If there’s one segment bristling with action to not just thrill its takers but also build the all-important exquisite prima-facie experience to maximise customer life-time value in the luxury car facet, it’s the entry-level sedan segment. While sedans are facing the flak in favour of SUVs, that hasn’t kept the manufacturers bridled from launching sedans that look delectable with an elegant stance, are loaded with technology and are extremely meaty for the driver to shed a wide grin on his visage while he lay firmly tucked against the sporty seats.
One such sedan is UAE’s famous, Infiniti Q50. It’s the brand’s response to anyone who demanded a luxobarge and takes on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Jaguar XE, Volvo S60 and the Lexus IS. It gets a makeover for 2023 model year and features some essential and substantial upgrades to keep the fire burning.
Coming to the region in four well-loaded grades of LUXE, SENSORY, RED SPORT and SPORT, each grade bears certain visual nuances with each other. However, some common highlights that prevail across the range are a low-slung stance, crescent-shaped headlights, strong shoulder line and beefy overhangs. Certain bits such as side mirrors with integrated turn signals and the brand’s family grille are instant hallmarks depicting that this is unmistakably, a Q50. The car’s roof also features a sunroof which makes the cabin roomier than it is and makes the rear occupants feel entertained. The car is available in a variety of eight colour options, namely: Pure White, Majestic White, Graphite Shadow, Slate Gray, Dynamic Sunstone Red, Grand Blue, Midnight Black and Black Obsidian.
It’s a toothsome experience on the inside too with dashboard, door pads and seats wrapped in leather which radiate an upmarket feel. The leather hue options are available for seats which range from Graphite and Stone Gray to semi-aniline leather-appointed seats which come swathed in Gallery White or Graphite, both with red upholstery covering for the RED SPORT variant. The interior also features the brand’s discreet zero-gravity spinal seats that snugly hold the driver and co-driver for superior posture support so that even long journeys won’t make them feel fatigue. The car also promises to offer generous interior volume for families to stretch out their feet and travel comfily.
The cabin is replete with features such as dual HD screens that make the car look contemporary, smartphone compatibility and Infiniti InTouch™ services. If there’s one feature which stands out, it’s the memory system with the brand’s revered and well-engineered Intelligent Key which personalises mirror, seat and steering configurations for the driver. Not just that, even the audio and temperature settings are customised to individual’s taste. To blend acoustics perfectly, it gets a 16-speaker Bose® Performance series audio system with Bose® Centerpoint simulated surround that delivers a poised, fluent and immersive hearing experience throughout the cabin. Android Auto which works by plugging in the wire between one’s smartphone and the car’s USB ports (one Type-A, one Type-C) is available in addition to wireless Apple CarPlay® that is a standard feature on the car.
An advanced suite of features comprising adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, predictive forward collision warning is available. These features enhance the security quotient of the saloon.
Variant to variant differences in terms of features of the car are as follows:
Luxe: Wireless Apple CarPlay® compatibility, leather-appointed seats, 18-inch aluminium-alloy wheels and more.
Sensory: Integrated navigation, ambient lighting, Adaptive front lighting system and Bose® Performance Series Audio system.
Sport: Dark chrome and black accents including the front grille, door mirror caps, trunk finisher, 19-inch aluminium-alloy wheels.
Red Sport 400: Black and dark exterior accents, 19” rims, aluminium pedals, semi-aniline leather bits and adaptive suspension.
The car is anticipated to offer breath-taking performance drawing power from a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that offers up to 300-hp in Luxe, Sensory and Sport trims while it gets bumped to an astounding 400-hp in the RED SPORT guise. The car is also offered with two suspension options: Standard suspension which features electronic power steering with Sport mode, double wishbone front and independent multi-link rear suspension or a Dynamic Digital Suspension which electronically adjusts the dampers to deliver an experience that the driver would regard as ideal. The experience can be augmented further with Infiniti Drive Mode Selector for perfectly tailored mannerisms.
While the competition may have moved on, the Infiniti Q50’s attempt of bettering itself in every regard and leaving no stone unturned is laudable.
