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Prices confirmed for Infiniti’s no-compromise hybrid

24th February 2011 Print
Infiniti M35h GT Premium

The Infiniti hybrid saloon that sets a new benchmark in power and efficiency will cost £46,840 when right-hand drive versions arrive in UK Infiniti Centres from April.

In its technology, performance, luxury and standard equipment, the single M35h GT Premium model available in the UK is every inch Infiniti’s flagship saloon, as well as being the most powerful and most economical model in the new Infiniti M range. Over an equivalently specified M30d, the hybrid costs just £1200 more.

As the brand’s advanced technology showcase, the Infiniti M35h features a raft of cutting-edge engineering. At its heart is the Infiniti Direct Hybrid system, a new-generation drivetrain whose one electric motor/two clutch layout delivers performance and efficiency without compromises while enhancing the responsiveness essential for maximum driver appeal.

In addition the Infiniti M35h is equipped with innovative new hybrid electric power steering and regenerative braking, a hybrid dashboard display showing energy flows and a low-speed audible warning system (VSP) to help ensure the safety of pedestrians and other road users.

Unrivalled in the sector

The 364 PS (359bhp) petrol/electric four-door’s combination of power and low emissions is unmatched in the sector by any petrol, diesel or hybrid rival. The M35h delivers 0-62mph acceleration in just 5.5 seconds with an official EUDC fuel consumption on the combined cycle of 40.4mpg. CO2 emissions are 162g/km.

The Infiniti M35h joins the V6 petrol M37 and V6 diesel M30d to form a unique three-pronged attack on the European executive car segment. Prices of the entire Infiniti M range represent impressive value compared to equivalently powerful rivals when equipped to a comparable level.

The full M range pricing for the UK is as follows:

M37 GT £38,540
M30d GT £40,170
M37 GT Premium £44,010
M30d GT Premium £45,640
M35h GT Premium £46,840
M37 S £40,585
M30d S £42,215
M37 S Premium £46,050
M30d S Premium £47,680

In the equipment stakes, the M35h GT Premium lacks for nothing with some of the most advanced safety, luxury, convenience and communication/ entertainment systems available anywhere fitted as standard.

Highlights include premium heated and ventilated semi-aniline leather front seats, White Ash wood trim with silver powder finish, bi-Xenon lights with adaptive front lighting system, power seats and steering column with heated steering wheel, a 30GB HDD navigation system with high-res touch screen, 3D graphics and Michelin Guide information, Forest AirTM climate control and a 16-speaker Bose® Premium surround sound system. In the Dynamic Safety Shield, the M35h GT Premium has one of the most comprehensive anti-crash technologies available with systems that include Blind Spot InterventionTM, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Prevention (LDP). Also present is Infiniti’s innovative Eco Pedal to help save fuel.

There is just one option: metallic paint at £679.

Tax savings

The Infiniti M35h is in VED Band G for annual road tax of currently £155, much less than some equivalently powerful cars with higher CO2 emissions.

There are also savings to be made for British company car drivers. With the M35h’s CO2 emissions of 162g/km and taxable benefit at 22% of P11D value, a 40% taxpayer would face a bill of £4121 a year in 2011/12. That is less than the tax bill would be for the most powerful BMW 5-series diesel model available, and represents a near £2000 advantage for the Infiniti driver over a Jaguar XF V8 petrol of similar performance.

Exceptional efficiency

The Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid system mates a 302bhp 3.5-litre V6 with a single electric motor, at 67bhp one of the most powerful of any hybrid, in a two-clutch layout that maximises performance and efficiency and ensures silent, emissions-free running is employed at every opportunity. With advanced regenerative braking and a high output Lithium-ion battery, the electric motor alone can power the M35h at speeds as high as 62mph, extending the hybrid advantage from city streets to the open road. Tests have shown that in mixed driving, the infiniti M35h is able to drive in electric-only mode for as much as 50% of the time.

In recognition of this the M35h is the first hybrid in the world to come with a standard audible pedestrian warning system. Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP) emits a pleasing, non-intrusive sound that varies in pitch and volume at vehicle speeds up to about 20mph.

At higher speeds on open roads the M35h’s no-compromise nature means 0-62mph acceleration in just 5.5 seconds and a maximum speed of 155mph. With almost 50mpg on the official extra urban cycle, the M35h promises owners exceptional cruising economy and a touring range of up to around 750 miles.

In league with its Infiniti Inspired Performance, the M35h makes no compromises in driver satisfaction by offering responsive performance throughout the speed range, poised rear-wheel drive handling and an automated 7-speed transmission.

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Infiniti M35h GT Premium