Infiniti is a brand which occasionally likes to push boundaries and one only has to look at its FX crossover vehicles to see this in action. Those models blend utility with more than a healthy dose of performance; whilst at the same time oozing luxury from ever pore. They are huge fun to drive, and the same goes for the slightly smaller stable-mate, the Infiniti EX.

However, although I’ve enjoyed the Infiniti crossovers for quite some time now, I’ve never been truly wowed by the cars which the company produces. Yes, I know that the Infiniti G-series has earned a fantastic reputation, and many now compare these to BMW models, but in my opinion, they’ve never really had the wow factor that some of the other Infiniti products have.

Of course, that was then, and this is now, because I’ve just spent a week in the 2011 Infiniti M37x, and the vehicle has actually started to win me over.

Admittedly, it may not appear as aggressive from the outside as say perhaps the FX/EX models, and if I’m totally honest, I find the exterior of the M37x perhaps a little too similar to the lower-priced G-Series. However, slide behind the wheel of the vehicle and you can’t help but feel that you’re in something rather special.

For a start, the interior simply oozes quality & refinement, and the number of features available to this model is pretty amazing. Xenon Headlights and front fog lights come standard on the M37, as do 18 inch alloys and power folding & heated mirrors. It gets even better on the inside, with leather-faced seating, DS & PS 10-way power adjustable heated seats, with a memory system for the doors, mirrors, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel.

For those who enjoy more creature comforts, there’s a power moonroof, intelligent key system with push button start, Homelink, Bluetooth, XM Sat Radio/CD/USB connect and steering wheel audio controls. All of this is standard equipment on the base M37x model.

However, my test vehicle came with the optional Deluxe Touring & Tech package ($5,100) which includes Bose Studio Surround 5.1 with 16 speakers, Power rear shade, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure / warning & prevention, Blind Spot warning & intervention, Eco pedal, and something called Forrest Air Conditioning. It also added a rather unique genuine wood with Metallic trim. Now whilst this may sound a little strange, metallic & wood, it certainly looks impressive!

I was also fortunate to have the Premium package added to my tester ($3,800) which includes a 9.3 GB music hard drive, HD Navigation system with an 8 inch colour touch screen, Voice recognition, Bluetooth streaming audio, climate controlled front seats and a heated steering wheel.

Now these two packages add an additional $9,200 to the base price of the vehicle ($54,900), which means it tops out at $64,100, and then there’s still nearly $2k of freight and PDE before you’re presented with the final bill. However, whereas I would normally say at this point, “Save your money and go for the base model”, I’m actually going to venture in the opposite direction and suggest stepping up and treating yourself. My reasoning is simple... whilst $9k in extras might seem a lot of money, especially in today’s economy, when compared to what some of the German companies are asking for these types of add-ons, it’s actually quite reasonable. I’d also add that this is a driver’s vehicle in every sense of the word and I could foresee buyers trying to save money at the offset, only to wish they had stumped up the extra down the road. After all, if you’re going to purchase a high-end vehicle, and this certainly falls into that category, then why wouldn’t you make the most of it and truly enjoy the experience of luxury?