Infiniti has announced the pricing and grade [trim level] line-up for its new performance saloon, the Q50. Pushing the boundaries with advanced technology and class-leading standards, the new car brings a refreshing new level of premium motoring, and premium style, to Europe.
Starting with the 2.2-litre diesel SE priced at £27,950 starts the Q50 range: As an SE it comes with a high level of standard equipment including 17-inch alloy wheels and run-flat tyres. LED lighting is used in the rear light units, the front fog lights and the turn indicators integrated into the door mirrors which are also heated and colour coded. Scratch-shield paint is used to ensure unwanted minor scratches simply disappear, whilst chrome-trimmed twin exhaust pipes and halogen day time running lights enhance the car’s sporting presence.
On the inside the two front compartments are separated by a distinctive design line that runs through the centre console. The dashboard features Infiniti’s all-new InTouch™ system with its dual LCD VGA touch screens along with a fully customisable digital environment. Audio is provided by a six-speaker system featuring a single CD player, Bluetooth streaming, USB/iPod connectivity and voice-operated control. For the more musical perfectionist an advanced Bose system with DAB radio can be chosen from one of the many available options.
The ideal temperature inside is carefully maintained by a dual-zone adaptive climate control system which features auto recirculation for when the outside air may not be quite so clean and a grape polyphenol filter to purify the air that does get through. The rear seats feature a 60/40 split and a ski hatch (not on the Hybrid) to allow for any additional storage capacity requirements. A multi-function leather-bound steering wheel and stylish front aluminium door sill protectors are included.
Technology is naturally high on the agenda with standard fitment of cruise control, speed limiter, stop start, hill start assist, rear view camera, rain sensing wipers and keyless entry. Safety systems include vehicle dynamic control, including active trace and traction control, tyre pressure warning and brake assist.
Moving up a step is the Premium grade trim level which adds £2400 to the price of the Q50 2.2-litre diesel SE, for a total of £30,350. The additional cost provides leather-trimmed seats, available in three colour choices: Graphite, Stone or Wheat. Both front seats also come with heated backrests and cushions. An automatic dimming rear view mirror is also included. Premium grade comes with a choice of interior trim ranging from the technical look of Kacchu aluminium to the more luxury appeal of Maplewood.
Starting at £32,720 (plus £2370 over the Premium) the Sport grade adds a more aggressive look with a different design to the front bumper section. Further differentiating the Sport model from SE and Premium Q50s are distinctive LED headlamps, LED day time running lights and larger 19-inch triple-spoke lightweight alloy wheels, also with run-flat tyres.
Inside the technical Kacchu aluminium trim is used with the choice of either Graphite or Stone coloured leather. The front power-operated seats incorporate a more sporty design with a firmer hold and a memory function. The driver’s seat also benefits from additional and powered lumbar support. The perfect driving position is also made easier with the inclusion of power-adjusted reach and rake for the steering column.
Sports grade also receives a world’s first on a production car with the inclusion of Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS), ‘steer by wire’ technology that has only previously seen on the latest jet planes. DAS provides the driver with the ability to adjust both the steering’s response and weight to suit personal preferences and type of driving. Integral with DAS is the equally innovative Active Lane Control which reduces the amount of driver adjustments needed to stay in the chosen lane on motorways.
Finally, the performance Hybrid Q50, priced from £40,000, is fitted with a 3.5-litre V6 engine capable of delivering 0-62mph acceleration in under 5.5 seconds. Sports suspension, regenerative braking and sports brakes are all standard. To warn pedestrians when the car is moving at slow speeds whilst in full electric mode, an external noise system is fitted. The rest of the trim follows as above.
The all-new Infiniti Q50 can be personalized with a wide range of options that include sunroof, 18-inch alloy wheels and Infiniti’s navigation system. However, to simplify matters there are also five different option packs –
- Multimedia pack – £2760: Navigation system, Advanced Bose audio with 14 speakers and DAB radio with a roof mounted shark fin aerial.
- Welcome Pack (Standard on Sport) – £1200: Tyre pressure monitoring with individual display, power and heated door mirrors with folding and reversing synchronisation, intelligent key with smart access and advanced features, welcome lighting, powered adjustment for rake and reach on the steering column, powered front seat adjustment with memory and powered lumbar support for the driver.
- Visibility pack – £1040: Adaptive front lighting, smart beam to help prevent high beam blindness to oncoming traffic and around view monitor for clear and safe parking.
- Steering Pack (Standard on Sport) – £800: Direct Adaptive Steering and Active Lane control to give a more customised and precise feel to the steering whilst maintaining a more central path within a lane without the need for minor steering adjustments.
- Safety Shield Pack – £2080: Intelligent cruise control, lane departure warning and lane departure prevention, blind spot warning and blind spot intervention, forward emergency braking, predictive forward collision warning and automatics also get distance control assist and back up collision intervention.
Many of the above options can also be added as separate items if full the pack is not required.
Finishing off the look of the Q50 are eight exterior paint finishes to choose from – Obsidian Black, Moonlight White, Liquid Platinum, Graphite Shadow, Hagane Blue, Chestnut Bronze, Venetian Ruby and Malbec Black. Metallic paint option is priced at £660.
Q50S Hybrid 364PS 3.5-litre hybrid (144g/km and 45.6mpg) – From £40,000
- Sports suspension
- Sports brakes
- Regenerative brakes system
- Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians
Source; Infiniti
