M56 bold, powerful with good looks

Behind the wheel of the 2012 Infiniti M56, on a 180-mile trek up the Florida coast, couldn’t have been a more pleasurable experience. Yes, there was the cute blonde in the Lexus GS who smiled as she passed on the left, but let us not even go there.

Besides, the M56 and its 5.6-liter, 420-hp powerplant could have eaten them for lunch.

The midsize luxury-sport sedan is a terrific value, too, loaded with standard features like navigation system and 10-speaker Bose sound. And new this year on the M56X models is an all-wheel-drive that offers maximum grip for the lousy weather days.

This is a car that last year was completely reconceived inside and out: brash good looks with a chassis that is longer, wider and lower; more comforts inside; and a pair of new engines – both more powerful yet more efficient than before.

Then they upped the ante on the Sport package, combining the athletic external features, like a more aggressive front fascia and dark-finish grille, with the sport-tuning package of enhanced suspension and brakes. Four-wheel active steering makes the M56 more nimble on the corners.

From the driver’s seat, I love looking at the sloping waves of the hood and fenders.

Some say the M56 is all well and good, but who needs it? The M37 is just fine, they say, and offers plenty of pull with its 3.7-liter 330-hp powertrain. Do you really need more?

That’s a judgment call, but I say 90 more horses with the 5.6-liter of the M56 and 147 more pound-feet of torque offers a very persuasive argument.

Turn the knob to “Sport” mode and the M56 loves to run and does it with quiet confidence, not the rumbling varoom that is music to some ears but others – can you spell w-i-f-e? – simply hate. Zero to 60 takes place swiftly in 5 seconds.

Turn to “Eco” mode and improve fuel economy but then the fun factor takes a hit.

EPA estimates put average mileage at 19 mpg combined – that’s 16 in the city but a decent 25 on the open road.

Loaded with the 4-wheel Active Steer, sport suspension and 20-inch wheels, the rear-wheel-drive M56 takes command on the road and handles admirably. The ride is on the firm side, which is fine for the sport driver but may annoy those seeking daily comfort.

Braking is secure, but I was slightly annoyed with a recurring feel of pulsating stops. Maybe it was just the 7-speed automatic tranny making its way through the downshifts, or an ABS issue.

Magnesium paddle shifters are available on the Sport package, but they’re attached close to the column, and I sometimes pinched my fingers when turning the wheel.

But the interior is elegant and refined, highlighted by an unusual Japanese ash wood trim finished with a silvery lacquer. Very nice touch, very original. It adorns the dash and center console, and sweeps around the dash and doors.

Infiniti took this interior to the max: Beyond its fabulous look, the fit and finish is simply exquisite.

Seats are of diamond-quilted leather with contrasting trim and are plush and comfortable. A fake-suede headliner nevertheless looks and feels rich.

Legroom is plentiful in front and in the rear, too.

And there’s plenty to enjoy in the way of luxury amenities, like 10-way adjustable front seats, Bose Studio Surround system with 10 speakers, Bluetooth, keyless entry and navigation with rear-view monitor.

As is typical with Infiniti products, the navigation and audio systems are simple to operate.

The M56 comes in a well-equipped single trim, if you consider the 37 as a separate animal – and you should.

A “Deluxe Touring Package” offers finer leather inside and 16 speakers in the Bose system, power rear sunshade, and an air-purifying Forest Air system. The Sport package adds some aggression, as well as 20-inch tires and sport brakes.

And a technology package enhances safety with lane-departure warning and prevention, forward-collision warning with brake assist, and blind-spot warning. Standard safety features include ABS, stability and traction control, and side-curtain air bags.

If you’re stuck on having a Bimmer or Mercedes logo in your driveway, the M56 may sway that desire. If you’re looking for a well-built, high-end performer that’s a pretty good value, too, the M56 has more standard features than either of those German guys.

I can’t promise a pretty lady driving by with a smile, but I can bet she’d be impressed with your ride.