Infiniti M35h 2013 Review

As Japanese luxury car maker Infiniti seemingly kills off any chances of a V8 performance vehicle in its next generation vehicle range, cars like the M35 Hybrid have become the go-fast models in the range.

Landing in Australia late in 2012, the Infiniti M35h relies not on extra cylinders and engine displacement a la the Lexus IS-F, but on an electric motor to increase performance. In a straight line the V6-powered hybrid car feels suitably brawny and the company's claims of 5.5 second 0-100km/h acceleration runs are eminently believable.

Indeed, Infiniti's M35h used to hold the title of world’s fastest production hybrid car but has since relinquished the crown to BMW's 5.3 second ActiveHybrid 3, a car which also costs marginally less.

Nevertheless this Japanese techno-mobile is fast. It automatically sends power and torque from both petrol and electric faculties to the rear wheels when you stomp on the throttle, for a big kick totalling 268kW.

That's 225kW from the V6 and the rest from the permanent magnet electric motor, and the V6 burble is surprisingly rousing.

Maximum torque is harder to define (and not as simple as adding both engine outputs) as the torque peaks for petrol and electric engines occur at different times. To provide a rough guide, the 3.5-litre V6 bangs out 350Nm at 6800rpm while the electric motor is good for 270Nm.

It has the torque of a six-cylinder twin turbo diesel, without the lag. Hit the loud pedal and be prepared for a smooth but speedy launch.

Engine response is crisp and unlike some petrol-electric hybrids this model uses two conventional clutches and a traditional seven-speed automatic transmission (sans torque-convertor) to modulate power to the rear wheels.

It's a smooth system and surprisingly rewarding to operate, and there's enough mumbo to gently squeeze occupant torsos into the lavish leather seats, seats which rival Lexus as some of the softest, plushest pews you'll find in the segment.

The Infiniti's premium cabin looks a little dated from some angles – and just plain odd from others – but it's a lavish place to be, with exceptional comfort levels. Leather covers about a third of the interior while soft touch materials make up the rest, and the sensation of supple comfort is conspicuous.

There's a swoopy design to the cockpit that gives the car a unique, almost organic – if peculiar – feel that is very much at odds with its competitors. As a point of difference it works well, but it may not find favour with those seeking conservatism.

It's a snug setup too, particularly as the centre console curves around the driver's left leg. Thankfully the steering wheel and driver's seat retract to improve access upon ingress/egress.

Another unusual design feature of the interior is the centre stack. It juts out almost as if it's serving up tasty infotainment morsels on a wood grain platter. I like that it's a novel design and it works well as a conversation piece, but on sunny days it's difficult to make out the buttons when the sun reflects from directly overhead.

Infiniti has done a good job with standard equipment, which includes climate control with 'Forest Air' that neutralises odours and even regulates humidity.

Light-sensing adaptive xenon headlights are also standard issue, as is a sunroof, satellite navigation with 7.0-inch infotainment touch screen, Bluetooth, heated and cooled front seats, an automatic rear sun blind, heated steering wheel, and a pumping Bose stereo with two seat-mounted tweeters on each front seat.

Interior space is slightly above average for this vehicle, which is roughly the same size as the Lexus GS, and though the boot flows deep and low, space is compromised because of the 1.4kWh lithium-ion battery located betwixt rear seat and boot.

On the topic of the battery life, Infiniti has developed a good but not spectacular system. Like a Prius or Lexus hybrid you can take off in EV mode but you'll need to accelerate very slowly. It took me roughly 12 seconds to reach 60km/h in electric mode, slow enough to raise the ire of following motorists...

It works well on quiet streets and at low traffic times, but unless you're crawling along in gridlocked traffic it's not very effective. In the hybrid's defence the engine does switch off at even the slightest hint of coasting/throttle off. It can swap into electric-only mode at speeds of more than 100km/h, as was evidenced a couple of times on the freeway on mild descents.

While the reality is that the electric motor and the battery cannot move the car's mass easily, the numerous occasions when the petrol engine shuts down contribute to lower fuel consumption, and after some familiarisation with the car (and on my second tank of fuel) I managed 9.0L/100km which is decent for a 1830kg car.

Granted, it's nowhere near the 6.9L/100km claimed by Infiniti, but when I handed the car back a quick check showed I had covered 537km with a quarter of a tank remaining. For the record, it was driven cautiously where possible but the car was often hammered from standstill.

The switch between EV and petrol/combined modes is almost seamless and if you want to be as efficient as possible, there is a function that 'teaches' the driver how to achieve the best fuel economy by applying reverse pressure to the accelerator pedal. The sensation is really weird (read: unpleasant) though given time could rehabilitate the odd lead foot...

Ride quality is very good, isolating the car's occupants from all but the lumpiest of roads. The M35h's suspension is about as absorbent as you can get without totally destroying handling dynamics. It's a smooth, unfussed vehicle when driven calmly and though it can feel a little bit floppy when shoved into a tight corner, it steers well and is surprisingly responsive considering its weight.

After the first few days driving I was left a little underwhelmed with this vehicle, but the more time I spent with the car the more I admired its abilities.

There are several detractions however, including the lack of boot space, few places to buy one and the exterior design. Frankly, the globular styling just didn't appeal to me, but others may feel different.

It'll never be a big seller but I get the feeling those who do opt for this unique vehicle will fall in love with its improbably satisfying driver experience. There's no V8 in the offing, but this car still delivers vast performance, and at the other end of the spectrum it has a mild green tinge to it. If nothing else, Infiniti M35h's eccentric design – inside and out – is at least original.

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