INFINITI M35 HYBRID

The Infiniti M is a four-door sedan that's been redesigned for the 2011 model year. Now in its third generation, the M sedan was preceded in name only, by an unrelated M30 coupe and convertible that helped launch the Infiniti brand in the early 1990s. The Infiniti M is sized and priced to compete against the BMW 5-Series, Lexus GS, Acura RL, Lincoln MKS and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.


In 2003, the M45 sedan became the first Infiniti four-door to directly challenge the mid-size luxury sedans from Germany and Japan. A replacement for the droopy-profile I30 sedan, the M45 sported a V-8 engine shared with Infiniti's former luxury flagship, the Q45 sedan. This M was based on the Japanese-market Nissan Gloria, and was sold for three model years as the company prepared a more serious, stylish entry in the class.



That next generation sedan came in two flavors: M35 and M45. Introduced in the 2006 model year, the second M sedan brought a slightly more updated look and a very well-balanced chassis that offered all-wheel drive as an option, though most sedans were sold with rear-wheel drive. Based on the same platform that spawned the Infiniti G35 model range as well as the Nissan 350Z, the 2006-2010 Infiniti M earned praise for its handling and for the added V-6 model, which also shared the 350Z/G35 V-6 powertrain. Though it was smaller than the Q45, this M would eventually become the Infiniti flagship, as the brand discontinued the big Q sedan after the 2006 model year.

For the third-generation M sedans, Infiniti chose an especially expressive theme, inside and out, in the hopes of boosting the car's profile in its crowded traditional luxury segment, which expanded to include the Jaguar XF. First, the company showed a stunning concept dubbed Essence, and pitched it as the future theme for Infiniti vehicles. Then in a virtual-reality press conference, the automaker revealed the outline of the new vehicle in a holographic projection at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The production vehicle made its debut at the 2009 Los Angeles auto show, and subsequently went on sale in the spring of 2010.


The 2011 Infiniti M has risen to the top of our ratings at TheCarConnection thanks to a brilliant V-8 powertrain, that Essence-inspired style, and surprising handling and rear-seat room. The striking sheetmetal is paired with a subtle interior with an option for silver-buffed wood trim, and the fit and finish are among the best in its class. The 400-horsepower V-8 engine teams with a seven-speed automatic and paddle shifters for 0-60 mph acceleration in the 5-second range; the M37's V-6 powertrain is nearly as quick, but noise and vibration are much less impressive. With the best steering and ride quality among its peers, the M sedan also sports a spacious back seat.


Though the new M hasn't been crash-tested, it does offer a range of cutting-edge safety gear, including subtle assistance from the anti-lock brakes to help steer the M back into the proper lane if it should cross into another lane.


Infiniti promises to introduce two new models at the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours, and executives suggest the new vehicles could be derivatives of the new M. Some sources report an M Coupe is in the works; an M35 Hybrid with lithium-ion batteries has been confirmed and is due in showrooms in early 2011.