Infiniti QX50: reviews, review, test drive, tuning

The history of the QX50 began back in 2008, when a kind of hybrid SUV and crossover EX was released. At that time, the segment of urban parkets was still being formed, so the creators did not have the opportunity to clearly adjust the belonging of the car to one category or another. The situation has changed with the release of the Infiniti QX50, which is reviewed below. The car can be considered a separate development, although the platform, in fact, remained the same.

General information about the model

The predecessor of the QX50 was also not original. Its base was based on the "cart" Front Midship, which also developed some models of Nissan. And it was not only crossovers, but also sedan Q70, which once again proves the ambiguity of the class of this car. Many experts characterize the model as an off-road coupe, in which shades of the SUV class and presentable sedan are combined. The truth is in this, but it is the off-road character that can be challenged. At the same time the car turned out to be large even against the background of its predecessor.

Restyling lengthened the car by 8 cm and lifted by 5 cm, which added the brutality of the Infiniti QX50 - the dimensions of the current generation look like this: 4,745 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width and 1,615 mm in height. Actually, the sizes and became the basic factor of promotion which, however, was supplemented also with traditional descriptions of a magnificent interior. And this despite the fact that the engine was impractically shifted inside the center, which occupied a considerable part of the space in the cabin. However, this decision had its own reasons - the designers thus balanced the distribution of the load along the axes.

One way or another, Japanese engineers in the development of this model and did not put practicality at the forefront. Rather, emphasis was placed on presentability and in some part on the sporting style. This is indicated, for example, by the availability of shock absorbers with adjustable rigidity, controlled by electronics. The designers and the ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system also provided. Although there is no question of a serious roll of internal filling in this direction of speech. As for the price, in the initial performance it is 2.1 million rubles. In mid-range configurations, the cost of the Infiniti QX50 reaches 2.4 million, and the richest version will cost 2.6 million. The offer is attractive, but competitors do not enter the market empty-handed.

Main characteristics

This model once again demonstrates that luxury manufacturers are for the most part held hostage by brand restrictions that do not allow them to expand their capabilities. The Japanese car "Infiniti" confirms this by the averaged technical characteristics and serious elaboration of designer shades. With regard to specific parameters and operational data, they are presented below:

• Drives - basic rear and optional full.
• The number of cylinders is 6.
• The configuration of the arrangement of the cylinders is V-shaped.
• Transmission - seven-speed automatic transmission with the possibility of manual switching.
• Suspension type - multi-link independent.
• Type of brake - disk ventilated.
• The size of the front brakes is 320 mm in diameter and 34 mm in thickness.
• The size of the rear brakes is 308 mm in diameter and 16 mm in thickness.
• Tires - 225 / 55R18 from the brand DUNLOP SP SPORT.
• The speed at maximum speed is 206 km / h.
• The time for overclocking is 9.5 seconds.
• Wheelbase - 288 cm.
• The diameter of the turn is 1190 cm.
• Ground clearance - 165.
• Capacity - 5 people.
• Weight - 2305 kg.
• The volume of the luggage compartment is 309 liters.

As you can see, the technical characteristics are quite acceptable, but without the raisins that could justify the price tag exceeding 2 million. In its basic qualities, the model fully corresponds to standard crossovers and city parkets from the "German three" or the same Nissan soplatformennikov.

Motor range

The power spectrum is not rich, which will also not please the discerning lover of off-road driving. By modern standards, the company offers a rather modest solution - a 2.5-liter petrol unit with a gas distribution mechanism V-6 DOHC. However, the power potential of the engine is 222 liters. from. Or 163 kW, which slightly changes the situation for the better. Especially with a good torque, reaching 4,800 rpm. For the economy is also worthwhile to put the Infiniti QX50 engine. The fuel consumption on the highway is 8.5 liters, and in the city - 14.6 liters. You can talk about the existence of crossovers and SUVs, which even in urban rhythm fit into 10 liters, but this is a completely different structural form factor.

Modern Chinese SUVs are optimally optimized for economical driving, but this is facilitated by the small-displacement engine and compact dimensions of the car, not to mention the strength of the hull. In this case, the optimization, as well as the practicality of the QX50 Infiniti 2016, faded into the background, and it remains to be wondered why the car was not even more voracious.

Exterior design

In automotive design, there is the concept of "soft" style, which eliminates the sharpness and angularity of the lines. In this case, and the rounded forms are considered old fashioned, so designers who manage to meet the requirements of modernity within the framework of this concept, not so much. And the model QX50 Infiniti 2016 in this sense can be considered a benchmark. Silhouette and smooth lines, by the way, in many ways resemble the previous model FX35. On the other hand, the radiator grille with curved shapes and anterior convexity is somewhat of a reference even to trains "Sapsan". The headlights also have a complex shape, due to which they climb a little on the surface of the hood. Optical elements in the form of fog lamps and navigation lights were chrome-plated rims, which again emphasizes the premium class of the car.

If you look at the side, you'll see massive wheels, a sloping roof and a small body. That is, functional components in comparison with the case base are of unusually large dimensions. For this reason, many compare the profile of the car with the silhouette of a predator, which strained his paws and prepared for a jump. By the way, in the finish of the side windows, chrome-plated inserts were added, supplemented with aluminum fringing.

At the rear of the car, Infiniti does not look as impressive, but remains within the given style. For example, small lanterns also protrude beyond their area, covering the surface of the wings. If to speak about negative impressions, then they mainly turn to the obvious disproportion of the upper part with the windows and the base of the case. The visual perception of this ratio also does not fit into advertising slogans, emphasizing the spaciousness of the car. Although in fact the interior is really large, if compared with competitors in the class.

Salon "Infiniti"

To begin it is necessary from a driver's place which has many specific features. Firstly, the landing is designed for imposing layout. The elongated seat, of course, can provide a strictly vertical sports landing, but this option will be the least comfortable even by the standards of sports cars. In addition, many criticize the large head restraint Infiniti QX50. The reviews emphasize that it is with a vertical planting presses on the neck, because of what it quickly becomes numb. Inconvenient chair and for tall drivers who will have to cope with the ceiling pressure - this can be avoided only under the condition of constant folds with the appropriate adjustment of the seat. But visibility in the cabin at an altitude. Fashion for circular review began to form not so long ago, and the developers of "Infiniti" embodied this concept in the best way.

Now you can go to the most attractive part of this car, which in theory should compensate for its shortcomings. It's about finishing. The interior is decorated not just luxurious materials, but variously luxurious. Here, high-quality plastic in three forms, and branded fabric upholstery on the door cards, and, of course, the leather framing the chairs, steering wheel and shift knob. Interestingly decorated and instrument panel. A scale of white and blue can be read at any illumination, and in total darkness it will not cut eyes. Considering the "Infiniti" salon, it is impossible to ignore the multimedia part. Engineers have provided audio preparation Bose, the possibilities of which are sufficient even for high-quality disclosure of classical music. The rest of the content will depend on the specific configuration and user requests.

Behavior on the road

In the management of the model no surprises will not bring that is not bad, since the technical and design parameters of luxury SUVs do not always cause high ergonomics and reliability when driving. The behavior of the engine is predictable. Together with the automation, it "eats" a significant share of the capacity potential, and at the output there is only a little traction to overtake the very very slow colleagues in the stream. As for the gearbox itself, it also does not differ either with speed or clarity. But this is expected, and does not spoil the impression of this crossover Infiniti. Test-drive cars, however, found and unpleasant moments. Dynamics at a power of 222 liters. from. Quite modest and inexpressive. Even with a discount on the class of a massive crossover, acceleration and maximum speed leave much to be desired. If we talk about off-road properties, then they are more likely to attract attention. Low ground does not facilitate the task of the driver off-road, and the full drive in such conditions is better and not at all.

Features for tuning

The tuning activities justify themselves in those parts in which the producer failed to work at the time. In this case, appearance, design, finish and electronics are initially performed at the highest level, so any attempts to rework these elements can only do harm. But the technical tuning Infiniti QX50, affecting the operation of power fillings, can improve the performance of the crossover. First of all, it is recommended to make a power plant chip that will solve three tasks: remove catalysts, change the sound of the can and stabilize the exhaust with a cold inlet. By the way, the most radical changes in this part involve the transfer of the car from gasoline to gas, but this is a very risky decision.

As a small add-on, it will not be superfluous to think about the auxiliary structural devices for the Infiniti QX50. The reviews emphasize that for universal operation outside the city it is advisable to install a towbar or even a winch. Almost all cases will be appropriate and the alarm with the autorun. In particular, Starline produces special packages for SUVs.

Positive owners feedback

In the list of advantages of the model there is controllability, good visibility, spacious interior and almost everything that relates to the quality of materials. According to experienced motorists, the new Infiniti QX50 received a solid construction, which does not spoil the impression of ergonomics while driving. With all the limitations of the power plant, the average performance of the power capacity allows you to cope with the typical tasks of an ordinary city driver.

By the way, this is the best option for family people who often go out of town. It's not even a spacious cabin, the advantages of which are noted by almost all owners of the Infiniti QX50. The reviews indicate a modern option. The manufacturer offers several high-tech packages with security systems, and the basic and cheapest equipment contains the most popular electronic assistants to help the driver.

Negative feedback

As the critical responses show, the model does not suit those who expect advanced technical and operational qualities from the car. In this part, you can note the low dynamic performance, and lack of opportunities for confident off-road traffic. We can say that the car got the look of a crossover only to give a spectacular appearance. This is evidenced by the low and therefore useless ground clearance Infiniti QX50. Reviews also emphasize the inflated price tag. With all the advantages of the interior and the quality of the finishing materials, it does not justify itself. By the way, for 2.6 million you can find more productive and functional solutions in the families of BMW, Toyota and Subaru. But it will no longer be nominal, but full-fledged and suitable for practical use in off-road conditions.

Conclusion

Compensation for the lack of natural and perceived advantages of the product by original design and aesthetically beautiful finishing materials has long been exploited by premium car manufacturers. And it can not be said that such an approach does not find a response among consumers. Moreover, the average cost of the Infiniti QX50 of 2.3 million did not deter Russian motorists. Of the 5 thousand cars produced, according to experts, about 700 copies were imported to the domestic market. Therefore, how justified such an investment, everyone decides individually. In addition, a part of the expressed shortcomings of this model can be completely eliminated or minimized by correctly selecting the bundle and the set of options.