Infiniti M appeal ready to seduce bored Brits

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UK prices and specifications are confirmed today for the Infiniti M30d, Europe’s newest, boldest and most individual high performance diesel saloon.

Featuring Infiniti’s first engine developed specifically for Europe – a 3.0-litre V6 piezo-injection diesel with massive 406 lb ft of torque and CO2 emissions under 200 g/km – the M30d is available in five grades, ranging from well equipped to nothing left out, and costs from £36,750 on the road. Sales begin in October but the car is available now for inspection, and online configuring, at www.infiniti.eu

The 235 bhp, 155 mph M30d ticks all the boxes in the performance saloon sector plus two its mostly German rivals struggle with: exclusivity and a single-minded focus on the highest standards of customer service through Infiniti’s Total Ownership Experience.

The M30d in Premium form, expected to be the most popular, is similarly unbeatable in its provision of standard safety technologies. They include the world-first application of Blind Spot Intervention™, a system which registers nearby vehicles and helps ensure the Infiniti cannot stray into their path.

As well as being its most European car ever, the M30d is Infiniti’s most dynamic saloon, both to drive and to look at. Its “front-midships” engine position and rear-wheel drive guarantee on-road poise, its sweeping body contours provide athletic looks – and a clear link to the M’s design inspiration, the Essence supercoupé concept with its beautiful interpretation of wind and wave forms.

Infiniti’s obsession with the best natural materials reaches new heights in the M30d’s soft-feel cabin where features such as sensuous aniline leather and hand-buffed silver powder-coated wood trim are available. Infiniti’s biggest and best appointed saloon interior yet is backed up by a 450-litre boot.

The M30d is also Infiniti’s most technologically advanced car with a comprehensive suite of intelligent driver aids/anti-collision systems available, collectively badged Dynamic Safety Shield. Debut luxury features available include Active Noise Control and Forest Air™, an innovative climate control system designed to promote alertness and relieve stress.

The M30d accelerates from 0-62 mph in 6.9 secs and has a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 37.7 mpg (7.5 l/100km). An 80-litre fuel tank offers the potential for an 800-mile plus cruising range at the M30d’s official extra-urban consumption.

CO2 emissions of 199 g/km ensure the M30d falls into Band J for Vehicle Excise Duty, for a standard tax rate (as of April 2010) of £235 a year.

M30d – from £36,750 OTR
The entry model is equipped as standard with features that include: 7-speed automatic transmission, bi-Xenon lights, 10-way power front seats, reversing camera, parking sensors, heated steering wheel, hard disk drive (HDD) sound system, White Ash wood trim with silver powder finish and Infiniti’s new Drive Mode Selector which tailors key driving parameters to Sport, Normal, Snow and Eco settings.

M30d GT – from £39,250 OTR
The GT builds on the M30d spec with an emphasis on even more luxury, gaining semi-aniline leather and heated and ventilated front seats.

M30d S – from £41,250 OTR
The more sporting choice, the S introduces 4-Wheel Active Steering (4WAS), sports suspension, sports seats (also heated and ventilated), gearshift paddles and 20-inch alloy wheels.

M30d GT Premium – from £44,600 and M30d S Premium – from £46,600
Premium versions build on the respective GT or S models by adding every M Line feature available, including Blind Sport Intervention, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention and other technologies comprising the Dynamic Safety Shield. Also included are Forest Air, a 16-speaker Bose® sound system and Infiniti’s acclaimed Connectiviti+ information and entertainment platform comprising 30GB HDD navigation.

Options
British buyers have lots of options when it comes to specifying their ideal model, but typically for an Infiniti extra-cost items are few. In fact there are three: metallic paint (£665), a temporary spare wheel (in place of repair kit, £90) and, for the GT and S, the Connectiviti+ HDD multimedia navigation system (£2350).

The M30d joins the V6 petrol M37 in an M range that expands further in 2011 with the innovative M35h. The Hybrid’s arrival will complete a trio of V6-powered luxury saloons, all with strong driver focus and Infiniti’s signature blend of technology and craftsmanship, to offer buyers a compelling alternative to the usual suspects of Europe’s executive-car hierarchy.

Source: Infiniti (press release/media site)