2012 Infiniti M Hybrid priced from $53,700

Infiniti is touting its 2012 M Hybrid as the “only vehicle in America to offer more than 350 horsepower and 30-plus miles per gallon.” If that sounds like an excellent combination, the Japanese automaker has just announced that the cost of entry is $53,700.

The 30-plus mpg figure is, of course, on the highway, with an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 32 mpg. The M Hybrid is rated at 27 mpg in the city and has a combined rating of 29 – not too shabby for a car with 360-horsepower on tap, courtesy of the 3.5-liter V6 mounted under the hood. $53,700 is a lot of scratch, but there’s not a lot of luxury sedans on the market that offer that much power while retuning that type of fuel economy.

[Source: Infiniti]

PRESS RELEASE:

2012 Infiniti M Hybrid Sedan Pricing Set at $53,700 USD

Only Vehicle in America to Offer More Than 350 Horsepower, 30+ MPG Fuel Economy

FRANKLIN, Tenn., Feb. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Infiniti today announced a $53,700 USD M.S.R.P. for the all-new 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid, which goes on sale March 16, 2011 at Infiniti retailers nationwide. The Infiniti M Hybrid is the first V6 true luxury performance “driver’s” hybrid – and the only vehicle to offer more than 350 horsepower and 32 mpg fuel economy. Estimated fuel economy is 27 mpg City, 32 mpg Highway, with Combined fuel economy rated at 29 mpg.

The 2012 Infiniti M performance luxury sedan is also offered in four non-hybrid models, which go on sale March 2, 2011. The non-hybrid Infiniti M has a starting M.S.R.P. of $47,700 USD for the Infiniti M37 RWD. The other models are the Infiniti M37 AWD ($49,850 USD), Infiniti M56 RWD ($59,100 USD) and Infiniti M56 AWD ($61,600 USD).

“We’re excited to be able to bring in the new Infiniti M Hybrid – with its exceptional blend of power, efficiency, style, luxury and technology – at an M.S.R.P. of under $54,000,” said Infiniti Vice President Ben Poore. “Competitively priced, though with little real direct competition, we expect the M Hybrid to continue the strong sales momentum the new Infiniti M Sedan has been experiencing since its launch in the 2011 model year.”

The new Infiniti M Hybrid will also be the feature vehicle for Infiniti’s corporate partnership with the NCAA, CBS Sports and Turner Sports. Infiniti will run a multi-media campaign highlighting the M Hybrid and other Infiniti performance luxury vehicles during regular-season men’s basketball games and the newly expanded, 68-team 2011 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. In addition, Infiniti will present in-game “coaches spotlights” during the tournament.

About the 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid

The Infiniti M Hybrid features the all-new Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid™ system, an advanced one-motor, two-clutch parallel hybrid design that utilizes precise, high-speed motor control technology enabled by the powerful Lithium-ion battery, allowing power to be delivered directly to the vehicle’s 7-speed automatic transmission.

The fully equipped rear-wheel drive Infiniti Hybrid is offered in just one model with a long list of standard luxury and technology features – including leather-appointed seats, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Active Noise Control, Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and power sliding glass tinted moonroof.

The Infiniti M Hybrid is also available with advanced technology features, including Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Blind Spot Intervention™ (BSI), Forest Air® system, Active Trace Control, and Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System.

Other available features include Bose® Studio Surround® premium audio system, Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems, Distance Control Assist (DCA), Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts.

The Infiniti M Hybrid’s exhilarating driving performance results from use of Infiniti’s proven 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine, which paired with the 50 kW electric motor, provides a hybrid system net power of 360 horsepower. Torque figures are equally impressive, with the V6’s 258 lb-ft of toque combining with the electric motor’s immediately available 199 lb-ft of torque to provide strong performance. The result is a vehicle that first and foremost delivers a refined driving experience, along with excellent fuel economy.

In addition, the new Infiniti M Hybrid can drive on electric power alone at speeds up to 62 mph and can travel on electric propulsion for up to 1.2 miles at a time. Tests have shown that in mixed driving, the Infiniti M Hybrid is able to drive in electric only mode for as much as 50% of the time. And, with its compact hybrid system design, the new Infiniti M Hybrid also offers a roomy interior and competitive trunk space.