h for hyper
Infiniti joins the hybrid bandwagon with its M35h executive saloon. Raymond Lai checks out what is supposedly the fastest accelerating hybrid model out there.
Inside, the M35h’s interior is the most convincing of the three Infiniti models currently offered here in Singapore. Not only do the materials on the exposed surfaces are of the highest quality but the new switchgear also look and operate better than in the other models that feature older switchgear. The centre console wood trim’s silver powder finish loos fantastic and exquisite. Perceived quality and luxury levels are certainly very high overall, quite possibly one of the most convincing for a Japanese model.
The ventilated front seats are comfortable and supportive thanks to the wide variety of electrical adjustments offered. The factory fitted leather looks and feels convincing, further giving that sense of luxury and value to the M’s cause. The dashboard mounted LCD screen displays a large and easy to read power flow chart that is de rigueur in hybrid models in addition to the usual trip computer and stereo settings read outs.
At the rear, passengers will find class leading levels of legroom to stretch their legs. The boot though, is far from roomy – the hybrid system’s batteries sit behind the rear seatbacks in the boot and hence, narrow the boot floor significantly. Boot volume in the hybrid is 350 litres, a significant 150 litres or a third smaller than the one in non-hybrid models.
The M35h offers considerable amounts of standard kit as standard. These include bi-Xenon headlamps, keyless operation, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, double-glazed windows, sunroof, 10-way power adjustable and ventilated front seats, powered reach and rake adjustable steering wheel, Bose 16-speaker sound system with internal hard drive, Bluetooth audio streaming and hands free phone system, VDC Vehicle Dynamics Control, six airbags and so on.
Despite its mediocre dynamics and styling, the M35h makes for a rather convincing alternative to its hybrid powered executive saloon competitors. This could well be the brand’s most convincing offering here in Singapore thus far.
Credits: Story by Raymond Lai Photos by Yang and Raymond Lai
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