The Infiniti M is a line of mid-size luxury cars manufactured by the Infiniti luxury division of Nissan. More than other models in its class, this four-door executive sports sedan stresses the thrill of the open road while maintaining a high level of comfort.
History of Infiniti M
Infiniti M First Generation (M30; 1989 - 1992)
The Nissan Leopard was the basis for the 2-door coupé sold in Japan as the Infiniti M30. As a connection between the Q45 and the G20 and J30 sedans, it was unveiled in 1989, accompanying the Q45 as a 1990 model-year replacement. Infiniti made slight changes when this Japanese-designed automobile arrived in the United States, and people found its interior style and ergonomics to be out-of-date. Instead of the Leopard's rounder "Kouki" panel, used from 1989 to 1992, the M30 has an angular dashboard from the R31 generation Nissan Skyline.
Infiniti M Second Generation (M45; 2002 - 2004)
Infiniti designed the M45 in 2000 at the Nissan Technical Center (NTC) in Atsugi, Japan. They built the model in Tochigi, Japan, and based it on the Nissan Gloria Y34-series. The M45's VK45DE V8 engine differed from the Japanese versions, only available with 6-cylinder engines. Even though it was not the family's top model, the 2003 Infiniti M45 looked and drove like a retro muscle car from the 1960s, yet it was packed with modern conveniences. Two years after the automobile's development, the car was more like a Nissan Gloria with various badges. However, the Gloria was like a fresh new automobile because it was unavailable in North America. Infiniti designed the model to compete with some of the industry's best German and American V8 sedans, but with a greater emphasis on the driver.
Infiniti M Third Generation (M35x and M45x; 2005 - 2010)
An entirely new M debuted in February 2005 for the 2006 model year, sold in Japan as the Nissan Fuga. To prevent wheel slide, the M35x and M45x all-wheel-drive versions employ an ATTESA-ETS system that sends all power to the rear wheels. During the 2006 model year, when they no longer exported the Q45 from Japan, the M45 became Infiniti's flagship. Technology, elegance, and performance came together in the M-mid-size Sedan's design. M-Sedan surpassed most of its competitors in this category.
Infiniti M Fourth Generation (Y51; 2010 - 2019)
In 2006 and 2008, under the direction of Shiro Nakamura, Hideo Komuro designed the Y51, which became more natural in appearance. They appealed for a new generation of Infiniti, which was lacking in several characteristics and weak compared to its German competitors. In 2008, the manufacturer heeded their concerns and provided a facelift, but it was insufficient. As a result, the new Infiniti M-Series was unveiled in 2010 at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The all-wheel drive was available on the M37 and M56, with the M37x and M56x badges. In the spring of 2010, the production version came on the market globally as a 2011 model. On March 1, 2010, it became available in the United States. The company introduced the model in Europe for the first time during the 2010 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS).
Infiniti M35h (2011 - 2019)
The Infiniti M35h launched in 2012 using a mix of gasoline and electric power to provide luxury sedan purchasers an impression of eight-cylinder power with fuel efficiency similar to a four-cylinder car. The M35h was renamed the Q70h for the 2014 model year, but the hybrid gasoline/electric engine remained the same. In 2019, Nissan discontinued the Infiniti M-series after the 2019 model year's poor sales as people in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. People in these countries now prefer to buy crossovers and SUVs rather than sedans.
Price
Infiniti sold the 1990 Infiniti M30 with an MSRP of $23,500 ($51,012 in 2022). The famous 2012 Infiniti M was available in different trims and prices:
- M37 Base - $70,000
- M56 - $70,000
- M35h (Hybrid) - $53,000
Features
The 2013 Infiniti M37's roomy, elegant, and the high-tech interior is a standout feature. Adults of average height and build will have plenty of head and legroom in the car's front and back seats. In addition to the heated and power-adjustable front seats, the vehicle's interior is rich in leather. Infiniti encased the seats in leather with a soft-touch finish and Japanese Ash wood accents. The trunk offers 14.9 cubic feet in terms of cargo capacity, which is a bit less than usual for the vehicle's category. The interior of the 2013 Infiniti M37 is similarly well-equipped, making it a comfortable place to spend time. Standard features for the base model include full power features, ventilated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. On the top of the console is an eight-inch color screen that serves as the core of the Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, which is an optional feature. In addition to the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, the company also added USB, Satellite Radio, and iPod interfaces, which are all standard on the six-speaker AM/FM/CD system. Customers can add several subscription services to the navigation system, but they are unnecessary and can be done cheaply with a mobile phone.
Interested buyers may add sports seats and a sports steering wheel to the rear-wheel-drive model, but it's only available as an option.
- 10-speaker Bose Premium audio system
- ABS and driveline Traction control
- Front air conditioning
- 1st row LCD monitor
- Front Fog/driving lights
- Heated mirrors
- Driver and passenger Lumbar support
- Parking assist
Specs
The Infiniti M (M37) engine delivers 330 hp (246 kW) at 7,000 rpm and 270 lb-ft (366 Nm) at 5,200 rpm of torque. The M37 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (97 kph) in 8.5 seconds with a top speed of 127 mph (204 kph) and a curb weight of 3,527 lbs (1,600 kg). Infiniti sold the fourth-generation M-series as rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and four-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicles. The company also offered different engines for the last generation, and they are as follows:
- 2.5L V6 VQ25HR
- 3.0L V6 V9X turbo diesel
- 3.5L V6 VQ35HR hybrid
- 3.7L V6 VQ37VHR
- 5.6L V8 VK56VD
Release Date
Infiniti started the production of the Infiniti M lineup in 1989 and discontinued it in 2019.