Used 2012 INFINITI M

As Infiniti’s flagship sedan, the 2012 Infiniti M delivers A-list levels of luxury, style and performance. On the value front, the Infiniti M offers a host of upscale features as standard issue along with more standard horsepower than its BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Lexus GS and Audi A6 competitors. The 2012 Infiniti M lineup features an enticing array of models and drivetrains to choose from, including the value-packed M37, the 420-horsepower M56, a fuel-efficient hybrid version, and an available performance-oriented all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

The 2012 M is truly a blast on the road. With three eager powertrains, a comfortable interior and an impressive list of new and innovative technology to make your drive even better, there’s blessedly little to complain about. Technologies like 4Wheel Active Steer and downshift rev-matching enhance the car’s fun-to-drive quotient, while lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring subtly help keep you safe. And the interior’s a pretty nice place to spend some time – the seats are supportive, the dash intuitive and the M’s iPod connectivity and searchability are among the best out there. The M Hybrid, which Infiniti claims is the world’s fastest full-hybrid, delivers on its promise of combining the fuel efficiency of a hybrid with the engaging driving dynamics of a performance sedan.

Outfitted in rich, warm leather and high-quality soft-touch materials, the 2012 Infiniti M delivers an inviting in-cabin experience. The M’s spacious greenhouse comfortably accommodates its occupants with 10-way power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather-trimmed seating surfaces and generous rear-seat legroom. The available Deluxe Touring Package takes the Infiniti M’s already well-executed interior to a new level with semi-aniline leather-appointed seating, a 16-speaker Bose audio system, a suede-like headliner and striking White Ash silver-powdered wood trim sprinkled with flecks of real silver. The only sour note is the all-in-one control knob’s inconvenient placement – a critical ergonomic flaw considering the module’s extensive responsibilities over the audio, climate, vehicle information and convenience features.

Combining a muscular stance and a sleek profile, the 2012 Infiniti M is among the most stylish cars in its class. The Infiniti M’s modern look is complemented by xenon headlights for both the low and high beams along with LED taillights. All Infiniti M models ride on standard 18-inch split 5-spoke wheels, while rear-wheel-drive (RWD) M37 and M56 models offer fender-filling 20-inch wheels. The Sport Package option adds a touch of aggression to the M’s exterior with a smoked grille and headlight housings, unique front end, larger brakes and 20-inch performance summer tires.

Active Noise Control
Every Infiniti M features Active Noise Control to keep aural unpleasantries caused by the engine or the open-air concert taking place in the adjacent vehicle out of the cabin. The system uses a ceiling-mounted microphone to detect and reduce low-frequency sounds for a more tranquil driving experience.

4Wheel Active Steer
For increased agility and control at any speed, the 2012 Infiniti M employs an optional 4Wheel Active Steer feature that seamlessly adjusts the steering angle of all four wheels and the steering ratio according to the vehicle’s speed.

The 2012 Infiniti M37 and M Hybrid come standard with Infiniti’s Drive Mode Selector (Standard, Eco, Sport and Snow modes), leather seating, heated and 10-way power front seats, a 6-speaker audio system with USB connectivity for MP3/WMA players, Bluetooth, active noise control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a 7-inch color display for audio/climate/vehicle settings, and keyless entry and start with driver memory settings. Moving up to the M56 adds a 5.6-liter V8, cooled front seats, a Bose 10-speaker sound system, a navigation system with SiriusXM NavTraffic and NavWeather, a 9.3GB hard drive for music storage and Bluetooth streaming audio. Safety equipment on every Infiniti M includes active head restraints, six airbags and automatic hazard lights that activate upon airbag deployment.

Regardless of powertrain, an Infiniti M can be outfitted to your liking. Available creature comforts include a Bose Studio Surround System with digital 5.1-channel decoding and 16-speakers, power rear sunshade, semi-aniline leather seating, silver-metallic wood trim, and a "Forest Air" system with breeze mode, which cleans and modulates the air flowing into the cabin. If you’d like your M37 or M56 to stand out, opt for the Sport Package, which adds 20-inch split 5-spoke wheels with summer tires, a sport-tuned suspension, 4-wheel active steering, sport brakes, magnesium paddle shifters, sport seats and unique front fascia, grille and headlight surrounds. All of the latest and greatest safety technology offered by Infiniti is encapsulated in the Technology Package, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and prevention, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive front lighting systems for increased visibility around dark corners.

The 2012 Infiniti M comes with a choice of three engines: a 330-horsepower V6 (the same engine found in the G37), a 420-horsepower V8, or a new 360-horsepower V6 hybrid. Every engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode along with a race-inspired downshift rev-matching feature for non-hybrid models. Unfortunately, with great horsepower comes great financial responsibility. And despite average EPA fuel economy ratings, our real-world driving experiences have revealed that both the M37 and M56 have an exceptional thirst for fuel. Moreover, adding all-wheel drive to the M brings with it a greater penalty in fuel economy.

3.7-liter V6
330 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
270 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26 mpg (RWD), 17/24 mpg (AWD)

5.6-liter V8
420 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
417 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/25 mpg (RWD), 16/23 mpg (AWD)

3.5-liter V6 + electric motor
Hybrid system net horsepower: 360
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/32 mpg