Infiniti M35h Hybrid

In October 2009, Nissan announced that its Infiniti luxury division would offer a gasoline-electric hybrid version of its M35 V6 powered luxury performance sedan in two years. The automaker made good on its promise when the 2012 Infiniti M35h arrived at dealerships in the fall of 2011. The M hybrid represents Nissan’s first in-house hybrid, and provides one more example of the curious relationship between luxury and hybrid vehicles.

For a number of years, Nissan’s leadership repeatedly made the argument that hybrids are not the answer to the environmental challenges facing the automobile industry – and that only pure all-electric cars represent the necessary shift to oil- and emissions-free motoring. The company’s small all-electric Nissan Leaf arrived in late 2010.

However, the use of gas plus electric power is apparently Nissan’s solution for luxury buyers unwilling to sacrifice horsepower and high-end features, but no longer wanting to guzzle gas. As Infiniti’s press release states, “The M35h has been designed and engineered to add to, not take away from, the driving experience, a key part of any Infiniti’s appeal.” Does this sound like Infiniti is hinting that most hybrids take away from the driving experience?

In any event, this upscale hybrid won’t make such sacrifices, the company says. Available in one trim level with four option packages, the 2012 Infiniti M35h has a base starting at $53,700. Considering its performance capabilities, it has an astonishing EPA fuel economy rating of 27/32 mpg city/highway, with a combined rating of 29 mpg. That’s a huge leap beyond the new M37’s (the 2011 replacement for the M35) numbers of 18 city/26 highway.

The Mechanicals

The all-new proprietary hybrid system, which the automaker calls the “Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid,” is an innovative, yet elegantly simple full-parallel design. The full-hybrid architecture allows the M35h to operate on the electric motor only, the gasoline engine only, or a combination of the two depending on driving conditions and driver demands. It also saves gas by automatically shutting off the gas engine when the car is stopped. Infiniti says that in mixed driving the M is able to drive in electric only mode for as much as 50 percent of the time.

The powertrain embodies a 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle V6 engine that works with a single electric motor and two clutches, similar to Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche hybrids. A 1.4-kwh lithium-ion battery pack is positioned under the trunk’s floorboard.

As well as its fast charge/discharge response, the battery pack is laminated to enhance cooling performance, and as a result, provides exceptional battery reliability.

Power output for the V6 is 302 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The 346-volt motor is rated at 67 horsepower (50 kw) at 2,000 rpm and 199 pound-feet of torque. Combined output of the V6 and electric motor is 360 horsepower. Whether powered by the engine, electric motor or both, the energy is directed to the rear wheels and controlled by a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The first of the two clutches is a dry clutch positioned between the engine and the AC motor, which is in-line with the front of the transmission. This eliminates the need for a torque converter and allows the full decoupling of the V6 when running in electric modes – in order to eliminate mechanical drag from the engine and boost the efficiency of the electric motor. The second clutch is a wet clutch at the rear of the transmission that allows the engine to turn the motor/generator to charge the batteries with the vehicle stationary. It also smoothes the drive train during shifts and when the V6 is turned on and off.

30-plus MPG and Brutal Acceleration

The company says the electric motor can drive the wheels up to 60 miles per hour, and engages during as much as 50 percent of driving time. The gasoline engine will turn off completely while coasting at speeds up to 80 mph. That’s quite an accomplishment for a car that can accelerate from 0 to 62 miles-per-hour in 5.5 seconds, give or take a tick.

And speaking of acceleration, last August the M35h established a record for the world’s fastest-accelerating production full hybrid. With a representative from the Guinness Book of World Records present, from a standing position the hybrid sedan accelerated through a quarter mile in 13.9031 seconds. (The new record doesn’t best a standing Guinness mark but rather establishes the original bar in the hybrid acceleration category.)

About the available 360 horses, Popular Mechanics said, “It’s not quite as fast as the mighty V8-packing M56, but with the gas pedal pinned to the floor and both the engine and motor humming in coordination, the car is quicker than you’d expect.”

But there’s more than just substantial acceleration. Adding to the performance and handling characteristics expected from Infiniti are two new innovative technologies. The first is a world first electro-hydraulic power steering system. It provides the advantages of both types of steering – the familiar and smooth feel of hydraulic power steering and the improved fuel efficiency of an electric system. Regarding handling dynamics, Motor Trend commented, “The hybrid doesn’t lack for sportiness – hit a corner aggressively and it feels much like a sport package-equipped M37, plowing mildly but remaining tractable and collected.”

The second is Electric Driven Intelligent Brake system, another world first. When brakes are applied, the necessary braking force is maintained while the hydraulic pressure of the friction brake is controlled to help maximize the energy regeneration of the hybrid motor. About its ability to stop, Car and Driver stated, “The brakes still feel linear and direct despite the system’s by-wire complexity and added effect of the regenerative braking.”

As for the M’s ability to drive in electric mode for 50 percent of the time, this is what Car and Driver had to say: “Although the M35h seemed to spend much more time burning gas than electrons, we were flabbergasted by the stats that the computer gave us on the completion of our short drive. In 33.7 miles of mostly city stop-and-go driving, the M ran in electric mode for 14.2 of them. That is indeed pretty close to 50 percent.”

Essence Concept Inspired Styling

Redesigned for the 2011 model year and inspired by the curvaceous Esssence concept car, the M35h shares the seductive looks of the M flagship sedan. The proportions are classic sports sedan, with Infiniti’s trademark short front overhang and long hood leading back to a coupe-like rear end. Viewed from any angle, the styling is decidedly striking, and deeply sculpted fenders punctuate its powerful stance. The design is notably aerodynamically efficient, both in terms of its low 0.27 coefficient of drag and zero lift at high speeds, thanks in part to the distinctive “ducktail” design of the rear deck lid.

Wood and leather define the enticing cabin with an ambience that is fashionable luxury yet ultra contemporary. The instrument panel features hybrid-specific instrument meters, meter display and “IT screen” displays, which provide battery and other essential system information. Electroluminescent gauges, gear-like rings on the instrument cluster meters and Infiniti’s familiar analog clock complete the elegant dash design.

Driver and passengers, both front and rear, are treated to seats that provide typical upscale sedan comfort and support. The car’s mid-size classification belies the generous head and legroom for all occupants. Like most hybrids, the battery is positioned in the trunk, reducing cargo room to 11.3 cubic feet versus the gas-only M’s 14.9 cubic feet.

In addition to the standard leather interior and power-everything convenience features, the M35h keeps pace electronically with Bluetooth and USB connections, a six-speaker audio system with XM Radio, steering wheel audio controls, dual-zone climate control and push-button start. If you want navigation, that’s part of the $3,450 Premium Package that features an eight-inch color touch-screen display, XM traffic and weather, Zagat restaurant guide, and a 9.3GB Music Box hard drive.

The M hybrid has all of the standard safety biggies plus a comprehensive list of high-tech safety options, including blind spot and lane departure warning systems, lane departure intervention, blind spot intervention, adaptive cruise control and adaptive headlights. In other words, the M35h is as safe as it gets.

Wanting It All

 The luxury segment is beginning to fill up with powerful six-cylinder hybrid sedans, such as the upcoming BMW Active Hybrid 5 (March, 2012) Lexus GS 450h, Porsche Panamera S Hybrid and the Mercedes S400 Hybrid. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler, explained, “I am convinced that many customers continue to want a comfortable and spacious car. [But] they would not like to be called callous by their neighbor because the fuel consumption is astronomic.”

The Infiniti M35 Hybrid further establishes this newly emerging category of slightly greener luxury. In other words, green is a competitive advantage for discerning luxury buyers willing to pay the premium – and Nissan doesn’t want to be left behind – or unprepared for the future.

 

Another variable strongly pushing environmentally sensitive cars of all types is European and U.S. legislation mandating more and more stringent emissions. Low-Emissions Zones and Zero-Emissions Zones have begun to crop up, particularly in Europe, are expected to increase in number, and the pressure is increasing to develop compatible vehicles

So for reasons above and more, expect an increasing number of luxury vehicles to come with a hybrid option – even from Ferrari, Rolls Royce and Aston Martin, which have all announced hybrids in the works.

The one exception in the hybrid luxury field is the 35-mpg Lexus HS 250h, which shows some restraint by using a four-cylinder engine. Admittedly, the HS 250h is at the lower end of the luxury price range. Yet, many well-heeled shoppers want the whole pie: an entire luxury package including space, reliability, luxury branding, and plenty of horsepower. It can also come with a cherry on top: better mileage courtesy of an electric motor and lithium ion battery pack.