Infiniti M news - Infiniti’s M-brio - 2009

Infiniti’s bird/x-ray/iron mystery has been solved. Last week’s mysterious teaser sketch has happily morphed into this, the new Infiniti M.

This is the third generation of Infiniti’s 5-Series and E-Class rival, and it’ll be the first to go on sale in Western Europe.

Which means it should reach the UK next summer, powered by a 3.7-litre V6 – the same basic engine as the Nissan 370Z – putting out 316bhp and 265lb ft of torque.

However, later next year the M will also get a new 3.0-litre V6 diesel, a unit closely related to the engine in the Renault Laguna. All Ms will be rear-wheel drive only, though four-wheel steer – again, as seen on the Renault Laguna – will be an option.

Performance from the petrol M should be on a par with the BMW 530i, with 62mph coming up in around six seconds.

As for the looks, we have to say we rather like the M. There’s a bit of ‘spot the design cue’ going on – we’re seeing a lot of Panamera in the side profile, a lump of Lexus IS around the front end and maybe even a bit of BMW 1-Series down the door panels – but it’s certainly a striking looking thing.

Would it tempt you away from a 5-Series?