The Infiniti hybrid saloon will cost £46,840 when right-hand drive versions arrive in UK Infiniti Centres from April.

The single M35h GT Premium model available in the UK is Infiniti’s flagship saloon, as well as being the most powerful and most economical model in the new Infiniti M range.

Over an equivalently specified M30d, the hybrid costs just £1,200 more.

Powering the car is the 'direct hybrid' system, a new-generation drivetrain with one electric motor/two clutch layout, together with new hybrid electric power steering and regenerative braking, a hybrid dashboard display showing energy flows and a low-speed audible warning system (VSP) to help ensure the safety of pedestrians and other road users.

The M35h delivers 0-62mph acceleration in just 5.5 seconds with an official fuel consumption on the combined cycle of 40.4mpg. CO2 emissions are 162g/km.

The Infiniti M35h joins the V6 petrol M37 and V6 diesel M30d in the range.

The full M range pricing for the UK is:

M37 GT £38,540
M30d GT £40,170
M37 GT Premium £44,010
M30d GT Premium £45,640
M35h GT Premium £46,840
M37 S £40,585
M30d S £42,215
M37 S Premium £46,050
M30d S Premium £47,680

Equipment includes heated and ventilated front seats, white ash wood trim with silver powder finish, bi-Xenon lights with adaptive front lighting system, power seats and steering column with heated steering wheel, a 30GB HDD navigation system with high-res touch screen, 3D graphics and Michelin Guide information, Forest AirTM climate control and a 16-speaker Bose Premium surround sound system.

The car is available with a safety system that includes Blind Spot InterventionTM, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Prevention (LDP). Also present is Infiniti’s innovative Eco Pedal to help save fuel.

There is just one option: metallic paint at £679.

With the M35h’s CO2 emissions of 162g/km and taxable benefit at 22% of P11D value, a 40% taxpayer would face a bill of £4121 a year in 2011/12.