INFINITI with its model range has not been able to approach the top of the premium segment for a long time. The manufacturer had very bright and iconic models, the FX alone is worth something, but the Japanese have not been able to compete on equal terms with the German three. In recent years, the company’s model range has undergone a total renaming – as a result, the dimensional logic of the models was built correctly, however, it went against the old numbering. Many people still confuse and clarify the index of some models. On our test is a relatively new model and the current sales leader – the INFINITI QX 50 crossover. Let’s try to figure out how much the premium from INFINITI matches its competitors.
INFINITI at different times released very paradoxical models – large and stylish on the outside, but cramped inside, and also with a very decent appetite. If you recall the FX series, the owners’ delight over the appearance was always accompanied by criticism and barbs. And yet the model was very bright. The EX series that followed it, which our QX50 has now turned into, was ideologically much closer to hatchbacks than to crossovers, but was also quite popular in the global market, among female drivers. But it also received criticism. For example, for the very gluttonous V6 engine.
What did the successor become? Ideologically completely new and different. Now it is a full-fledged C-class crossover with a roomy interior and trunk! And if earlier INFINITI models were much larger inside than they looked on the outside, now everything is the opposite – you don’t even expect so much space in such a body. Stylistically, the QX50 looks very harmonious, without revolutionary ideas and solutions. The design is based on the further evolution of the older QX60 model. The main feature of the whole image, as before, is the Z-shaped rear pillar. And if you don’t pay attention to it, then some parallels can be drawn with the fresh Mazda CX-5. And this is rather a compliment – a very calm and balanced design.
But still, the main place where the feeling of premium is in full is the interior. Calm flowing lines and transitions coupled with high-quality finishing materials evoke the feeling of being on a yacht. We got a car with an impractical white interior for testing, but it is very surprising how well it combines several seemingly incompatible colors of trim – white, brown, blue, silver, black. Let’s assume that this trim option will really appeal to ladies. It will be a pleasure to be in such a salon in an evening dress. The design of the gearshift knob is very stylish – it resembles a joystick. The handle itself is fully electronic.
As we said above, the car was designed from scratch on the front-wheel drive FF platform, instead of the rear-wheel drive of the previous generation. And all this is carried by a unique, unparalleled VC-Turbo engine with a capacity of 249 hp. The engine’s innovation lies in changing the compression ratio depending on the driving mode and loads. A variator is installed as a transmission without an alternative. And it must be admitted that this whole bundle works just fine! The engine quickly picks up in any range, and the variator perfectly imitates the automatic. There is a small fly in the ointment – appetite! You expect moderate consumption from such an advanced “four”, but mainly when driving on the highway, the consumption was 11 liters per hundred. In the city, it turns out 13-14. And questions arise about the reliability of the power unit – too new technology, how will it behave over time? The engine is not the only innovation in the QX50. The steering is not directly connected to the steering rack. Electronics are responsible for all steering. And it must be admitted that the steering settings are beyond praise – the steering wheel is very sharp, precise and collected.
The suspension settings are very close to European ones – tight, clamped, but without roll. At the same time, no discomfort is felt when driving over uneven surfaces. At the same time, the declared ground clearance of the car is 220 mm. It feels slightly less, but significantly higher than the previous generation EX (QX50). In general, coupled with excellent sound insulation, driving an INFINITI gives only positive emotions.
There is nothing to criticize in this regard at all! As befits a modern premium car, the QX50 is equipped with a lot of electronic assistants: driving assistance, speed projection on the windshield, start/stop system, etc. There are no questions about all the variety of electronics – it copes with its tasks perfectly.
However, questions arise about two systems – navigation and multimedia. Two separate screens are allocated for them on the center console. The multimedia works fine, but it looks outdated and somewhat illogical, and this is against the background of simply excellent BOSE sound. But the navigation is a “thing in itself”. Ancient graphics, ignorance of streets on maps and strange logic of route guidance essentially completely exclude its use. Also useless is the washer duplicating the navigation buttons on the central tunnel. Perhaps, in the whole car, this is the most serious mistake.
