2012 INFINITI M Review
Price: $16,990
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Strong performance
- engaging handling
- many high-tech features
- classy interior
- hybrid model's high fuel economy.
Cons
- Overly firm ride, especially with Sport package.
What’s new
For 2012, the Infiniti M sees the addition of a hybrid model, the M35h.
Edmunds says
The 2012 Infiniti M is the most sporting in its segment of premium sedans, but its firm ride might be a turn-off for luxury-minded buyers seeking a more gracious driving experience.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
60 listings
- $14,995
- 99,671 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 17 City / 24 Hwy MPG
- Kevin's Kars (101 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Richmond, VA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
20 Combined MPG (17 City/24 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JN1BY1AR1CM394323
Stock: 394323
Certified Pre-Owned: No - 148,300 miles
- 1 accident, 2 owners, personal use
- 17 City / 24 Hwy MPG
- Select Auto Sales (105 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Richmond, VA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
20 Combined MPG (17 City/24 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JN1BY1AR1CM393561
Stock: 393561
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Vehicle overview
The 2012 Infiniti M aspires to be both a luxury car and a sport sedan. This can be a difficult balance to strike, as shoppers in each of these segments often have opposing expectations. Sport-sedan shoppers usually prize a car that offers visceral engagement, whereas the average luxury-car shopper seeks a more gracious driving experience. In the end, the M delivers a mix that favors sport-sedan territory; it's the most performance-oriented choice in its segment, blending opulent accommodations with brawny engines and keenly attuned handling.
Available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the M comes with a choice of three powertrains. Pleasingly, there isn't a dud among the bunch. The M37 has the smallest engine of the trio, a 3.7-liter V6 good for 330 horsepower, a rating that makes it more powerful than any other V6 in its class. At the top of the range is the M56, whose 5.6-liter 420-hp V8 makes it, like the M37, one of the most muscular choices in its segment.
Sitting between these two on the power spectrum is the new M Hybrid. The Hybrid combines a 3.5-liter V6 with an electric motor for a total of 360 hp. As with most other hybrid models, the M35h is a full hybrid, which means it can move under electrical power alone (up to 62 mph, says Infiniti, though that's likely with a very light foot). Electrical power is stored in a lithium-ion battery pack, and this in turn helps the M35h achieve both V8-like acceleration and fuel economy comparable to that of a four-cylinder sedan.
In addition to prodigious power, the M also offers a wide array of cutting-edge technology. You'll find comfort features like the Forest Air purification system, designed to guide air flow within the cabin so it resembles that of a gentle breeze, and performance features like Active Trace Control, which enhances the transition from braking to acceleration through corners. Meanwhile, the usual convenience and comfort amenities live in a cabin rich with handsome design and superior materials.
The M's biggest flaw is its ride quality, which might be too firm for some luxury-minded shoppers (especially when fitted with the Sport package). Though the Infiniti M has sporting intentions, rivals like the 2012 BMW 5 Series and 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class react to the road with more refined manners. The technology-oriented 2012 Audi A6 and affordably priced 2012 Hyundai Genesis are also worth checking out. But for shoppers interested in a luxury sport sedan that puts "sport" front and center, the M presents the most involving game in town.
Performance & mpg
The Infiniti M37 is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 330 hp and 270 pound-feet of torque, while the M56 is motivated by a 5.6-liter V8 that produces 420 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque. The M35h runs on a hybrid powertrain and offers a combined 360 hp from its gas-fueled 3.5-liter V6 and electric motor. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and the M37 and M56 are available with all-wheel drive. A seven-speed automatic transmission is standard on all three models and has four different shift modes (Standard, Sport, Snow or Eco).
In Edmunds performance testing, the M37 went from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, while both the M56 and M35h made the same sprint in a very impressive 5.2 seconds. With rear-wheel drive, the M37's EPA-estimated fuel economy is 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined, with the rear-wheel-drive M56 logging 16/25/19. Estimated mileage for the M35h is an impressive 27/32/29.
Safety
The 2012 Infiniti M37 comes standard with antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and active head restraints. Included in the Technology package are a lane-departure warning and prevention system, blind-spot warning system and a forward collision warning system with intelligent brake assist. All three M models did very well in Edmunds brake testing; the M37 stopped in 115 feet, the M35h in 119 feet and the M56 in 112 feet.
In government crash testing, the M37 earned an overall rating of four stars out of a possible five, with four stars for overall frontal crash protection and five stars for overall side crash protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave both the M37 and M56 the best possible of rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset, side and roof strength tests.
Driving
The 2012 Infiniti M is a big car, but drives smaller than you might think. Its steering weights up less abruptly than that of other Infiniti and Nissan sedans, and it exhibits a downright feline willingness to change direction. All three powertrains offer the sort of abundant power and acceleration that makes them standouts in their segments.
Those wishing for an even more sharply tuned luxury sedan can select the Sport package's various performance upgrades. The combination of a sport suspension and 20-inch wheels, however, results in a firm ride that won't suit many buyers in the luxury segment.
Interior
Infiniti has given the M top-notch cabin design and high-quality materials. As with the car's exterior styling, the cabin's powerful lines call to mind the muscular curves of a bodybuilder flexing on the podium. Opting for the Deluxe Touring package adds seats upgraded with diamond-quilted leather and contrasting piping, unique "silver-powdered" wood trim, a faux-suede headliner and enhanced material on most primary touch points. In total, the M's interior challenges those of its established European rivals for refinement.
It also has the space and technology to compete with the Europeans as well. The cabin is quite roomy, offering generous space for occupants and a relatively tall greenhouse that provides good outward visibility. As for technology, it's hard to think of a rival that betters the M for all the available entertainment, comfort and safety technologies that can be had once you check all the options boxes. In particular, Infiniti's navigation and audio interfaces are some of the most user-friendly in the business. In terms of storage, the M has a 14.9-cubic-foot trunk; that drops to 11.3 cubic feet for the M35h.
2012 INFINITI M models
The 2012 Infiniti M is a midsize luxury sedan available in three trim levels: M37, M35h and M56.
Standard on the M37 are 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic bi-xenon headlights, foglights, power-folding heated mirrors, automatic wipers, a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated eight-way power front seats, power lumbar support, driver memory functions, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Also standard are a rearview camera, Bluetooth and a six-speaker stereo with a CD player, auxiliary audio/visual jack, an iPod interface and satellite radio.
The M56 adds a navigation system, real-time traffic/weather updates, voice recognition, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a Bose 10-speaker premium audio system with digital music storage.
With the M35h, you get all the standard features offered with the M37, along with a hybrid powertrain, regenerative braking and unique instrument meters and display screens. You also get Infiniti's Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP), which compensates for the silent electric motor by generating a range of distinctive sounds designed to alert other road users to the car's presence.
Both the M37 and M35h are available with a Premium package that adds heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a navigation system (with voice control, real-time traffic and real-time weather) and a 10-speaker Bose stereo with streaming Bluetooth audio and digital music storage. The Deluxe Touring package adds a power rear sunshade, an in-car air purifier, upgraded leather upholstery and interior trim, and a 16-speaker Bose surround-sound stereo.
The M37 and M56 each offer a Sport package, although the content varies between trims. The M37 package includes 20-inch wheels, summer tires, sport-tuned suspension and brakes, four-wheel active steering, sport seats and steering wheel, and unique exterior styling elements. The M56 package includes the M37 features and adds a power rear sunshade, a Bose surround-sound stereo and an in-car air purifier; these additional amenities can also be purchased for the M37 as a Sport Touring package.
Buyers who choose the M's Technology package get adaptive cruise control, a lane departure warning and prevention system, a blind-spot warning system, a forward collision warning system, adaptive headlights and the "eco pedal" that provides feedback to the driver to encourage fuel-efficient driving.

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$210/mo for M M37
M M37
vs
$184/mo
Avg. Large Car
Reliability
The 2012 INFINITI M has a 4 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty and 5 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
5 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 24V470000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- R24A5, R24
- Manufactured from:
- 2013-11-07 to 2018-01-29
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 7222
- Defect Description:
- Nissan North America, Inc. (INFINITI) is recalling certain 2011-2013 M56, 2012-2013 M35 Hybrid, 2014-2018 Q50, Q70 Hybrid, 2014-2019 Q70, and 2015-2019 Q70L two-wheel drive vehicles. The driveshaft can fatigue and break.
- Defect Consequence:
- A broken driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power, or a vehicle roll away when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied. Both scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 13, 2024. Owners may contact INFINITI's customer service at 1-800-662-6200. INFINITI's numbers for this recall are R24A5 and R24A7.
- Recall Number:
- 20V755000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 2708
- Defect Description:
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Infiniti M56, 2012-2013 M35 Hybrid, and 2014 Q70 and Q70 Hybrid vehicles. These models, equipped with 2WD and with a hybrid or VK56 powertrain, have a driveshaft that may break.
- Defect Consequence:
- A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash, or may disable the parking brake, increasing the risk of a rollaway and injury.
- Corrective Action:
- Infiniti will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 29, 2021. Owners may contact Infiniti customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
- Recall Number:
- 14V683000
- Manufactured from:
- 2011-12-12 to 2013-11-13
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 133592
- Defect Description:
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Nissan Juke, 2012-2013 Infiniti M56, QX56, and 2014-2015 Infiniti Q70 (V8 engine vehicles only), and QX80 vehicles. The fuel pressure sensors may not have been sufficiently tightened during production. As a result, the fuel pressure sensor may loosen with vehicle usage and cause a fuel leak.
- Defect Consequence:
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could cause a vehicle fire.
- Corrective Action:
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will re-torque the fuel pressure sensors free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
- Recall Number:
- 12V069000
- Manufactured from:
- 2009-10-05 to 2011-12-16
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 79275
- Defect Description:
- NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 JUKE, INFINITI QX AND INFINITI M VEHICLES. THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSORS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE CORRECT SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR MAY LOOSEN DUE TO HEAT AND VIBRATION CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK.
- Defect Consequence:
- FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE PRESSURE SENSOR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
- Corrective Action:
- NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSORS, AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON MARCH 19, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 615-725-1000.
- Recall Number:
- 11V592000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 14718
- Defect Description:
- NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 INFINITI FX, MODEL YEAR 2012 INFINITI M, MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 NISSAN FRONTIER, MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 NISSAN XTERRA, MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 NISSAN PATHFINDER, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 NISSAN NV VEHICLES. SOME OF THE BOLTS THAT CONNECT THE ENGINE OIL COOLER AND THE ENGINE OIL FILTER TO THE ENGINE IN THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO BELOW SPECIFICATION STRENGTH. AS A RESULT, THE BOLT MAY BREAK AT THE OIL FILTER ATTACHMENT POINT AND CAN CAUSE AN ENGINE OIL LEAK.
- Defect Consequence:
- IF THERE IS AN ENGINE OIL LEAK, THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE WOULD DROP AND THE ENGINE COULD SEIZE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CONNECTOR BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JANUARY 19, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Warranty
4 years / 60,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 4 years / 60,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 6 years / 70,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 7 years / unlimited miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 4 years / 60,000 miles
INFINITI M Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(87%)
4(0%)
3(13%)
2(0%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Great Car
4.63 out of 5 starsesquire1001, 01/15/2013
2012 INFINITI M M35h 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 7A)
I just traded a Lexus 460L for the M37h which is the hybrid version.
I have seen some reviews for the hybrid and some are better than others.
In general, i really like this car and I am fairly picky about cars.
I have only had it a few days, but from what I can tell, it is a big upgrade from a performance and technology standpoint from my 2007 Lexus.
Nothing wrong with the Lexus and it … was a great car, but the Infinity has a much tighter feel, better performance, better infotainment and better sound system.
Not to mention better performance if you want it or better gas mileage if you want it.
Dont follow the crowd and drop the BMW dream !
5 out of 5 starsMikeymatts16, 01/08/2016
2012 INFINITI M M37x 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 7A)
Just bought a certified 2012 Infiniti 37x AWD off lease a few months ago and honestly it is the best decision I made. After looking at lower than expected consumer ratings for BMW, Audi A6's minimum $5,000 more price tag and Lexus ES350's nice but favorite drive of gray haired folks, I gave Infiniti a try and honestly I couldn't be happier. The overall value of the car is bar none the … best out of all mid-sized luxury models. As a previous Maxima owner, I was looking for a more luxurious but sporty vehicle that doesn't look like a Nissan Altima and this car must be seen and driven in person. The performance is a mix of both BMW and Acura, while the cabin's interior cannot be compared to anything but Lexus all with all wheel drive with the bells and whistles to boot. The body will grow on you and the best part is the car is that it's uncommon and looks 100% better than the previous and more box-y M35. Once you consider the high ownership costs of a German car and reliability of Nissan/Infiniti, you will hopefully come to your senses and seriously consider the M37.
A wonderful ride and excellent buying experience
5 out of 5 starsdrinwv, 08/21/2011
2012 INFINITI M M37x 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 7A)
The cabin is absolutely luxurious, with a very sporty feel. All of the materials feel wonderful (I got the Premium and Deluxe Touring packages, which add a little to the experience). It is whisper quiet, has LOADS of power, and an amazing array of gizmos. In searching, I ended up visiting dealerships in two different states, and they were both really great. I bought it at Cochran … Infiniti in Pittsburgh, and they include a pick-up service where they'll drop off a loaner Infiniti and take your car to service (even though we live 80 miles away!).
2012 Infiniti M35h
5 out of 5 starsJames Beavan, 05/19/2016
2012 INFINITI M M35h 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 7A)
I bought this car off of a lease with 19,000 miles on it and have put about 23,000 miles on it myself. It has been problem free, just basic maintenance, no other issues. This is a good looking car stock and even better looking after I added a few tasteful mod's (legal tinted windows/20" staggered black & chrome wheels/chrome door post pillar's/chrome tinted window vent visors/chrome … mesh upper and lower front grill mesh inserts/rear factory deck lid spoiler and LED fog lights. Maybe due to the tires or that I only use 87 octane gas, but even in moderate mixed driving I don't get close to the EPA 29 MPG, more like 26-27 when calculated by hand, the trip computer over estimates my MPG by about 1.5-2 MPG on average. The only other issue I have sometimes the traction control is funny when making a turn from a stop, it will kick in and not allow you to accelerate. I love the interior layout and the car drives great and has a nice sound system and easy to use control panel. Being a hybrid the trunk isn't long, but it is deep enough to hold plenty of groceries or 2 golf bags. It's nice driving a car that has a unique look with its contoured hood and beautiful lines.
2012 M Highlights
Sedan
M37
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $47,700 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $210/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.9 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
| Warranty | 4 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the M include:
- Back-up camera
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat4 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover11.3%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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