Infiniti M Hybrid

2012 Infiniti M35h

*The Nissan Fuga Hybrid (HY51) is sold as the Infiniti M Hybrid in the United States

Infiniti's first full-fledged hybrid premium sedan, the Infiniti M35h, is not your typical hybrid premium sedan built for the green wealthy people who want to indulge in something extravagant while keeping their commitment to the environment. The Infiniti M35h targets the likes of the Lexus GS450h and the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid and by comparison, the Infiniti M35h is faster, more fuel tank capacity, more room, and more fuel efficient than these hybrid premium sedans offered.

At first glance, the Infiniti M35h is armed with the hybrid version of the VQ35HR engine, producing a standard power output of 303hp/6800rpm and the torque output of 264 lb·ft/4800 rpm. However, there's a catch; the exclusive Infiniti Direct Response System reaches the M35h's VQ35HR hybrid engine to a full potential, thanks to the 50kW electric motor, guaranteed to hear some sinister "ready to attack" sounds that no other hybrid sedans done it before and it can reach 6 seconds on the 0-60mph run, making a grand power output of over 360hp as advertised. It even comes with a 7-speed automatic transmission that has no torque converter, making it a smooth-shifter on the long and winding roads. Like most hybrid sedans in the world, the Infiniti M35h comes with the regenerative braking system that can recharges the Lithium-ion battery while going for a full brake. It can be essential with the electronic booster assist.

In comparison, the Infiniti M35h stacks up against the Lexus GS450h because the fuel economy of the M35h has 32MPG highway while the GS450h garners 25MPG. That's good news but the bad news is, the M35h is not worthy against the Americanized Lincoln MKZ Hybrid because the MKZ Hybrid garners 36 of those miles per gallon highway.

My Comment:


With the exclusive Infiniti Direct Response System armed and ready on the M35h's VQ35HR hybrid engine, it was surely enough to gain the power of a V8 engine while gaining a fuel economy of a four-cylinder engine. Surely a hybrid car with 360hp and 32 MPG highway is a sure fiery thing but the sinister M35h has a sinister "ready to attack" attitude to blow away the competition.

Photo: Infiniti