SAL9000

Test drive, that is .

Today I took my 2011 G37x sedan in for an oil change, tire rotation and to fix yet another door lock actuator. While there I talked my way into a test drive - today was the first day the Q50 was available for sale and test drive. I ended up with a fully loaded ($57k!) Q50S AWD Hybrid. Thing is this was another sales guy's car so the sales weasel I was dealing had to ride along (none of the cars on the lot were ready to drive - in fact an army of Infiniti techs were there getting the cars prepped). Thus, I couldn't really flog it, but did get a fairly good initial impression:

The good:
1.) Even with the 19" wheels and sport suspension the Q50SH had vastly less road noise and far better ride vs. my non-sport 18" wheel'd G.
2.) The engine is far smoother and quieter (the hybrid uses the 3.5VQ) vs. my G; virtually silent until ~5,500 rpm and then it's only a muted but refined/pleasant growl.
3.) Interior is a bit nicer - softer leather, better plastics (the glove box in my G is now a distinctly different black than the rest of the dash :/), and nicer gauges.

The so-so:
1.) This car had the adjustable electronic steering - can be super tight or super loose. Interesting but not sure I see any real performance/feel advantage.
2.) Feels much more isolated and sanitary WRT the G sedan. Gone is the engine growl and view of the curvaceous fenders from the cockpit.
3.) Tons more tech - multiple parking cameras, lane departure warning, adaptive/reactive cruise control, lane correction, automatic emergency braking, etc.

The bad:
1.) Touch screen interface for radio/HVAC/settings is stupid. At least there are a few physical buttons for basic functions (fan speed).
2.) Each of the three interior interfaces (dash, nav, radio/HVAC/settings) had a different look (brightness, resolution, and shininess) giving an inconsistent visual aesthetic.
3.) Goofy joystick controller for the nav system.

The undecided/unknown:
1.) Overall road presence. The sales weasel kept messing with the different driving modes, which adjust shifting, throttle response, steering feel, etc.
2.) Overall road feel. Hybrids suck with their penchant for regenerating (i.e., not coasting) and start/stopping at random.
3.) AT response in non-hybrid Q50s. This is a HUGE issue in the G community. Thing is the Q50 hybrid does not use a torque converter. However it works, the AT was much more responsive.

The verdict:
1.) Looks much better in the flesh inside and out than pictures suggest.
2.) Brings much needed (and huge amounts of) refinement to the G but it changes the nature of the car into more of a Lexus GS competitor (softer, refined, toned down).
3.) The multi-screen interior is way overload.

Would I spend ~$50k on a Q50S AWD? At this moment, probably. Though the Q50 has some major detriments (tech overload, no advancement of power train) nothing else in the class is more attractive.

G3710

Title is misleading thought you bought one

It has been for sale since the 5th here in Sacramento, test drove that model in July, I had very similar impressions, would I spend 50k on the Q, No. A slightly used 535i loaded with M package for that $ amount would be my sedan of choice.

In the brand new 50-55k it is top of its class for sure.

MalbecG37S

I agree - I kept reading waiting for the price you paid, etc...

Sounds like you scored a test drive...

Anyway....thanks for the review - all good info.

blnewt

iTrader: (13)

Thanks for the well rounded review, At $57k I'll take a brand new base C7 and have 5k left for a couple years of tires for that beast

Samer Serhan

iTrader: (1)

explains why i saw two pulling out from the infiniti dealership in london, on today
they looked pretty clean! I thought I saw DRLs on them..?

Damn Dirty Ape

iTrader: (16)

I'd be interested in one, but here's what I'll wait for (and I bet it won't be too long): a direct-injection motor and new transmission to add to the new body and tech.

Give them a year or so at least to get some initial complaints and comments addressed about this first release. I could afford to do it right now, but not interested with the same engine and trans that my '13 xs coupe has.

DONTTASEMEBRO

damn 57k? whoo that jumps into s4 territory there, and loaded 335i with the usual tech is about 57k

User 111021

iTrader: (2)

I also thought you had bought one, but I want to see invoice on this car. I am sure a Non-Hybrid fully loaded will be less than $45-50k invoice, thats more of a comparable price.

Above $50k+ theres way too many better choices out there

SAL9000

Note that this was a hybrid, which carries a ~$3k premium. Half the Q50s on the lot were hybrids but sakes alive how is it that manufacturers haven't figured out yet that if it's not a Toyota hybrid it'll flop.

Announced just a few days ago the G37 will live on through MY2015. I think Infiniti has figured out the Q50 is gonna flop, or at least not sell nearly as well as the G.

blnewt

iTrader: (13)

I think Infiniti realizes to get new people into the brand they have to have a more entry level offering since high 40s to mid $50k for the Q keeps a lot of people out the door. Lexus has their IS250, Acura the ILX, etc., the G is a much better vehicle than those so when cross shopping in that price range the G will be a pretty easy sell IMO.

It is interesting that Infiniti brings their whole lineup over to the Q nomenclature but still has the "anti-Q" G37 in the line. A bit surprised they didn't go for 100% conformity and at least call it the Q40

TheLocNar

iTrader: (5)

It'd cost too much to make new badges for all the Gs still left over.

User 111021

iTrader: (2)

They did! The 2014 is all Q50 and Q60

Are you guys saying they are still making the G37 sedan as a 2014? I thought the Q is replacing it...


Video of 2014 Q60 IPL (G37 IPL just rebadged till new generation actually comes out)

sniper27

iTrader: (2)

G37 will be produced and sold alongside the Q50 through MY2015.

User 111021

iTrader: (2)

I guess your right as website still has it on there. So I am guessing the Q50
Price will drop after G37 sedans are no longer offered I take its place by next year?

sniper27

iTrader: (2)

Not sure about Q50 pricing after the G is gone. But for the next 2 yrs, the G base price will be reduced by about $5k. Starting price point for a G37 rwd Journey should be around $32k. only options available will be Premium and Nav. no sport. no tech. AWD will be available also.