The 2012 Infiniti M is now offered in three different models: M35h, M37 and M56. A 330-horsepower, 3.7L V6 engine is included with the M37, while the M56 upgrades to a 420-hp, 5.6L direct-injected V8. The all-new M35h features a 360-horsepower 3.5L V6 and electric motor combined, and can run on either one of its power sources at any given time. All models come with a 7-speed automatic transmission that has downshift rev matching and manual shift control. All-wheel drive is available in a road-performance-oriented system that can send up to 50 percent of torque to the front wheels.
A system called Infiniti Drive comes in all M models and includes four modes (standard, eco, sport and snow) to help tailor throttle and transmission response to various road conditions. In Eco mode, the system will actually push back if the vehicle is being driven in a non-efficient manner.
The M sedans get a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link suspension setup, bringing responsiveness as well as composure over rough surfaces. Thanks to a series of underbody panels and aerodynamic work, the M sedan has a very low coefficient of drag, which especially helps with highway fuel efficiency.
The M37, M56 and M35h have the same interior; there's space for three adults in back, and leather upholstery and wood accents nicely bridge between conservative and sporty. Through several packages and standalone options, the interior can be appointed with several quite different themes. Soft, full-grain leather modeled after premium sofa material is included with the Deluxe Touring Package, which adds leather to the arm rest and center console, while heated seats and ventilated front seats come with the Premium Package. A new instrument-panel design includes electroluminescent gauges and a Plasmacluster air purifier and humidity control help keep the air fresh.
Infiniti's M sedans include plenty of conveniences standard, including a rain-sensing wipers, heated mirrors, a USB port and iPod connection, Bluetooth, an Intelligent Key system and a garage-door opener. Many of the more exciting tech features are included in a Technology Package, which includes a Blind Spot Warning system that will alert the driver if there's a vehicle just beside and behind, while Blind Spot Intervention takes it a step further, selectively braking each wheel to help nudge the driver back into the lane. The M is available with a host of other tech features, including Active Noise Control, which helps quiet cabin noise without heavy noise insulation, and a Forest Air system that further deodorizes the air from the climate-control system. Intelligent Brake Assist with Forward Collision Warning is another system designed to help avoid accidents. The M35h comes with Blind Spot Warning, navigation, heated steering wheel, cooled front seats, and Lane Departure Warning as standard features, and several unique trims are available.
Also on rear-wheel drive models, a Sport Package adds 4-Wheel Active Steer (4WAS), sport suspension, upgraded 4-piston brakes and 20-inch wheels. Inside, solid magnesium steering-wheel shift paddles, sport seats and sport trim also come with the package.
Several all-new infotainment functions look great on the eight-inch wide display. The navigation system comes with XM NavTraffic, NavWeather and Zagat restaurant ratings. The 10-speaker Bose sound system includes streaming audio capability as well as a 9.4-gigabyte Music Box hard-drive music-storage system.
Mix Of Traditional Luxury And Sport-sedan Attitude
Plush Interior Upholsteries And Trims
Acceleration And Performance
All-new Hybrid Model
Available Accident Avoidance Technology
For 2012, the Infiniti M gains a hybrid model--the very first gas/electric hybrid from Infiniti. It features a 3.5L V6 mated to an electric motor that makes a combined 360 horsepower. It needs no plug-in charging for its battery packs and can run on either powerplant separately, or both together. Not other changes have been made to the M line for 2012.
The M strikes an unusual mix of luxury, economy, and sportiness that's unmatched in this class, with strong powertrains, nimble handling and a quiet, refined interior. Its new styling looks at once traditional yet flamboyant, and some will prefer the straightforward interior design to the screen-based systems in other luxury vehicles. The all-new M35h hybrid model provides gobs of power and torque all while delivering the fuel economy of a 1.8L economy car. The M lineup features a wide range of tech gadgetry, including Blind Spot Intervention, setting the M sedan apart from its class.
