Infiniti Reveals Spec For M35h Hybrid
First hybrid from Infiniti manages to combine impressive performance and economy
This is the new Infiniti M35h, the first-ever hybrid from Infiniti and the range-topper for its new M-series saloon.
Okay, so Infiniti perhaps isn't the most exciting or glamorous of luxury car brands, and hybrids do (often quite rightly) tend to get rather a rocky reception here at PH, but this is Infiniti's most powerful saloon, so we feel it does just about merit mention on PH.
Conventional power comes from a 302bhp 3.5-litre V6, with up to 67bhp of electric assistance, which makes for a combined peak power output of 359bhp.
That's enough to get the slippery (Cd of 0.26) and comparatively featherweight (at 1830kg the M35h actually weighs less than its M30d diesel sibling) car to 62mph from rest in a respectable 5.5secs and on to a limited 155mph top speed.
Considering that's combined with CO2 emissions of just 162g/km and an official combined fuel consumption figure of 40.4mpg, that's not half bad - you'd need a BMW 535d to better the fuel consumption, and even then the Infiniti would be marginally quicker.
That sort of economy cuts the first-year road tax down to a distinctly reasonable £155, and makes company car tax significantly less of a sting, too.
The M35h can also hit speeds of up to 50mph on electric power alone, which is an amusing party trick.
If you simply must have that BMW, then the Infiniti badge is not going to tempt you, but we have to admit that the numbers look like they might stack up. Especially if you don't want to drive something German and diesel-powered.
The M35h will be rolled out across Europe in the spring, with pricing announced at the Geneva motor show in March.
Making a max peak power of 359bhp?
So, the electric motor doesn't make it's maximum power at max IC engine power. What would be the reason for that? Is the electric motor just for trundling about town? Still doesn't make sense to me.
A 535d might, therefore, feel rather faster (indeed be rather faster) in 'real-world' terms...
A 535d might, therefore, feel rather faster (indeed be rather faster) in 'real-world' terms...
40mpg isn't a bad figure although not as good as the diesels and a modern 3.5L petrol could get over 40mpg on cruise which would make it viable as an alternative if you don't like the diesel delivery.
It could be a lot smoother ride than a comparable diesel too, instant torque from the electric motor without any lag at all anywhere in the rev range giving it almost as much torque as the 535d mentioned and more power.
I'll be interested to see how it bears out in reality.
So when the engine is at full tilt, the electric motor is purposely slowed down?
A 535d might, therefore, feel rather faster (indeed be rather faster) in 'real-world' terms...
Good plan.
Whats the price difference between them?
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