2011 INFINITI M: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2011 INFINITI M is a full redesign and the first year of its fourth generation. The headline change is the move from the M35/M45 lineup to the new M37/M56 family, with a new body, cabin, engines, and standard 7-speed automatic.

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About the 2011 INFINITI M

4th generation (Y51), first year of the U.S. redesign for the M/Q70 line.

Infiniti positions the 2011 M as a performance luxury sedan with a roomy cabin, strong acceleration, distinctive styling, and a heavy emphasis on technology. It targets buyers who want the comfort and presence of a midsize luxury sedan without giving up a sporty feel. Compared with rivals, Infiniti leans on standard luxury touches, Japanese design details, and a long list of driver-oriented features to make the M feel both upscale and more athletic than a traditional soft-riding sedan.

The M37 is the core luxury-sport sedan, with a 330-hp V6, heated leather-appointed seats, a moonroof, and a rearview camera. The M56 steps up to a 420-hp V8, navigation, Bose audio, climate-controlled front seats, and a heated steering wheel. M37x and M56x versions add all-wheel drive for extra traction in poor weather.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

The M35 and M45 give way to the M37 and M56, bringing a 330-hp 3.7-liter V6 and a 420-hp 5.6-liter V8. A 7-speed automatic is standard throughout the lineup.

Styling

The redesigned M receives a new, more sculpted exterior and a completely new cabin.

Tech

Drive Mode Selector and Active Noise Control become standard. The M56 and M56x also receive standard navigation, Bose audio, and climate-controlled front seats.

Structural

The 2011 M begins the fourth-generation Y51 model line with a fully redesigned body and interior.

2011 INFINITI M specs and features by trim

Feature	2011 INFINITI MM370 in stock	2011 INFINITI MM560 in stock	2011 INFINITI MM37x0 in stock	2011 INFINITI MM56x0 in stock
Engine	V6, 3.7 Liter	V8, 5.6 Liter	V6, 3.7 Liter	V8, 5.6 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, 7-Spd w/Overdrive & Manual Mode	Automatic, 7-Spd w/Overdrive & Manual Mode	Automatic, 7-Spd w/Overdrive & Manual Mode	Automatic, 7-Spd w/Overdrive & Manual Mode
Drivetrain	RWD	RWD	AWD	AWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	18 mpg	16 mpg	17 mpg	16 mpg
MPG Highway	26 mpg	25 mpg	24 mpg	23 mpg
Horsepower	330 hp	420 hp	330 hp	420 hp
Torque	270 lb-ft	417 lb-ft	270 lb-ft	417 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	14.9 cu-ft	14.9 cu-ft	14.9 cu-ft	14.9 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	36.2 in	36.2 in	36.2 in	36.2 in
Seats	5	5	5	5
Doors	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Adaptive Cruise Control
Alarm System
Blindspot Sensors
Active Lane Keep Assistance
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Power Moonroof
Rear Spoiler
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Built-In Hard Drive
Front DVD Entertainment System
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
Cooled Seats
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Leather Seats
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start

How the 2012 INFINITI M compares

The biggest change for the 2012 INFINITI M is the arrival of the M35h, the lineup’s first gasoline-electric model. The M37 and M56 gas models otherwise receive only light refinements after their 2011 redesign.

See the full 2012 changes

Frequently asked questions

Was the 2011 INFINITI M fully redesigned?

Yes. The 2011 INFINITI M starts the fourth generation with a new body, a new interior, stronger engines, and a standard 7-speed automatic transmission.

How is the 2011 INFINITI M different from the 2010 model?

The 2011 model is a complete redesign rather than a minor update. It replaces the M35 and M45 family with M37 and M56 models, adds stronger V6 and V8 engines, introduces a new body and cabin, and makes a 7-speed automatic standard across the lineup.

What is the difference between the 2011 INFINITI M37 and M56?

The M37 has a 330-hp 3.7-liter V6, while the M56 has a 420-hp 5.6-liter V8 and more standard luxury equipment. The M56 includes navigation, Bose audio, climate-controlled front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

Does the 2011 INFINITI M have all-wheel drive?

Yes. The M37x pairs all-wheel drive with the V6, while the M56x combines all-wheel drive with the V8. The M37 and M56 use rear-wheel drive.

What transmission does the 2011 INFINITI M use?

Every 2011 INFINITI M uses a 7-speed automatic transmission. It is paired with either the 3.7-liter V6 or the 5.6-liter V8 and includes a selector for different driving modes.