Infiniti Q50 Driving Review
One of the first questions I was asked when driving the Infiniti Q50 a few weeks back was, “What is it?” I would politely answer that it was an Infiniti. I would be met with a blank stare. “A what?” “Who makes an Infiniti?” and so the questions would go on. It makes sense though, since Infiniti’s launch in SA a few years back, the sales haven’t been overwhelming. So for those who still don’t know, Infiniti is Nissan’s luxury brand. Much the same as Lexus is Toyota’s.
So now, Infiniti has introduced the Q50 to attract the younger more premium customer. Think the likes of BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4 fans. And investment of US$13-billion hopes to see world sales rise quite substantially within in the next decade.
So why consider the Q50? Well a part from good styling – another comment that was often made while I was driving it – Infiniti is throwing all it has at this vehicle. The standard spec is extensive and its pricing very competitive. It starts at R399 000 but the model I drove, the Q50 3,5 V6 Hybrid, goes for R559 000.
It does scream luxury though. The interior tech alone makes it an impressive contender. It took me a while to figure out all the gadgets and ways to work the all-new InTouch system with its dual LCD VGA touch screens.
A world first on a production car is the Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) you find on this model. What it means really is that it is ‘Steer by Wire’ technology which allows the driver to adjust both the steering’s response and weight. Basically, sensors detect input from the steering wheel and send a message to the sensors on the front axle that then instruct the actuators to turn the wheels. All a bit complicated? Yes, we agree. But it does make the steering faster and more direct.
There is a lot of tech on this car and it really is worth considering. Even if you are afraid of resale value, justifiably, however with Infiniti’s plans to expand in SA it may change things somewhat. If you need any convincing to consider this car, just take a quick glance at the standard features list:
Leather seats
Rear view camera
stop/start system
intelligent key with enhance memory functions (this is awesome)
Bluetooth connectivity
6 airbags
cruise control
rain sensing wipers
speed limiter
heated exterior mirrors
dual sone climate control
lather multi-function steering wheel
remote keyless entry
2 USB ports
18 inch alloy wheels
DAS
Active Lane control
This is to name but a few. Convinced yet? You should be!