What is it?
With the brains and brawn of Nissan behind it, Infiniti has always had the potential, on paper at least, to be a class-leading manufacturer. However, despite maintaining its presence in the UK for over eight years, Infiniti has categorically failed to make an impact in the premium car sector – I mean, when was the last time you saw one in the wild? Exactly.
Ultimately, Nissan’s luxury sub-brand has long been in need of something special; a car to lure buyers away from the diverse range of accomplished, but in most cases, rather staid European competitors. Something, Infiniti hopes, its new range-topping Q50 3.0t will be able to achieve.
On first inspection, things are off to a positive start, thanks to some handsome exterior styling. Granted, the gaping grill and swooping lines won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but next to our long term BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 it’s undoubtedly a striking design. And unlike previous Q50s, it’s no longer all show and no go.
Under the bonnet sits an all-new 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine, a motor belonging to the new VR family that replaces Nissan’s highly regarded VX engine, as used by the 370Z, among others. With a new direct injection system and revised turbochargers, the high-output version (the Middle-East gets a restricted unit) certainly doesn’t want for power, delivering 395bhp at 6,400 rpm and 350lb ft of torque between 1,600-5,200rpm.
Our car's power is sent to the rear wheels (a four-wheel driver version is available) through a seven-speed automatic gearbox and Infiniti’s Direct Adaptive Steering system: its world-first ‘by-wire’ fully electronic steering setup, now in its second generation, allegedly provides smoother and more responsive directional handling.
Join the debate
Add your comment
Infiniti Q50 3,0
Re: Infiniti Q50 3.0
Most magazines rave about Audi for example, yet nearly all their cars are soulless and fairly boring to drive. Its only their interiors that set them apart!
DVB78 wrote:
You vould also add half a star to a flawed autocar reviewed car if it had an alsfa badge on it.....thats the onlt time an autocar jounalist sees character as an asset rather than a flaw.
Got to say though I admire Infiniti for trying new technology but to implement it on their manstream car whilst trying to build the brand is a deeply flawed strategy.
Have to say though surprised that the Q30 is not more popular.....says more about the british buying public and the british motoring press' influence on them that the car itself.
Oh dear
We don't all cars to be like BMW's, but serious failings in steering, etc are likely to be accepted by few. Does it mean that thier engineers said " that's it, absolutely perfect, we've nailed it"? Or do they know it's sub par, but put it out anyway?
And I must say that interior doesn't really look inviting to me. Looks are always subjective of course, but looking like a Nissan Sunny inside isn't going to help...
The only infinity worth looking at for me is the Q30, interestingly styled, nice inside, a sales disaster, and therefore quite cheap soon...
This time of year
.