In the grand scheme of things, one might argue that waiting until the 2012 model year to launch a brand’s first hybrid vehicle is an indicator that the automaker is a bit behind the times. However in the case of the first ever Hybrid vehicle designed by Infiniti, the premium brand of Nissan it seems that the wait may have been well worth it. With that in mind, I was excited to check out the all new 2012 Infiniti M-Hybrid as part of the Enviro Dad Test Drive series.
Several luxury brands have been incorporating hybrid vehicles into their model line ups for some time now. Lexus leads the pack with 5 different hybrid vehicles in their line-up, but hybrids can also be found with Cadillac, Lincoln, BMW and Porsche nameplates as well. Where Infiniti has chosen to differ though is by taking the time to design a hybrid system specifically designed for their brand as opposed to simply taking hybrid technologies from their main brand and adding it to their luxury line. Where a Lexus CT200h for example may use the same hybrid technology as does a Toyota Prius, the Infiniti design has not come from Nissan vehicles but was designed specifically for Infiniti.
The end result is a hybrid system that offers luxury performance with economy fuel consumption and it’s a system that may prove to establish the Infiniti M-Hybrid as the new standard in luxury hybrid automobiles.
AT FIRST GLANCE
The Infiniti M-Hybrid is the beneficiary of not only a customized hybrid technology, but also from the complete re-design of the entire M-series. While Infiniti basically re-invented itself with the success and massive appeal of its G-series vehicles, the look and feel of the upgraded M-Series always seemed to be a step behind. Boring and blasé where words often used to describe the look and feel of the M-Series in the past, but with the complete re-design in the 2011 model year, there is plenty of wow to be found.
Simply put, the new M’s are gorgeous. A new exterior styling package, with attractive swoopy curves has taken a rather bland design and raised the bar considerably. During my week in the M-Hybrid I received several admiring looks and a few comments my way, which is something the old look M’s would never have received.
Step inside the M-hybrid and it’s clear you are sitting inside a premium luxury car. High end features and accents like Japanese Ash wood trim combined with a host of tech friendly options left me immediately with the sense that I was in a place of privilege.
BEHIND THE WHEEL
Where the Infiniti M-Hybrid sets itself apart from other hybrids more than any other area, is in engine performance. From the outset hybrid vehicles have always been about how to maximize fuel efficiency with not much focus on performance. However with the M-Hybrid, the engineers at Infiniti chose to take a different approach by delivering superior performance and handling along with sector leading green attributes.
Once you get behind the wheel, you understand that this hybrid vehicle knows how to perform. The M-Hybrid is equipped with Infiniti’s common 3.5L V6 engine that delivers 302 hp. It’s paired with an electric motor that when combined offers 360 hp and that’s something typically unheard of where hybrids are concerned.
Performance and handling can be customized thanks to a selector switch in the middle console. Drivers have the option of using the M-Hybrid in one of Normal Mode, Eco Mode or Sport Mode. In Sport Mode the suspension and handling are tightened up for a more performance inspired feel. Eco Mode offers a unique feature in that the gas pedal actually pushes back when it feels you are not driving optimally in terms of fuel efficiency. This feature can be tough to get used to and only the most ardent eco-drivers will use this as their default setting.
The unique configuration of the Infiniti Hybrid system, whereby the electric motor sits in between the engine and the battery as opposed to a parallel system that is usually used with hybrids offers some unique and impressive capabilities to the M-Hybrid. For example it’s possible to drive on battery charge alone at speeds up to 100 km/h and for a distance of almost 2 km’s.
THE GREEN FACTOR
Infiniti uses a tag line with the M-Hybrid in that it offers V8 performance but with 4 cylinder fuel economy. The 360 combined horsepower certainly verifies the V8 performance, while the posted fuel ratings of 7.5 L/100km (city) 6.1 L/100km (Hwy) & 6.9 L/100km (combined) match up with what a typical 4 cylinder car would offer as well. This isn’t the most fuel efficient car you’ll ever drive especially in the hybrid classification. But that said Infiniti accurately notes it’s the only vehicle available in Canada offering over 350 horsepower yet can boast fuel ratings of 6.9 L/100km combined.
THE FAMILY FACTOR
While the Infiniti M-Hybrid is designed as a luxury performance sedan and it isn’t specifically targeted at families, it’s a large enough vehicle to meet the needs of most families today. It seats 5 comfortably and with over 100 cubic feet of interior cabin space it compares favourably with other mid to full sized sedans.
Where the M-Hybrid falls short in terms of family suitability is in regard to its rear trunk space. The location of the lithium ion battery behind the back seats takes away capacity, and thus reduces the available room that would say be present in a non-hybrid version of the M. With 11.3 cubic feet of cargo room it would be pressed to meet the needs of a family of more than 4 on a regular basis. If there is a positive spin to this it’s the fact that by using a lithium ion battery as opposed to the nickel metal hydride batteries which is used in its most direct competitor, the Lexus GS450h both the weight of the vehicle and the cargo space reductions are minimized. Lexus will unveil a new version of the GS450h next year, so the advantage held by Infiniti in this area may not last long.
FOR THE TECHIES
True to any Infiniti vehicle the M-Hybrid is loaded with impressive high tech tools. Some of the most notable include a lane departure warning system that notifies the driver when they are departing a lane without indicating, and an intelligent cruise control system that actively monitors vehicles in front and will automatically slow down to keep a set distance apart to avoid collisions.
As someone who started his career in radio, I’ve always had a soft spot for excellent car stereo systems and special mention has to go to the Bose 5.1 Surround Sound offering found in the M-Hybrid. The system comes equipped with 16 speakers including 2 personal surround speakers that are embedded into the shoulders of each front seat. This I found to be especially cool, if I can be so blunt and over-all it created one of the most impressive OEM sound systems I’ve been able to experience.
SUMMARY
Since its massive brand overhaul almost a decade ago, Infiniti has admittedly always been one of my favourite luxury brands. The sharp designs and cutting edge technology seen in the past decade have always stood out in my mind, but the lack of a hybrid vehicle left a glaring and obvious hole in its otherwise impressive line-up. With the launch of the M-Hybrid though, Infiniti showed that good things come to those who wait.
This is a generally remarkable vehicle and it will set a new benchmark for other luxury hybrids to measure themselves up against. With this said, it’s fair to note that it certainly hasn’t achieved perfection yet. Better refinement of its eco-driving mode will go a long way to silencing those critical of the modes sluggish and restrictive feeling. In addition, the jump in price over the M-37 is significant and, despite the fact that it will pay off over time, the gap may scare some people away.
With that said, the fact remains that the 2012 Infiniti M-Hybrid combines impressive technology, gorgeous styling and a bevy of cutting edge technologies which should keep it on the leading edge of this category for some time to come.
BY THE NUMBERS (Out of 10)
LOOK/DESIGN – 9.5
DRIVE – 8.5
THE GREEN FACTOR – 8.0
THE FAMILY FACTOR – 7.5
TECHIE STUFF – 9.0
VALUE – 7.0
(MSRP as Tested $67,300)
OVERALL SCORE – 8.5
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