The rise of hybrid cars is one of the biggest trends going on in the automotive industry. Boasting the combination of a petrol engine with an electric motor, it provides the reliability that purely electric powered cars don’t have (at least not yet) and an expanded mileage range and decreased emissions that all owners of petrol powered cars would surely appreciate. And with a lot of cars switching to hybrid power, Infiniti decided they didn’t want to be left behind. The result is the 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid.
Exterior & Interior
Most of the trim on the Infiniti M Hybrid remains similar to the gas powered M series. The exterior still retains the critically acclaimed aggressive and curvy stance of the original. And one good thing about this car is that it doesn’t shout out loud that it’s a hybrid (which is one of the negatives about most hybrid cars, they tend to shout out that they are hybrids). Just a few badges on the front fenders and the trunk are what distinguish it as a hybrid. Furthermore, the interior still remains the same for the hybrid version. Meaning, the much appreciated combination of good seating arrangements, simple electronics, and sophisticated build quality are all there.
All the good things about the M’s interior are all retained, with the only caveat is the reduction of cabin space. As observed in just about all hybrids, the batteries are placed on the trunk. This is the reason why cabin space is reduced. Standard and optional safety features are inherited from the ordinary M Series, which actually performed well on safety tests.
Performance
On the performance standpoint, people are raving that the M Hybrid is a well sorted out combination of quickness and fuel economy. Combining to form the hybrid power system is a 3.5 liter V6 engine and an electric motor. The functioning of the 2 motors alternate with each other, and the transitions during switching of roles by the 2 engines are smooth. Interestingly, its performance is strong enough to rival that of the M37, which is a considerable feat given that this car is a hybrid.
Also, the same suspension and brakes remain in this car, meaning that the sharp handling that M Series fans have grown to love is still there. Infiniti claims that the fuel economy ratings of this car are rated at 27 to 32 miles per gallon, which is a good value considering the size of this car and the output of the engine. It features regenerative braking that allows the charging of the batteries every time the driver uses the brakes.
The Competition
There are three other hybrid vehicles that may be considered as an option, two are from Toyota, the Camry Hybrid (MSRP $27,050; 31 city / 35 hwy), the Prius HB II (MSRP $23,520; 51 city / 48 hwy) and the Honda Civic Hybrid (MSRP $23,950; 40 city / 43 hwy). Both do not have the same power as the Infiniti and are priced way below the M Hybrid.
However, if you are looking for something closer in class to the M Hybrid, you may want to look at the Lexus GS 450h (MSRP $58,950; 22 city / 25 hwy).
Pros & Cons
There are a lot of reviews regarding the Infiniti M Hybrid, and most of these reviews are generally positive. Most of the people like that almost every single thing that people have grown to love about this car were retained. The suave exterior, the high quality interior, and the top notch performance are all still there, and now it has the benefit of having lower harmful emissions and better fuel mileage.
And even though this is something minor, a lot of reviewers have actually appreciated that Infiniti has decided to keep discreet its identity as a hybrid, a far cry from others that practically shout out that they are hybrids. On the downside, the biggest impact that the hybrid system gave is on the trunk compartment. But that is something that is expected from hybrids. In addition, the regenerative brakes, though an upgrade when compared to others that feature the same system, is still feels unnatural.
The 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid has tried to combine the best of both the worlds of electric and petrol vehicles, and has managed to succeed on the most part. It is an efficient, quick, and stylish vehicle that is decisively world class in quality.
What others say:
“Strong performance; engaging handling; many high-tech features; classy interior; hybrid model’s high fuel economy.”Edmunds
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Hybrid Sedan | Base Price: $53,700.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.8 gallons (67 liters) | MPG: 27 city / 32 hwy |
| Length: 194.7 in. (494.5 cm) | Width: 72.6 in. (184 cm) |
| Height: 59.1 in. (150 cm) | Wheel Base: 114.2 in. (290 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 4129 lbs (1872 kg) | Ground Clearance: 6.0 in. (15 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 11.3 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 3.5L V6 w/ Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid | Valvetrain: 24-Valve DOHC |
| Horsepower: 360 HP | Max RPM: 6500 RPM |
| Torque: 258 lb-ft peak engine/199 lb-ft peak electric motor | Transmission: 7-Speed Automatic w/ ASC |
| 0-60 mph: 5.2 seconds | 1/4 Mile: 13.4 seconds |
