Skip advert
Advertisement

Infiniti M30d S

Diesel power gives exec more all-round appeal

Overall Auto Express Rating

4.0 out of 5

Find your Infiniti M
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Hassle-free way to a brand new car
Or are you looking to sell your car?
9/10 sellers got the price they expected
Advertisement

The Infiniti M30d is a good all-rounder, but its appeal begins to fade slightly when compared with established premium rivals. The cabin isn’t quite as luxurious, and in a market where CO2 emissions are all-important for fleet buyers, the diesel engine can’t match the figures of the class leaders. However, this model has exclusivity, striking looks plus an award-winning dealer network working in its favour – all of which are guaranteed to bring new customers to the brand.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In the executive saloon segment, diesel is king. But until now, the Infiniti M has been available only with a petrol V6. So, has the introduction of a 3.0-litre V6 oil-burner boosted the car’s appeal?

The new unit is extremely quiet on the move and, with 550Nm of torque available from 1,750rpm, offers plenty of mid-range thrust. 

Below that, though – when pulling away from traffic lights, for example – the Infiniti can feel slow to react. Matters aren’t helped by the seven-speed auto, which can be ponderous if you up the pace. Still, with 235bhp the M isn’t slow, and it can sprint from 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds. 

It’s far cheaper to run than the thirsty petrol model, too. 

Fuel economy has been improved by 10mpg over its stablemate, taking the total to 37.7mpg, while CO2 emissions have fallen from 235g/km to 199g/km.

Our S-spec car favours handling over the more comfort-focused GT models. That’s not to say the ride is harsh, though. Most lumps and bumps are soaked up comfortably, but the 20-inch alloys do make for jittery progress over small road imperfections. 

In corners, the Infiniti is highly capable, with well controlled body roll. The active four-wheel steering makes it seem even more agile. Unfortunately, driver involvement is lacking, because although the steering feels direct, it is short on feedback; engineers claim the car’s buyers prefer this kind of set-up. Owners won’t be short on kit, however, because as well as sat-nav, heated and cooled seats and leather trim, our top-spec S gets plenty of hi-tech gadgets. 

Highlights include Forest Air – which recreates a gentle scented breeze – rather than direct air-con, plus radar-guided cruise control, an active noise-cancelling stereo system to improve refinement and lane departure assistance.

The price for this range-topping M30d S is £47,680, but you really don’t need to specify any additional options. If the eye-catching looks are for you, then the M is a worthwhile alternative in this competitive segment.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years
Upcoming Audi models - four-way image
News

Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years

After a quiet few years, the German giant is gearing up for its biggest product onslaught to date
25 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars can expect to be paying roughly £10 more per year, a although the biggest gas guzzlers will fare the worst
26 Mar 2024