Pricing for the 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid set at $53,700

The 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid will give you 360 horsepower plus a combined fuel economy rating of 29.5 mpg. That translates to power, luxury and performance, with a bit of green cachet, for under $54K.

The innovative Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid™ system in the 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid, features a one-motor, two-clutch parallel hybrid design utilizing precise, high-speed control technology enabled by Lithium-ion batteries and delivering power directly to the vehicle's 7-speed automatic transmission.

This is the first hybrid vehicle to be introduced in the Infiniti line.

"We're excited to be able to bring in the new Infiniti M Hybrid – with its exceptional blend of power, efficiency, style, luxury and technology – at an M.S.R.P. of under $54,000," said Infiniti Vice President Ben Poore. "Competitively priced, though with little real direct competition, we expect the M Hybrid to continue the strong sales momentum the new Infiniti M Sedan has been experiencing since its launch in the 2011 model year."

The rear-wheel drive Infiniti Hybrid comes will an impressive selection of standard features that would be pricey options on many vehicles. The hybrid is available in only one model that comes with leather seats, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, noise control, intelligent key with push button ignition, XM Satellite Radio (subscription required), Bluetooth and a power tinted moonroof at no additional charge.

Available options including blind spot warning (a safety advance so spectacular it should be required on all vehicles), blind spot intervention™, an air filtration system, a tracking function plus Infiniti’s hard drive navigation.

Other available features include Bose premium sound, active cruise control, lane departure warning and prevention systems, distance control assist, intelligent brake assist with forward collision warning and front pre-crash seat belts.

The Infiniti M Hybrid's 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine pairs with the 50 kW electric motor to provide impressive net power of 360 horsepower. The V6's 258 lb-ft of torque combine with the electric motor's instantly available 199 lb-ft are said to provide an extraordinary driving experience.

Surprisingly, the new Infiniti M Hybrid can drive on electric power alone at speeds up to 62 mph for up to 1.2 miles at a time. Mixed driving tests have shown the Infiniti M Hybrid is able to drive in electric only mode as much as 50 percent of the time. Because the hybrid system is compact, the sedan offers a roomy interior and sizeable trunk space.

To read more about the 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid check out Keith Griffin begin_of_the_skype_highlighting     end_of_the_skype_highlighting’s viewpoint on TorqueNews.com.