Last updated August 4, 2026
The INFINITI M lineup falls into two eras. The 2009–2010 M35 and M35x are the well-equipped V6 foundation, while the M45 and M45x are their stronger, more effortless V8 counterparts. For 2011–2013, the M37 and M37x carry the main V6 luxury-sport role, and the M56 and M56x sit at the power-and-equipment end of the range. The M35h is the efficiency branch, pairing quick hybrid performance with rear-wheel drive. Across the gas models, an “x” suffix marks the all-wheel-drive version for added rain and snow traction; the version without x uses rear-wheel drive.
The Core Model trim level, covering M35 and M35x, is the earlier V6 expression of the M’s luxury-sport formula, with the x model focused on poor-weather traction.
Best for: Shoppers considering an earlier M who want strong V6 performance and either sportier rear-wheel drive or added AWD confidence.
Highlights
The Performance trim level, covering M37 and M37x, is the main V6 balance of strong acceleration, upscale comfort, and a driver-focused feel.
Best for: Drivers who want the M’s central mix of responsive performance, everyday luxury, and a choice between rear-wheel drive and AWD.
Highlights
It succeeds the Core Model grouping with a newer V6 formula, selectable driving modes, driver-seat memory, and a rearview camera.
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The High Performance trim level, covering M45 and M45x, is the earlier V8 branch, known for more effortless acceleration without changing the M’s luxury-sport character.
Best for: Drivers shopping the earlier M body style who prefer the smoother, stronger response of a V8.
Highlights
Compared with the V6-focused Performance level, this branch centers on V8 power and adds ventilated front-seat comfort. The M45 and M45x belong to the earlier M era rather than being later-model upgrades.
0 in stockThe Hybrid trim level is the M35h, the efficiency-focused branch that preserves quick acceleration and a rear-drive luxury-sedan feel.
Best for: Drivers who want the M’s upscale cabin and performance character with much lower fuel use than the V8 models.
Highlights
Compared with High Performance, it replaces conventional V8 power with electric-assisted performance, regenerative braking, and an energy display while placing greater emphasis on fuel economy.
0 in stock
The Top Tier trim level, covering M56 and M56x, is the power-first V8 branch with richer standard luxury and technology.
Best for: Shoppers who prioritize the lineup’s strongest acceleration and more standard cabin features, with the M56x adding all-weather traction.
Highlights
Compared with Hybrid, the M56 and M56x return to V8 power and add more standard luxury and convenience equipment, including navigation, premium audio, climate-controlled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and rear parking sensors.
0 in stock| Feature | Hybrid | Top Tier | Core Model | Performance | High Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | M35h0 in stock | M56, M56x0 in stock | M35, M35x0 in stock | M37, M37x1 in stock | M45, M45x0 in stock |
| Model badges | M35h | M56, M56x | M35, M35x | M37, M37x | M45, M45x |
| Main identity | Performance with an efficiency focus | Power-first V8 with richer equipment | Earlier V6 luxury-sport foundation | Main V6 performance-and-comfort balance | Earlier, more effortless V8 branch |
| Powertrain type | V6 hybrid with electric motor | Gas V8 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas V8 |
| Drive layout | M35h: rear-wheel drive | M56: rear-wheel drive; M56x: AWD | M35: rear-wheel drive; M35x: AWD with Snow Mode | M37: rear-wheel drive; M37x: AWD | M45: rear-wheel drive; M45x: AWD with Snow Mode |
| Front-seat comfort | Heated, with driver memory | Climate-controlled; heated steering wheel | Heated and ventilated | Heated, with driver memory | Heated and ventilated |
| Signature equipment | Hybrid energy display; rearview camera | Navigation; Bose audio; rear parking sensors | Moonroof; adaptive xenon headlights | Moonroof; rearview camera | Moonroof; adaptive xenon headlights |
The “x” means all-wheel drive. It describes the drivetrain rather than a higher luxury grade, so an M37x largely mirrors an M37 and an M56x largely mirrors an M56 while adding traction for slippery roads.
The M37 is rear-wheel drive, while the M37x adds all-wheel drive. Both 2011–2013 trims use the same 330-hp 3.7-liter V6, 7-speed automatic, heated leather seating, moonroof, and rearview camera.
The M56 is rear-wheel drive, while the M56x adds all-wheel drive. In the 2011–2013 lineup, both use the same 420-hp 5.6-liter V8 and share the richer standard comfort and technology equipment.
In the 2011–2013 generation, the M56 adds a 420-hp V8 in place of the M37’s 330-hp V6. It also brings navigation, Bose audio, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and rear parking sensors as standard equipment.
For 2009–2010 models, the M35 uses rear-wheel drive and a 7-speed automatic, while the M35x has all-wheel drive, Snow Mode, and a 5-speed automatic. Both use the same 303-hp 3.5-liter V6.
For 2009–2010 models, the M45 is rear-wheel drive and the M45x adds all-wheel drive with Snow Mode. Both have a 325-hp 4.5-liter V8, a 5-speed automatic, and similar luxury equipment.
In the 2009–2010 lineup, the M35 is the 303-hp V6 model and the M45 is the 325-hp V8 model. Both are rear-wheel drive and well equipped, but the M45 delivers stronger, more effortless acceleration.
In 2012–2013 models, the M35h pairs a V6 with an electric motor for 360 horsepower and lower fuel use, while the M37 uses a 330-hp gasoline V6. Both are rear-wheel drive with 7-speed automatics, but the hybrid has less trunk space.
Pick the M35h if lower fuel use matters more; its 360-hp hybrid system still provides strong acceleration. Pick the M56 if you want the 420-hp V8, stronger outright performance, and more standard luxury and technology equipment.
No. The M35 is the V6 model from the 2009–2010 body style, while the M37 replaced it with the 2011 redesign. The newer M37 has a 330-hp 3.7-liter V6 instead of the M35’s 303-hp 3.5-liter V6.
No. The M45 is the V8 model from the 2009–2010 body style. The redesigned 2011–2013 range replaced it with the M56, which moved from a 325-hp 4.5-liter V8 to a 420-hp 5.6-liter V8.
An “x” trim makes the most sense for regular snow because it has all-wheel drive. Look for an M35x or M37x for V6 power, or an M45x or M56x for V8 power, matching the names to the model’s era.
The rear-wheel-drive V6 is the straightforward all-around pick: M35 in the 2009–2010 body style or M37 in the 2011–2013 generation. Both provide strong power and upscale equipment without the V8’s power-first emphasis.
No. The 2012–2013 M35h uses a conventional 7-speed automatic with a manual shift mode. That helps it retain a familiar sport-sedan driving feel rather than using the continuously variable transmission common in many hybrids.