Volume 11 Issue 1 » 55
2014 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid
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Create a vehicle that’s as good or better than a specific
segment’s benchmark, and then offer it for a more enticing
price. That’s what Infiniti has been doing since inception,
especially with respect to its G series sport sedan, which
debuted in 1990.
The model year is now 2014 and that business model
continues. The essence of the G series remains; however, it’s
now under a new name and very attractive new wrapper.
Q50 is the name given to the completely redesigned 2014
sedan.
The particular Q50 I tested was a hybrid, which uses
a powerful gasoline-hybrid setup, a performance-first
alternative powertrain that is a solid step up from the 328
horsepower, base 3.7-litre V6 and its 269 lb-ft of torque. The
3.5-litre Direct Response Hybrid V6, 50-kW electric motor
and lithium-ion battery combination makes a total of 360
horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and the electric motor’s
peak torque of 214 lb-ft is available as soon as your right foot
hits the throttle.
If you want to know my innermost thoughts at the time
of driving, my digital notebook states, “This thing freaking
flies!” And to think that I was driving a car capable of a
claimed 7.5 L/100km city and 6.3 highway fuel-economy
rating. The Q50 Hybrid comes with a high-tech gearbox
with Infiniti’s Drive Mode selector, including Eco, Standard,
Sport, Snow, and even a Personal mode that can be
customized to meet individual preferences.
The interior is impressively roomy and beautifully detailed in
a similar fashion to each and every other Infiniti. The centre
stack is a technical treat for the eyes, with Infiniti InTouch
dual displays incorporating a plethora of features. Overall
it’s a clean and uncluttered look that should be immediately
pleasing to those who buy into Infiniti’s luxury class.
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