Infiniti M35h 2013 Review - International

What we liked:
>> Impressive acceleration
>> Quiet, comfortable cabin
>> Composed ride and handling

Not so much:
>> Compromised cargo area
>> Some switchgear looks low rent
>> Pricing still an unknown quantity

Billed by its maker as the world’s fastest accelerating full-hybrid production car, the Infiniti M35h is one of three luxury sedan models Infiniti will introduce to Australia in Q3 of this year (2012). It will join conventionally-powered turbodiesel and petrol variants -- M30d and M37 respectively -- in drawing much of its sleek, sophisticated styling from the Japanese’s prestige brand’s 2009 Essence Concept vehicle.

Styling highlights for the M35h include Infiniti’s signature double-arch grille, crystal-look headlamps, 18- or 20-inch aluminium-alloy wheels (depending on variant) and wave-inspired body panels shaped to not only create an expressive form, but to reduce aerodynamic friction.

Complemented by a series of so-called aerodynamic enhancers -- including front tyre air deflector, engine under-cover, centre floor cover, rear tyre air deflectors, exhaust cover, floor side fairings and rear diffuser -- Infiniti M Hybrid boasts a low drag coefficient of just 0.26Cd.

To reduce mass, an issue in many hybrid-powered models, Infiniti utilises a lightweight, laminated 1.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack, single electric motor, extensive aluminium componentry, and torque converter-less automatic transmission. As a result, M35h tips the scale at 1830kg.

Like the Infiniti FX SUV range, M Hybrid is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission, its petrol side sharing the same basic architecture as M37 and FX37 models, despite a 200cc reduction in capacity (think 350Z and 370Z and you’re on the right track).

In ‘Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid’ models, like the M35h, this sees the (225kW/350Nm) 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine supplemented by a 50kW/270Nm electric motor, delivering a combined maximum torque figure of 620Nm to the rear wheels.

Sharing even more technologies with other models in the upcoming Infiniti range, M Hybrid also adopts a four-mode selector for throttle and transmission mapping, active rear-wheel steering, active noise cancellation and a vast array of driver aids and safety features. The up-spec M35hS also incorporates a feedback throttle Infiniti says aims to promote eco-friendly driving behaviours.

Further, a system known as Active Trace Control adjusts engine torque and the control of braking at each of the four wheels to help enhance cornering performance -- a rewarding upside on some of New Zealand’s finest driving roads, but more on that in a moment.

M35h offers a quiet and comfortable cabin Infiniti says is elegant yet functional in design. Its driver-oriented lay-out is complemented by luxurious surrounds with key controls readily falling to hand, and seats that must be sat in to be believed. Consistent shapes and the sensible grouping of ancillary functions bring a maturity to the dashboard and centre console often overlooked in busy, button-happy competitors; electroluminescent gauges, ambient lighting, double glazing and sumptuous leather upholstery only bettering the interior’s premium feel.

Equipment highlights include a sunroof, adaptive bi-xenon headlamps, power folding and heated wing mirrors, auto headlamps and wipers, full-colour 7.0-inch display, allergen-neutralising climate control, satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and a six-speaker CD-tuner with USB connectivity and steering wheel-mounted remote controls. Audiophiles can upgrade this system to a ten-speaker Bose system on premium models, which also add a heated steering wheel and cooled and heated front seats.

Acceleration lives up to its claims both off the line and in-gear, and is seamless when selecting between EV and IC drive modes.

If you’re in a little more of a hurry, the steering column-mounted magnesium paddle shifts override the ECU’s thinking, delivering sporty response, the car even lightly rev-matching on downshifts.

The car’s independent double-wishbone design in front keeps steering and suspension forces separated and, as a result, provides not only sharp cornering, but near-hydraulic levels of feel and feedback through the wheel. The speed-sensing, variable assist EPAS system is rewarding, and well-weighted, though unfortunately on our test drive was not offered in conjunction with the optional 4WAS (four-wheel active steer) system that Infiniti tells us further aids manoeuvrability at all road speeds.

The Infiniti M35h offered excellent body control through the twisting mountain roads surrounding Queenstown and, despite its considerable weight, never felt ill-composed or short of grip. The car was as comfortable as any we’ve sampled in this segment, soaking up ruts and potholes with grace.

Braking, courtesy of discs measuring 320mm front and 307mm rear, provided ample stopping power. S Premium models will be offered with four-piston front stoppers on larger 355mm rotors and two-pot 350mm discs at the rear.

If we had to fault the M35h -- an admittedly hard task -- it would be that the binnacle-mounted trip computer controls look too much like others in the Nissan family. Similarly, some of the HVAC controls require familiarity for ease of recognition, and cargo space, like most hybrids, is left wanting for sake of the battery pack.

Infiniti will announce specification and pricing of its FX, G and M models range closer to its Australian market release in late August this year.

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