Infiniti has fired the first shot in its ambitious plans for Europe with the Geneva Motor Show unveiling of its new Q50 sedan with both diesel and petrol-hybrid powerplants. Infiniti’s first four-cylinder sedan goes on-sale in Europe in coming months and takes-on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
In fact the Infiniti Q50’s 2.2-litre turbo-diesel comes from Daimler – the first Infiniti product to show from the collaboration between the two brands.
As one expects from Infiniti, technology takes centre stage with Nissan’s luxury brand claiming some ‘first’ for the all-new Q50 including ‘Direct Adaptive Steering’ and ‘Active Lane Control’ – the latter using the steering to adjust course rather than the brakes.
And good to see NASA isn’t resting on its laurels following the end of the Space Shuttle program – the Infiniti Q50 runs new design seats with spinal support based on zero gravity research by the American space agency.
Styling continues Infiniti’s exclusive trend with a nice mix of curves providing a unique look in the premium sedan segment. The creative base came from previous concept vehicles – Essence, Ethera and Emerg-e. Low and wide, Infiniti is claiming best-in-class for the Q50’s 2850mm wheelbase.
At the front is a new-look Infiniti grille and interesting ‘hooded’ headlights.
And inside the technology is again on display with first-in-class dual touch-screens highlighting the high level of connectivity and interactiveness of the Q50.
Underneath is a unique suspension set-up for the Q50 – a double-wishbone front and multi-link rear with dual flow path shock absorbers. Infiniti Red Bull F1 world champion Sebastien Vettel was involved in Q50 development, undertaking tests in Japan and at the Nurburgring in Germany.
Power comes from that Daimler-sourced 2.2-litre turbo-diesel (as used in C-Class and E-Class Mercedes-Benz) with 125kW/400Nm. Infiniti fits its own ECU, intercooler, mounts and air inlets.
They hybrid-powered Infiniti Q50 3.5 employs the 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with the familiar Infiniti Direct Response hybrid system as fitted to the M35h. Combined maximum power is 268kW.
