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The wraps will be taken off a new Infiniti M saloon next week, when the Geneva motor show opens on Tuesday. Set to arrive in Europe in September, the Infiniti M will be available with V6 petrol and diesel engines, a hybrid version will follow in 2011.

Designed to compete with the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class, the M comes from Nissan's luxury division Infiniti, launched 20 years ago in the US, but only now arriving in Europe. It is to Nissan what Lexus is to Toyota.

With rear-wheel drive and an engine set well back to improve handling, Infiniti is hoping the M will be seen as a credible rival to BMW's 5-Series, which has traditionally been the executive saloon of choice for driving enthusiasts. In a bid to reduce weight, many of the M's outer panels are aluminium, although the main structure is steel.

Infiniti isn't just concerned with sporty dynamics though, as the M will also offer one of the most luxurious interiors around, with a range of exclusive leather and wood finishes.Also included is a range of cutting-edge technologies for greater safety and refinement. Blind Spot Intervention automatically steers the car away from danger, while Active Noise Control cancels out low-frequency engine noise to reduce cabin noise levels.

Forest Air climate control uses pulsated air and fragrances to help relax passengers and Dynamic Cornering Assistance brakes individual wheels to reduce steering effort during tight manoeuvres.

No prices have been announced yet, but with only 3.7-litre petrol and 3-litre diesel engines offered initially, the Infiniti M is likely to cost at least £32,000.

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