[SimpsonTide985]

Can't believe this hasn't been brought up.

New York 2013: 2014 Infiniti Q50 Starts at $37,355

Written by: Ben Timmins[G+] on March 27 2013 9:30 AM


It could be a scene from “The Price is Right:” take a look at the 2014 Infiniti Q50, and guess how much it costs without going over the actual price. If you said anything $40,000, you’d lose this round–the new car will cost $37,355 when it goes on sale this summer.

Credit Infinti with some creative pricing strategies to go along with its new naming strategy. the car-formerly-known-as-the-G will cost $37,355 as part of an “introductory pre-order” deal in hopes of driving customer interest. Infiniti will also give Q50 buyers a complimentary iPad mini if they place their orders during the initial pre-order period, a sign that the “premium brands giving gifts to new owners” trend set by brands like Lincoln and cars like Hyundai’s Equus is here to stay. What might not be here to stay is the price–Infiniti hasn’t said if this MSRP will stay this low past the introductory period.

That $37,355 (some $905 less than the base 2013 Infinti G) will score you a new sedan with Infiniti’s tried-and-true 3.7-liter V-6–which makes 328 horsepower–and a seven-speed automatic transmission. For the first time, the G37 sedan won’t feature a six-speed manual transmission. From there buyers can step up to the Q50 Premium ($40,205) or the Q50 Sport ($45,655). There’s also a hybrid model that uses a 3.5-liter V-6 and a seven-speed automatic gearbox–the base Hybrid Premium starts at $44,605, while the top-spec Q50 Hybrid Sport will cost you $47,005. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine will be added to the mix in 2015; in the meantime, all-wheel drive is an $1800 option available on all trim levels and with either powertrain.

While we’re not sure how the Q50′s standard features will stack up against the competition, the Q50′s base price is a world beater, coming in thousands less than other mid-size premium/sport sedans with at least 300 horsepower and an automatic transmission. Lexus’ 2013 IS350 is the closest competitor, ringing in at $41,215, but prices go all the way up to $49,895 for Audi’s S4. Infiniti does say that its “popularly equipped” model is the Q50 Premium, which means that you’ll probably need to shell out $40,205 for a sedan that truly compares on standard/available features. Even if that’s true, the Q50 still takes the crown for the least expensive competitor, by about $1000.

The Q50 will reach dealers this summer.

Source: Infiniti

 

[SimpsonTide985]

Engines​

3.7-liter aluminum-alloy DOHC 24-valve V6, rated at 328 horsepower (est.) and 269 lb-ft of torque (est.), featuring Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) and Variable Valve Event & Lift (VVEL®)

Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid™ with Intelligent Dual Clutch Control, combining 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy V6 and compact laminated lithium-ion battery design with an innovative one-motor/two-clutch motor control; V6 rated at 296 horsepower (est.) and 255 lb-ft of torque (est.), advanced 50 kW electric motor rated at 67 horsepower (est.) and 199 lb-ft of torque (est.), Hybrid system net power: 354 horsepower (est.)

Transmission​

7-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with Downshift Rev Matching, manual shift mode and Adaptive Shift Control, available steering column-mounted magnesium paddle shifters

Drive Configuration​

Front engine, rear-wheel drive or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive

Wheels/Tires​

17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with machine-finished surface / 225/55R17 all-season run-flat tires. Available 19-inch aluminum-alloy sport wheels / 245/40R19 all-season or summer run-flat tires

Suspension​

4-wheel independent multi-link suspension (front single pivot double-wishbone design/revised rear design) with extensive use of lightweight aluminum components and front and rear stabilizer bars

Braking​

4-wheel power-assisted vented disc brakes, 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution, Brake Assist. Available Sport Brakes with upgraded rotors, 4-piston front calipers and 2-piston rear calipers

Steering​

Vehicle-speed-sensitive power steering

Available Direct Adaptive Steering™ technology for enhanced steering feel and personalized dynamic customization

Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
Length: 188.3 inches
Width: 71.8 inches
Height: 56.8 inches
Coefficient of drag: 0.26
Seating Capacity: 5-passenger

Exterior Features​

Sensuous dynamic styling with unexpected spaciousness; purpose-built for performance with low, wide proportions and tight, athletic stance; Infiniti signature "double arch" front grille, dynamic arch silhouette and Crescent-cut C-pillar; distinctive LED head lamps and lighting (headlights, fog lights and marker lights), LED rear combination lights; available sport front fascia; eight available premium exterior colors; advanced aerodynamic design with 0.26 coefficient of drag and zero front and rear lift

Interior Features​

Driver-oriented center stack/console with asymmetric design; natural contour ergonomic-design front seats for enhanced comfort; available leather-appointed seating; available heated front seats and heated steering wheel; Fine Vision electroluminescent instrumentation; "Kacchu" aluminum interior trim; available "Fukiurushi" maple wood trim; Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control, available Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with Plasmacluster® air purifier; customizable digital environment for storing and providing various driver settings and driving characteristics to i-Key; Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System; RearView Monitor

Technology Features​

Infiniti InTouch™ next-generation Human Machine Interface with dual touch-screen displays and smartphone connectivity; next-generation Studio on Wheels by Bose® audio system with instrument panel speaker array and up to 14 total speakers, Advanced Staging Technology®; Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection; HEV sound management technologies, including available Active Noise Control

Infiniti Connection™ featuring Automatic Collision Notification, Drive Zone monitoring, Google Calendar™, and Destination Assistance via Infiniti Personal Assistant (complimentary for the first 12 months of ownership)

Available Safety Shield technologies with Intelligent Cruise Control with Full Speed Range, predictive Forward Collision Warning, Forward Emergency Braking, Distance Control Assist, Blind Spot Intervention®, Back-up Collision Intervention, Lane Departure Prevention, Active Lane Control™ (world’s first production Direct Adaptive Steering technology), High Beam Assist

Available dynamic performance enhancement systems, including Active Trace Control by advanced Vehicle Dynamic Control

 

[Tonyride]

Something to consider. Why didn't see this at the auto show?

 

[SimpsonTide985]

Something to consider. Why didn't see this at the auto show?

Which auto show did you go to?

I saw it in Detroit at NAIAS.

 

[BenzinoXL]

THe Q50 is nice definitely one of the better ones from the imports. Is the Q50 competing in the same segment as the CLA?

 

[Giovanni S.]

Is this the new replacement for the Infiniti G37? Looks good. Not bad for the price sounds better at $37K but after said and done would be over $40K with options I want. I stick to the CLA.

 

[Tonyride]

Which auto show did you go to?

I saw it in Detroit at NAIAS.

I was at the NYIAS. It could have been there. I wasn't looking for is so I probably just walked right passed it.

 

[WildBenza]

The new infiniti Q50 is ugly honestly and especially in that brown too.

 

[brianch]

You just had to do it didn't you

Depending on how you like your Q50 flavored it could compete with the CLA 45 AMG

 

[Giovanni S.]

I'd have to say that for the price I would want a CLA 45 AMG. Have you guys seen the track test video it sounds awesome for a god dang four cylinder.

 

[WildBenza]

You just had to do it didn't you

Depending on how you like your Q50 flavored it could compete with the CLA 45 AMG

Lol of course!

Imagine the CLA in that color. Wait... i think the CLA would actually look good in that brown/bronze metallic.

 

[SimpsonTide985]

Test drove the Q50

The Q50 I tested:
-Infiniti Q50 Hybrid Premium RWD (31 MPG on sticker)
-Venetian Ruby Red
-Wheat interior w/ Kaachu Aluminum
-Navigation Package

MSRP $46,255

Summary


Looks: 8/10 (Like I've already mentioned, the exterior of the Infiniti is a nice balance of poised elegance. It's not overly aggressive and stylish nor is it understated or too austere. It won't turn every head but it's likely to grab most people's attention. In this case, the non-Sport Hybrid loses a couple points and panache due to the smaller 17" wheels and a lack of presence that I think the Sport model provides to the exterior. The interior on the other hand, while not having the Sport seats or wood trim, is still highly detailed and premium focused without being gaudy. It's no doubt where a lot of the money went to in the design and refinement of the car. The interior is where the Q50H shined this time.)

Performance: 7.5/10 (I wasn't overly impressed by the power of the car that is, UNTIL I got back into my G37 and immediately noticed how quick the Q50 Hybrid actually was. It's definitely a rocket. I will say this--I really dig the Drive mode selector too--I spent some time usually between Personal, Normal, and Sport modes and I definitely felt the differences in the steering effort and the responsiveness of the engine/transmission, which I thought were great. However, I did feel that the steering and control of the car in general felt...odd. Not great, not bad, but...odd, just a little different. It's hard to describe but I'll spend more time on the steering and handling of the car tomorrow when I get more space to roam. When it came to getting up to speed, braking, and shifting, it did very well. Unfortunately the whole package didn't quite blow me away to be honest which was a little disappointing.)

Personal Practicality and Appeal: 8.25/10 (It's one of the largest compact sedans in its segment so you won't ever feel like you're claustrophobic nor will you feel like you're driving a bus either. For me, coming from a comparably sized G37 with 21mpg moving to a Q50 with 31mpg with similar dimension, it greatly reduces the amount of acclimation or learning curve I'd ever have in moving to the Q50 Hybrid. The only downside I feel is that getting a Q50 now versus in a year or two is still a bit of a worry given the problems that are steadily arising at the point. However, until that time, it's going to be a while before you see a Q50 on every corner. The only other reason why I can't give it higher marks is because I've yet to see a Q50 that can match the exclusivity, uniqueness, and the appeal that I still receive from my Limited Edition sedan. Get on those red seats, Infiniti!)

Options/Tech: 8.5/10 (Infiniti actually gets a great bucket of win here. I spent a good amount of time messing around with both the navigation menu but as well as the instrument cluster menus, the apps, the settings, and all of the physical buttons. The touch screen response was good and any lag time was undetectable or was just as quick or quicker than what I see in my G37 screen. I paired up my Windows phone quickly and easily and the BTA playback was flawless. I was even able to set and find a navigation destination with good ease. While we were driving around I even got a quick text while I was on the road and was able to test the voice-recognition response as well. Everything worked great. I love the redundant nav screen in the instrument cluster and the little animated car/gas tank indicator thingy. I like the sharpness of the nav screen and both screens in general, but I did notice that fuzziness in the rear view camera people were telling me about. Again, the biggest and only disappointment for me was the Bose audio and for me, that's important. It barely sounded much better than what's in my G37 and it's nowhere near the quality of the ML system in the Lexus or the B&O system in the A4/A5. Infiniti needs some kind of upgraded audio system if they want to stay competitive with audiophiles like me. Other than that, I did find that where the Q50 shined the most in the category was in the ease of control)



Infiniti Q50 Hybrid Premium with Navigation Package
Overall: 8/10


Bottom Line: Overall, what ultimately became the highlight of this car was the straight line acceleration, the interior fit and finish, the technology, and the practicality of its dimensions and fuel economy. On the whole, I think the car still has a way to go in the handling and body control department. I definitely felt that change in feel that the DAS provides and I don't know how I feel about it right now but I'll try to get the car out in the open a bit more to test the different Drive Mode and steering options.

 

[bnastali]

Sweet, high-content vehicle! But...It lacks that Mercedes touch. The headlights look drowsy, the side character lines lack CLA depth, interior is pretty, big seats seem frumpy in their width. Of course, it lacks the three-pointed star!

 

[SimpsonTide985]

Sweet, high-content vehicle! But...It lacks that Mercedes touch. The headlights look drowsy, the side character lines lack CLA depth, interior is pretty, big seats seem frumpy in their width. Of course, it lacks the three-pointed star!

There's no doubt that even though the CLA is the cheaper and less powerful car, the CLA has the much higher appeal and brand value (most people still don't know how to spell Infiniti but everyone knows how to spell Mercedes Benz). I will also say that from the side, the Infiniti Q50 is definitely a much less head turning car, but at the same time, the Q50 squashes the CLA as far as interior fit and finish go..

But, again, this is more of a MASHUP style review thread. To me, the two cars are in two separate classes and it's not adding much to compare the two directly, at least for the Hybrid especially.