too much plastic on the passenger side, but I'm nit picking. Nice seats, kinda middle of the road, cooled and heated, the cooled portion froze my tush, worked better than any car I've been in. Space is about the same in the front as the Bimmer, smaller than the Genny. The back has good leg room but less headroom, overall, a push.
Ride Quality: I was surprised here. Took every bump and road imperfection well, nicely balanced.
Steering: Also surprised. Very nicely weighted, predictable, natural.
Engine: The 3.7 liter V6 in the M37 gives it good power, but the delivery is very harsh and super loud. Not a good sound, way too harsh for a 50k car.
Transmission: A little slow to kickdown, but once in sport mode things tightened up. Overall very good.
Highway Ride: The car feels confidence inspiring at high speed, got the chance to do 90+ on the test drive, but the wind noise and tire noise were horrible. above 75+ the noise was intolerable.
Neg:
-Doors don't close with the vault like precision of a MB or BMW.
-Can't adjust suspension (although the suspension was one of the best things on this car).
- NVH of engine was horrible.
- Road noise and wind noise are horrible.
Positives:
-Nice body, good looking car
-Look ma, there's a dipstick!
-Ride and handling is very refined

Overall: If I was comparing this to the previous M37, I would say it was a slam dunk. But there are little things about this car that turn me off. I liked this car, but it didn't wow me. They were also asking $50,500. That's not exactly cheap.

Verdict: Good car, but like kissing your sister, on the cheek, makes you feel good, but you wouldn't go telling anyone about it. It's the middle child of the 3 cars. Like Jan Brady, it's always complaining, Marsha, Marsha, Marsha.

 

[STREETS]

Thanks TJ- have not driven the M37

 

[RLREILLY81]

So this may be a silly question but if the V8 Genny is in the M37 and 5series league, what car are in the V6s league?

 

[homeofstone]

On Sept. 20 we traded our 2004 Acura TSX w/nav pkg. for a new 2011 Gen 4.6 with tech. Rebadged now and sooo many people stop us and ask about the car. The tsx was nice but the Gen is a more enjoyable car. Our TSX had 239,000 miles on it, all but 16miles put on by my wife and I. I hope the Gen last even longer because we love this car, love driving it. By the way, my everyday car is a BMW Z3 manual but I try to get the Gen out of my wifes hands every chance I get. We looked at a BMW 535 but accually liked the Gen better(room and price}. 0-60 is important around Atlanta's freeways and the 4.6 does the job with great ease. CR made me feel even better about our purchase.

 

[TJPark01]

So this may be a silly question but if the V8 Genny is in the M37 and 5series league, what car are in the V6s league?

By league you must be referring to price. Simply put, the V8 Genny is larger and faster than both cars, although it's pretty much a push on the speed. The V6 is probably the best bang for your buck entry level luxury vehicle on the planet. There isn't any other car I can think of that can deliver so much content,performance, proper RWD set up. The only two that come to mind are Cadillac CTS and Chrysler C300, neither of which I care for, but that's just me.

 

[UIUC]

By league you must be referring to price. Simply put, the V8 Genny is larger and faster than both cars, although it's pretty much a push on the speed. The V6 is probably the best bang for your buck entry level luxury vehicle on the planet. There isn't any other car I can think of that can deliver so much content,performance, proper RWD set up. The only two that come to mind are Cadillac CTS and Chrysler C300, neither of which I care for, but that's just me.

CR clearly agrees on the V6. Their ratings in the article place the 3.8 ahead of the4.6 (92 points vs 87) and only 1 point behind the M37. They also think the "V8 brings little to the table over the excellent V6 model." They not only think it's in the same league as the others, but very nearly the best in that league.

 

[RLREILLY81]

GREAT! So I saved money and got a better rated car... music to my ears. And before everyone gets on me about how I don't have as much horsepower I also don't have as much to pay at the pump. Doing mostly high congestion city driving I couldn't see a need for extra horse power when it would never be used.

Thanks guys!