Review of M Hybrid

[eheath]

I found a fairly in-depth review of the M Hybrid in (of all things) The Diesel Driver:

Infiniti M Hybrid (M35h) Review and Road Test
http://www.thedieseldriver.com/2011/12/ ... -road-test

Hybrids are boring, lackluster automobiles that simply cannot deliver great performance and fuel economy – at least that’s the typical perception your average new car buyer might have. Enter Infiniti with the M Hybrid, a car that sets out to challenge these outdated notions and deliver performance befitting a sporty luxury sedan.

Start with curvaceous Infiniti M and add what the automaker calls the Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid system, a one-motor, two-clutch parallel hybrid system, and you have a luxury car that delivers 360 hp and 32 miles per gallon (7.35 l/100 km) on the highway and 27 mpg (8.71 l/100 km) in city driving.<SNIP>

[antzrus]

Nice find. Nice machine for a hybrid.

[eheath]

Indeed. I'm still thinking of getting one.

[Modeler]

I would advise against it. I've had my M35h for 3 months now, and I regret getting it. This being a 3-year lease, I'm stuck with it. The car is just not as refined as one would expect for an "over $50K" category. The worst part is the transmission that is way too rough and, sometimes, is just downright dangerous. I've experienced severe hesitation when trying to accelerate on the ramp or after turning into a street. This has occurred several times, but, of course, the dealer just tells me that they can't replicate the problem.

[M35 Sport]

If you are really that unhappy with your car ou could try

sites like swapalease.com

[m4m]

I would advise against it. I've had my M35h for 3 months now, and I regret getting it. This being a 3-year lease, I'm stuck with it. The car is just not as refined as one would expect for an "over $50K" category. The worst part is the transmission that is way too rough and, sometimes, is just downright dangerous. I've experienced severe hesitation when trying to accelerate on the ramp or after turning into a street. This has occurred several times, but, of course, the dealer just tells me that they can't replicate the problem.

There are actually two Software updates for the ECM (Engine CONTROL SYSTEM) ITB11004 and the TCM (Transmission CONTROL SYSTEM) ITB11008.
So I would go back to the dealer and make sure you mention both when you bring your car.

[eheath]

I would advise against it. I've had my M35h for 3 months now, and I regret getting it. This being a 3-year lease, I'm stuck with it. The car is just not as refined as one would expect for an "over $50K" category. The worst part is the transmission that is way too rough and, sometimes, is just downright dangerous. I've experienced severe hesitation when trying to accelerate on the ramp or after turning into a street. This has occurred several times, but, of course, the dealer just tells me that they can't replicate the problem.

Did you escalate this?

[Modeler]

Not yet. I'm going to take the car to another dealer first to see if they can diagnose / fix the problem (which has been getting worse since it got cold). Then I'll call Infiniti customer service to escalate the issue. The problem has been that I've been out of town on business like 60-70% in the last month, so don't have time to deal with this issue properly.

[sgmidf]

Did you ever get this resolved? I'm seriously considering buying a new M35h and based on your comments, and consumer reports', I'm having second thoughts. Does anyone else have any experience with these. I seems like a nice choice otherwise.

[Baxter13]

I've had mine since August and am very happy with it. Averaging 27.4 MPG since purchased, with a best of 30.1 and a worst of 25.3, and it's just as quick as my previous MB C55 AMG. I haven't had any of the hesitation problems the previous poster noted in his example. Very quiet and smooth ride, but with a nice engine sound and blistering acceleration when you stand on it. It's so smooth it really doesn't feel as fast as it is, but it builds speed very rapidly either from a dead stop or when passing. The traction control keeps the rear end nicely planted even in the wettest conditions, but can be turned off when desired (or turned down actually, it can't be completely switched off, which is probably a good thing with this much power & torque for most drivers ).

The tech, luxury, and safety features are pretty outstanding, and I can't imagine how the hybrid power-train could be more effectively implemented. It's quite a kick to see the revs fall to zero when cruising at 70 mph or in stop-and-go traffic, and then start back up completely imperceptibly a short time later. If you aren't watching the tach, you can never tell when the gas engine starts and stops, except sometimes when you're at a complete stop. The quality of materials is every bit as nice and even more plush than in the MB E-class or BMW 5-series competitors that I compared it to before buying. The wood trim, aluminum door handles, and soft leather are extremely nice.

This is the first Japanese car I've bought in a long time, and I was surprised to find that I preferred it over a MB E550 or E350 Bluetec. Now it's not as nice or as fast a sports-luxury sedan as a MB E63 AMG, but that's a whole lot more money and a lot worse MPG. My single biggest complaint would be the slightly smallish trunk due to the battery pack behind the rear seats, but I knew that going in...

[Blastphemy]

I've had mine since August and am very happy with it. Averaging 27.4 MPG since purchased, with a best of 30.1 and a worst of 25.3, and it's just as quick as my previous MB C55 AMG. I haven't had any of the hesitation problems the previous poster noted in his example. Very quiet and smooth ride, but with a nice engine sound and blistering acceleration when you stand on it. It's so smooth it really doesn't feel as fast as it is, but it builds speed very rapidly either from a dead stop or when passing ... It's quite a kick to see the revs fall to zero when cruising at 70 mph or in stop-and-go traffic, and then start back up completely imperceptibly a short time later.

Did you have the opportunity to compare your M35h to an M56? I'm considering the M35h when the 2013 version is available, but I've read that while it accelerates as fast as the M56 from 0-60, the passing speed on highways leaves something to be desired. I don't have to press very hard on my M56 gas pedal in Sport mode at 70mph to get up to 80mph nearly instantly for very assertive passing. (In California, unfortunately, that's sometimes necessary since so many drivers seem to be insulted when you pass them and sometimes try to get in your way during the maneuver. They don't have a chance to react when I'm in my M56.)

[Baxter13]

Did you have the opportunity to compare your M35h to an M56? I'm considering the M35h when the 2013 version is available, but I've read that while it accelerates as fast as the M56 from 0-60, the passing speed on highways leaves something to be desired. I don't have to press very hard on my M56 gas pedal in Sport mode at 70mph to get up to 80mph nearly instantly for very assertive passing. (In California, unfortunately, that's sometimes necessary since so many drivers seem to be insulted when you pass them and sometimes try to get in your way during the maneuver. They don't have a chance to react when I'm in my M56.)

No, I didn't try the M56, I suspect it should be a tick faster than the M35h. But the M35h is very responsive in passing situations, particularly in Sport mode. I need to accelerate like that on the Atlanta freeways as well, and the hybrid responds very briskly. Inside Line did a comparison of the two, but unfortunately didn't provide 50-75 acceleration numbers: http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/2 ... -m35h.html.

I'd be interested in what you think if you compare the two.

[Modeler]

Did you ever get this resolved? I'm seriously considering buying a new M35h and based on your comments, and consumer reports', I'm having second thoughts. Does anyone else have any experience with these. I seems like a nice choice otherwise.

Sorry for not responding to your private message -- I just can't find the damn Reply button! Anyway, no I have not had it resolved. Been too busy to take to dealer. But my first oil change is due now, so I'll try again. I did get used to it a bit more; still hate how jerky the transmission is, but at least it doesn't come as a surprise anymore.

[evanmagic]

I've had mine since August and am very happy with it. Averaging 27.4 MPG since purchased, with a best of 30.1 and a worst of 25.3...

Hi Baxter, please let me know, how is your mpg doing these days on the hybrid? I just purchased one and after the first tank, with the car in Eco mode the entire week, I got 22.1 mpg... Love the car, but getting a little worried... Thoughts?