2014 Infiniti Q50 Review: A Stylish Luxury Sedan

We went on our first drive of the reborn Infiniti Q50 (formerly the G Sedan). We had the opportunity to test both the Q50 Premium and Q50 Sport 3.7 liter engine, as well as the all-new 3.5 liter Direct Response Hybrid full options model. Unlike other drives, we also experienced some track time to test the new technologies deployed. Here is the lowdown:

Style

If you thought the G Sedan looked sporty, the new Q50 adds more muscle. The roofline is lower, the stance is wider, and the sides are well-defined. Unlike the recently reviewed 2015 Hyundai Genesis, this model is well-sculpted from the rear as well, not just the front! Embracing its rear-wheel performance-based identity, the style is a definite improvement over the previous generation. There are two sub-styles to choose from:

• Infiniti Q50 Premium: Base model with 17-inch alloy wheels, 0.26 drag coefficient, and somewhat higher ground clearance. Good, but not my preferred choice.
• Q50 Sport and Q50 Hybrid: Equipped with 19-inch alloys, run-flat tires, lower ground clearance, and a drag coefficient of 0.275. THAT'S more like it!

The lower ground clearance does create scratch opportunities if you venture into gravel zones, but it looks much better.

Interior Material and Finishing

No complaints in this department. All trims come with leather seats, soft-touch materials all around, and wood trim on the center console and doors. The Sports model also offers black leather interior. In addition, the center console and doors feature a unique aluminum trim called Kacchu, which is the material used by Japanese Samurai warriors. Neat. The interior leans more towards luxury than sporty looks. While not as sporty from inside as, say, the Lexus IS 350 we reviewed last year, it aligns well with its core purpose.

Interior Space and Visibility

Not bad. There is adequate legroom in front and back; however, the coupe-like design does present some drawbacks, such as limited rear visibility and headroom, especially for the middle passenger in the back. Boot space, although quoted at 500 liters, seems limited due to lower height. Not the most spacious, but sufficient for most needs.

Interior Technology and Options

The Infiniti Q50 comes with its own Drive Mode Selector, allowing the driver to adjust the steering feel while driving. While not as personalized as in our last Audi review of the RS4 Avant, it's a step above mainstream rivals like Lexus. Its multimedia package includes dual touchscreens: a 7-inch navigation screen on top and an 8-inch multimedia screen below. The Infiniti InTouch system allows for smartphone and social media connectivity, reading your newsfeed and messages aloud via the onboard voice recognition system. The navigation can be zoomed in and out using finger gestures, similar to smartphones, making it intuitive.

Power seats come with memory options, and all internal settings can be saved in an Intelligent Key. The Q50 can store preferences for two drivers using two Intelligent Keys. However, the sound system is my main gripe, offering only 6 standard speakers. An upgrade to a Bose 14 speaker option is available, but the standard offering could be better. Most luxury sedans at this level would typically provide a more premium sound system as standard. Another minor drawback is that the rear has A/C vents but no actual controls.

Interior Safety Features

Infiniti claims the Q50 is the world's first car to feature autonomous braking that activates at 60 km/h (the global standard is 40 km/h). Additionally, it is the first car to provide advanced forward collision prevention, detecting the car in front and even the vehicle ahead of it. This allows for earlier warnings and braking, enhancing safety. The Q50 is equipped with 6 airbags and adaptive cruise control. Parking aids include front and rear parking sensors, an all-around view monitor, and a rear camera. The lane control technology helps keep the car centered in the lane while cruising on highways with self-adjusting steering.

Drive Experience

Power and Acceleration

The most interesting development in this launch is the Direct Response Hybrid, Infiniti's first hybrid sedan for the Middle East. The 3.5 Hybrid combines a V6 petrol engine with an electric motor to generate 350 horsepower and 536 Nm of torque. Infiniti claims a 0-100 acceleration time of 5.1 seconds for the Hybrid top-range model. Our brief track test on a hot afternoon showed a 7.0-second acceleration. The 3.7 petrol-only Infiniti Q50 Premium and Q50 Sport generate 320 HP and 361 NM torque, with maximum torque reached at about 5,000 RPM, coupled with a clean rev sound.

Handling and Suspension

With digital 'by wire' steering technology, typically used in aviation, I was concerned that the enjoyment of road feedback and control would be compromised. However, I was pleasantly surprised to observe that road feedback actually improved with the new steering technology, eliminating negative feedback such as steering vibration. During our track experience, we were able to navigate hard corners with credible feedback and road grip. The handling is excellent, comparable to German rivals. The Q50 features Active Trace Control, making hard corners easier to negotiate. The suspension is well-balanced, neither too sporty nor too soft. While there are no independent suspension settings like those found in our aforementioned Audi RS4 Avant personalization option, a sport suspension can be installed as an optional add-on.

Driving Aids

The lane control mechanism allowed us to keep our hands off the steering wheel on highways, as the car self-adjusted to stay within the lane. The adaptive cruise control and preventive forward collision systems maintained a safe distance from vehicles in front, creating a semi-autonomous experience. This means trips between Dubai and Abu Dhabi can be quite relaxing. However, be warned that these aids are meant to assist only, not take complete control. In certain situations, such as multiple lanes on the road, the system may not function perfectly. Furthermore, the driving aids are designed for speeds above 70 km/h, so don’t expect them to work effectively on turns or in urban settings. Ironically, while the aids aim to eliminate the "Idiot Factor," some users might over-rely on them, risking accidents.

Verdict

Pricing for the Infiniti Q50 starts at 165,500 AED from Arabian Automobiles Dubai (check GCC country prices in our Infiniti Car Buyer Guide). This price includes 1 year of free insurance, a 2-year service contract, and a 5-year warranty. The package seems competitive compared to German rivals that don't offer as many options as the Q50. They should feel concerned, as the Q50 is stylish, fast, and loaded. The technological initiatives on this model, especially the Preventive Forward Collision Alert and Direct Adaptive Steering, make it worth a serious look.