Infiniti's M-series makes a splash in 2012 with the debut of its new M35h hybrid. As the first hybrid Infiniti, it leads the market in eco-conscious pleasure and performance. Infiniti also continues the splendor of its other M-series products. Powerful engines and sophisticated options accent the M as it oozes luxury inside and out.

Luxury at Every Price Point

The base trim level, the M37, comes with a 3.7-liter V6 engine that delivers 330 horsepower. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, but buyers can opt for the M37x, which adds an all-wheel-drive package. The M37 also features 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, automatic wipers, fog lights, LED brake lights, and illuminated front door handles. The car also boasts an airflow management system that reduces drag. Inside the M37, the car sports a pushbutton ignition with an intelligent key, two climate zones, rear air vents, and a battery saver.

M37 also comes with Japanese Ash trim, leather upholstery, a dual-occupant memory system for the driver's seat, 6-speaker audio, cruise control, HomeLink, Bluetooth integration, and more. Six upgrade packages for the M37 give buyers many opportunities to customize their car to their liking. The M37 starts at an MSRP of $47,700.

The M56 comes with a 420 horsepower, 5.6-liter, V8 engine. It comes with the same exterior features as the M37. Inside, the M56 adds on-board navigation with traffic, a 10-speaker Bose audio system with on-board digital storage, and voice recognition. Buyers can choose from four M56 upgrade packages to make it fit their preferences. The M56 has rear-wheel drive, but an all-wheel drive model, the M56x, is also available. The M56 checks out at $59,100 for its base configuration.

Hybrid Efficiency, Infinity Frills

The rear-wheel drive M35h derives its power from a 3.5-liter V6 engine and an electric motor. Combined, the two power sources deliver 360 horsepower. According to Infiniti, this car can run at speeds of 60 mph or more on its electric motor alone, although the car usually makes additional use of its gasoline engine to provide good acceleration.

The M35h hybrid includes regenerative braking, special dash instrumentation, and sound alerts for pedestrians. These features are standard, yet complement the excellent fuel economy provided by the hybrid drivetrain. Besides its unique power system, the M35h comes with the same standard features as the M37. Four option packages give buyers ways to personalize their vehicle. The M35h starts at $53,700 MSRP.

Efficiency + Style

All models of the Infiniti M come with hill-start assist and a drive mode selector. Drivers choose from four different engine and transmission settings to optimize performance for specific driving conditions. They also feature 7-speed automatic transmissions.

As you would expect, the M35h delivers the best fuel economy for the M product, with 32 mpg on the highway. The M37 gets 26 mpg on the highway, and the M56 gets 24 highway mpg.

Infinity M styling evokes luxury and brute force inside and out. It features a roomy interior with ample space for passengers of all sizes and a generous trunk that offers almost 15 cubic feet on the M37 and M56. The trunk on the M35h is reduced to 11.3 due to the on-board batteries.

The forceful lines of the M combine with impressive muscle under the hood, making it the consummate luxury-sport sedan. Drivers looking for an opulent but sporty luxury car should not miss the 2012 Infiniti M.