Brilliant and spacious interior; diesel is a slick all-rounder; handy pricing
M35h’s extreme hybrid quietness exaggerates tyre noise on poorly maintained rural roads
Australia is the 48th global market for prestige brand Infiniti and the slick ‘M’ mid-size sedan is a crucial part of a product range. Now doing brisk business in locations as diverse as North America, China, Western Europe and Russia, Infiniti comes to Australia with an initial plan focused on customer experience rather than big sales numbers.
Offered with diesel, petrol and petrol-hybrid powerplants, the Infiniti ‘M’ is a global premium mid-size sedan which is the first chapter in Infiniti’s return ‘Downunder’.
Infiniti M Overview
The M range follows Infiniti’s model nomenclature – entry-level GT grade, stepping up to S Premium and GT Premium for the hybrid M35h.
The Infiniti M Range is:
M37 GT $85,900
M37 S Premium $97,900
M30d GT $87,900
M30d S Premium $99,900
M35h GT Premium $99,900
Infiniti M Engine
Infiniti M’s petrol model is the M37, powered by the 3.7-litre DOHC V6 with 235kW/360Nm on-tap. This engine features Infiniti’s VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) system for enhanced throttle response combined with reduced emissions/fuel consumption.
Diesel power comes from the 3.0-litre DOHC V6 turbo-diesel delivering 175kW of power and 550Nm of torque from as low as 1750rpm.
The Infiniti M35h is a technically interesting hybrid based on a 3.5-litre DIHC V6 petrol engine and a single electric motor with two clutches for a parallel hybrid system. It provides the rear-wheel-drive layout demanded by Infiniti and actually holds a Guinness World Record as the world’s fastest-accelerating full hybrid.
Infiniti says the M35h’s electric motor is rated at 50kW/270Nm while the petrol V6 scores 225kW/350Nm.
Infiniti M The Interior
Climb inside the Infiniti M S Premium and GT Premium models and the first surprise are the front seats which contain speakers for the 16-peaker Bose audio system. Infiniti takes noise seriously and modeled the M’s interior on Bose noise-cancelling headphone technology – Active Noise Control deletes sound (including some of the engine noise).
Infiniti is also keen on fresh air – the M featuring a ‘Forest Air’ system which cuts the amount of pollen entering the cabin and uses a Grape Polyphenol filter and Plasmacluster air purifier. Infiniti dealers will re-fill these systems at service.
The beautiful leather seats are electronically adjustable and combine with electronic adjustment of the superb steering wheel for a suitably sporty driving position.
Up-front the nicely styled instrument panel runs Fine Vision electroluminescent instruments, a 7.0-inch colour monitor for the audio, rear-view camera and navigation and the expected analogue clock.
Stepping up, you can add an 8.0-inch colour touch-screen with hard-drive music storage.
Quality is obvious at every corner including the suede-like roof liner and beautifully crafted switchgear.
Rear seat accommodation is surprisingly spacious for a mid-size sedan.
Infiniti M Exterior & Styling
Like its SUV stablemate the FX, Infiniti M sedan delivers a stand-out look which is right out of the box. The wide, low look accentuated by the curved front fenders and arched front grille deliver real on-road presence.
But it’s not all appearance as the elegant design is seriously aerodynamic (drag Cd 0.27 or 0.26 for the M35h) with details like tyre deflectors, a rear diffuser and covers for the engine and cabin floor.
At the front the handsome headlights are HID bi-functional Xenons and they combine with that large grille (and prominent Infiniti logo) to kick-off the powerful, sporty look.
In profile those curved fenders, smart glasshouse and curved roof blend superbly and lead to a complex rear three-quarter layout which again exudes a powerful style.
From the rear the Infiniti M highlights its powerful stance with a nice bootlid kick-up and modern rear lights.
Infiniti M On The Road
Unlike some, Infiniti didn’t hold back at the national media launch – we drove all three Infiniti M models back-to back over varying roads in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. And all three challenge the equivalent Lexus GS 350 and 450 models for on-road dynamics.
Infiniti has chosen the performance route for all of its models so the M sedan is rear-wheel-drive, adopts firm European-style suspension settings and the M35h is said to be the world’s fastest-accelerating full hybrid production car.
All are dynamic with precise response to steering and throttle input (appreciated by performance drivers) but at the same time quiet and refined inside. Our route included a couple of nastily-positioned pot-holes and the Infiniti Ms all coped admirably with great isolation despite the pounding delivered to the suspension.
Both the 3.7-litre V6 petrol and 3.0-litre turbo-diesel delivered hearty acceleration but of course the M35h with its 225kW/350Nm excelled in the hills and twists. Just as impressive was the all-electric operation at up to 80km/h.
Infiniti M Challenges
Infiniti M35h, with its battery mounted under the parcel shelf (behind the rear seat) loses some cargo space and in twisty high-speed stuff feels a tad light in the front-end.
Infiniti M The Competition
Naturally it’s the Lexus GS 350 and 450h. In fact the two hybrids (Infiniti M35h GT Premium and Lexus GS 450h) are priced identically at $99,900.
And while Lexus GS 450h goes further than Infiniti M35h (with $111,900 F Sport and $121,900 Sports Luxury models), the newcomer fights-back with two diesel-powered models – Lexus doesn’t currently offer diesels.
Infiniti M Verdict
Again Infiniti’s bold styling scores points with us. And those M interiors make even more pricey rivals look plain.
So with the Infiniti M you have undoubted on-road presence, sharp driving dynamics, abundant technology and the whole package oozes quality.
Sounds like a combination which is hard to beat.
