2012 Infiniti M35h (photos)

For years, Nissan said it was developing its own hybrid drive system, which now sees the light of day in the Infiniti M sedan. This hybrid system uses lithium ion batteries to propel the car under electric power at speeds of even 65 mph.

Back to review.

Infiniti has evolved a refined design language over the years, with gracefully curving fenders and a hood that drops between them. The rear has almost a fastback look, setting the M35h apart from other sedans.

Back to review.

The base of the power train is a VQ series 3.5-liter V-6. Although not the most high-tech engine around, the associated hybrid systems creates overall system output of 360 horsepower.

Back to review.

Although the M is Infiniti's largest sedan, it does not seem quite as luxurious or impressive as the BMW 7-series, Mercedes-Benz S-class, or Audi A8.

Back to review.

The suspension for the M35h feels soft, good for damping out potholes but less sure in the turns. Infiniti uses a conventional fixed suspension rather than active suspension technology.

Back to review.

The trunk loses some space because of the lithium ion battery pack, which sits right behind the rear seats. But Infiniti says four golf bags will still fit back there.

Back to review.

Infiniti has done an excellent job with the M35h's cabin, giving it beautiful wood trim and thick leather. The switchgear has a solid feel, as well.

Back to review.

An electrohydraulic system provides power assist to the steering, necessary to make the wheel usable when the engine idle stop feature engages.

Back to review.

The small gauge to the lower left is the main indication on the instrument cluster that this car is a hybrid. The driver can also call up a screen on the center display that shows power distribution from the hybrid system.

Back to review.

Infiniti went to a seven-speed automatic transmission for the M35h, helping it achieve the best fuel economy.

Back to review.

The cabin tech interface controller is changed from previous model year Infinitis, with a more refined look but the same functionality.

Back to review.

The hard-drive-based navigation system works very quickly, and offers a number of different perspectives and views, including a split screen.

Back to review.

This onscreen keyboard is very easy to use with the car's interface controller.

Back to review.

Traffic incidents are integrated with the navigation system, which routes around any problems.

Back to review.

You can copy contacts from a paired phone to the car's phone book, but it is a manual process.

Back to review.

The car's navigation system hard drive has 9.3GB of space reserved for onboard music storage. The car also has excellent iPod connectivity.

Back to review.

The Bose audio system has 16 speakers, including four small speakers in the shoulders of the front seats, which help with surround-sound function.

Back to review.

Infiniti has one of the best rearview cameras in the business, with lines showing trajectory and distance.

Back to review.