INFINITI M: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide

Last updated August 4, 2026

INFINITI M

The INFINITI M is a large luxury sedan known for strong engines, a responsive feel, a roomy upscale cabin, and plenty of technology. Most versions use V6 or V8 gas power, while later years also include a quick, more efficient hybrid.

Through the M35/M45 and later M37/M56 years, the M mixed luxury-car comfort with a more driver-focused character. Strong engines, a roomy cabin, and useful technology remained central to its identity. After the 2013 model year, the same model line continued under the Q70 name.

Strengths

  • Strong V6 and V8 engines give the M a confident, responsive character.
  • The roomy, upscale cabin makes it practical for daily driving as well as longer trips.
  • The M offers a more driver-focused feel than a traditional comfort-first luxury sedan.
  • The hybrid combines genuinely quick acceleration with a 32-mpg highway rating for 2013.
  • Its broad range of technology features supports everyday convenience without changing the car’s practical focus.

Who it's for

The M suits a used-car shopper who wants a spacious, well-equipped luxury sedan that feels more engaging than a comfort-first cruiser. It also fits buyers who value distinct powertrain personalities, from balanced V6 performance to V8 muscle or hybrid efficiency.

INFINITI M lineup

The M35 and later M37 are the balanced V6 models, making them the sensible picks for everyday performance and luxury. The M45 and later M56 are the V8 versions for shoppers who care most about stronger acceleration. The M35h, introduced for 2012, pairs hybrid efficiency with genuinely quick performance. By 2013, the M37x and M56x added all-wheel drive to their corresponding gas models, making them the versions to seek for extra traction.

Which INFINITI M trim should I buy?

INFINITI M generations

From 2009 to 2013, the M spans two generations. The current 4th Generation — Y51 arrived for 2011, following the 2nd Generation (2006–2010).

4th Generation — Y51 (2011–2013)

A full redesign brought new body and cabin styling, stronger V6 and V8 engines, and a 7-speed automatic throughout the lineup. Model names changed to M37 and M56, and the M35h hybrid followed for 2012.

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4th Generation — Y51 (2011–2013) INFINITI M
2013

Auto-dimming outside mirrors and an automatic trunk-closing feature became standard. This was the final M-badged year before the sedan was renamed Q70 for 2014.

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2012Trim changes

The M35h hybrid joined the lineup as the first gasoline-electric M sedan.

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2011New generation

Fully redesigned with new styling and interior, stronger engines, M37 and M56 model names, and a 7-speed automatic throughout the lineup.

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2nd Generation (2006–2010)

This generation closed with the M35 V6 and M45 V8 models. Its final years retained the body and cabin freshened for 2008, while 2009 brought a stronger V6 and a new transmission for the rear-wheel-drive M35.

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2nd Generation (2006–2010) INFINITI M
2010

Essentially unchanged for its final year before the 2011 redesign.

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2009

V6 models gained a stronger 303-horsepower engine, and the rear-wheel-drive M35 received a 7-speed automatic. The body and cabin carried over.

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What's new by year

See what changed in a specific model year of the INFINITI M.

2013 INFINITI M2012 INFINITI M2011 INFINITI M2010 INFINITI M2009 INFINITI M

Frequently asked questions

What kind of car is the INFINITI M?

The INFINITI M is a four-door luxury sedan with seating for five. It combines a roomy, upscale cabin with strong engines and a more driver-focused feel than a comfort-first luxury cruiser.

What is the INFINITI M known for?

The INFINITI M is known for strong acceleration, rear-drive-based handling, generous cabin technology, and everyday comfort. Its range covers balanced V6 models, stronger V8 versions, and a quick hybrid.

Who is the INFINITI M a good fit for?

The INFINITI M suits someone who wants a spacious luxury sedan that still feels engaging to drive. V6 versions balance performance and comfort, V8 models emphasize power, and the hybrid reduces fuel use without feeling slow.

Does the INFINITI M come as a hybrid?

Yes. The M35h joined the range for 2012 and continued through the final M-badged year in 2013. It uses a 3.5-liter V6 and electric motor for 360 horsepower, paired with rear-wheel drive and a 7-speed automatic.

Does the INFINITI M have all-wheel drive?

Yes. All-wheel drive is identified by an “x” at the end of the trim name: M35x, M37x, M45x, or M56x, depending on the era. The M35h hybrid is rear-wheel drive.

Is the INFINITI M the same car as the Q70?

Yes, in this context. After the final M-badged model year in 2013, INFINITI renamed the sedan Q70 for 2014. The name changed without introducing an all-new generation at that point.

Are all used INFINITI M sedans from the same generation?

No. The 2009–2010 M35 and M45 belong to the earlier body style. A full redesign arrived for 2011 with a new body and cabin, stronger M37 and M56 engines, and a 7-speed automatic across the lineup.

Does the M35h hybrid have less trunk space?

Yes. In the final M lineup, the M35h has 11.3 cubic feet of trunk space, compared with 14.9 cubic feet in the gasoline models. That tradeoff matters if cargo room is a priority.

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