2012 Infiniti M35h Overview Change Vehicle

This 2012 Infiniti M35h overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2012 M35h, and includes Infiniti M35h safety, reliability, and fuel economy ratings.

The 2012 Infiniti M35h is the brand’s first hybrid vehicle, and is based on the top-of-the-line M sedan. Built to compete with a select number of hybrid and diesel-powered luxury models, the 2012 M35h packs innovative technology and an impressive balance of performance and efficiency.

Hybrid vehicles have been around for years, but the 2012 M35h is the first to wear an Infiniti badge. Clearly, this gas/electric luxury sedan is late to the high-efficiency party, but it arrives fashionably so with 360 horsepower, up to 32 mpg and a level of luxury befitting a flagship sedan.

Unlike other M variants, the 2012 Infiniti M35h is only available as a rear-drive sedan, meaning all-wheel-drive capability isn’t part of the deal. That being said, this hybrid is hardly bare-bones with its power-adjustable tilt and telescoping steering wheel, 18-inch alloy wheels, HID headlights, moonroof, rain-sensing wipers, and leather-clad seats. The front buckets, in particular, are heated and power-operated. Other interior elements include stainless steel trim, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a universal garage door opener, genuine wood accents, dual-zone automatic climate control, a push-button ignition system, and Bluetooth connectivity. Rounding things out are XM satellite radio, a USB port, a rearview monitor, and active noise control that serves to provide a quiet traveling experience. All of this is in addition to hybrid-specific gauges.

As is the case with other 2012 Infiniti M models, the M35h can be upgraded with five-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels. Shoppers can also select from Premium, Deluxe Touring, and Technology packages that up the luxury quotient with a touch-screen navigation unit, a Bose surround sound system, Bluetooth streaming audio, ventilated front seats, upgraded interior materials, auto-leveling headlights, and a host of advanced safety features.

If you could peel away the 2012 M35h’s outer skin, you’d be looking at, among other things, the Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid system. At its core is a 3.5-liter, Atkinson-cycle V6 that generates 302 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which works with an electric motor to muster a net rating of 360 horsepower. Output is managed by a seven-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift feature and two clutches; one allows the M35h to disengage the gas engine while operating in electric mode and the other controls the electric motor. It sounds complicated, but the end result is an innovative and efficient hybrid system that helps earn EPA ratings of 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Other components include a laminated lithium-ion battery, electric steering and regenerative braking systems, and a suspension system that has been specifically tuned for this model.

Given its newness, a lack of safety and reliability scores for the 2012 Infiniti M35h isn’t terribly surprising. With the exception of side-impact and rollover resistance crash-test results (5 Stars and 4 Stars, respectively) from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the safety and reliability rating wells are dry as this review is being written.

Be that as it may, we can fill you in on the safety equipment available with Infiniti’s first hybrid model. Among the standard items are four-wheel-disc antilock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution, six standard airbags, and stability control. Listed under the options heading is a lane departure warning system as well as lane departure prevention, intelligent cruise control, intelligent brake assist with forward collision warning, blind spot warning and intervention, and more.

Operating a hybrid model in full electric mode may be great for efficiency, but the accompanying silence can be deadly for those who don’t hear the expected engine rumble of a vehicle headed their way. In an attempt to address that issue, Infiniti has equipped the 2012 M35h with a new Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP) system that creates noise for safety’s sake. That’s especially important when you’re talking about the M35h, which can travel up to 62 mph without any input from the gasoline-powered engine.

Those are indeed points of pride for Infiniti and of interest to prospective buyers. But what really stands out to us is this: The M35h has more horsepower than a Porsche 911 Carrera and travels up to 32 miles per gallon.

Though it’s not the first – or second, or third, or fourth – car company to launch a hybrid vehicle, Infiniti certainly has been doing its homework in the years since the original Honda Insight and Toyota Prius models hit the streets. The result is a powerful and efficient luxury sedan that promises to eliminate the word sacrifice from the hybrid equation.

By Thom Blackett