2015 Infiniti Q40 Quick Spin Review

The Q40 is Infiniti’s entry in the compact executive car market. Previously known as the G37, 2015 marks the end of the line for the Q40, and its replacement (the Infiniti Q50) is already on sale. While the Q40 isn’t as refined or economical as more modern sedans, it remains one of the sportiest cars in the segment. The only available engine makes good power, but like other models, the ‘VQ’ V6 can often seem sedate in nature. Available all-wheel drive adds traction, but also nearly 200 lbs to the curb weight and correspondingly adverse effects on fuel economy.

Styling

Despite dating back to 2007 (with a slight refresh for 2010), the Q40 is still a good looking car. Interior headroom is adequate in all positions while rear legroom is average for the segment. Despite the Infiniti’s stubby rear end, cargo capacity is also average, at 13.5 cubic feet.

The Q40’s interior is quite straightforward, lacking much of the technowizardry found in many cars today, and instead making do with actual easy-to-use buttons. Its simple instrument cluster, low seating position, and supportive bucket seats let you concentrate on driving without being distracted. While build quality is good, the quality of the materials isn’t quite up to par with more recent competitors.

Performance

The only engine available in the Q40 is the venerable 3.7 liter ‘VQ’ V6 that pumps out 328 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, while a 7-speed automatic is the only available transmission. Shifts can be controlled using paddle shifters, and downshifts are accompanied by a blip of the throttle to match revs. All-in-all, the automatic transmission does an adequate job, but isn’t nearly as fulfilling as the 6-speed manual that was previously offered in the G37. Depending on the version, power is sent to either the rear wheels, or all four wheels, and the run from 0 to 60 mph is in the mid to high 5 second range.

Safety

Safety features in the Infiniti Q40 include front-seat Active Head Restraints (AHR), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), a 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), and the full complement of airbags. Because the Q40 has been on the market for so long, active safety features are limited. All-wheel drive models come with a Snow Mode to help improve traction and prevent wheelspin on slippery surfaces.

The Q40 has yet to be tested by the IIHS, though the G37 has been rated, with a moderate overlap front score of ‘Good’, a side impact rating of ‘Acceptable’, and a head restraints and seats rating of ‘Poor’. The NHTSA has only rated the Q40’s rollover rating, where it scored the full 5 stars.

Pricing & Features

The 2015 Infiniti Q40 has a starting price of $33,950, with all-wheel drive models starting at $35,550. For that money you get 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seating, heated front seats, Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control, Infiniti Intelligent Key, a RearView Monitor, a Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and a USB port.

Available option packages include the $1,000 Moonroof Package and the $2,900 Navigation Plus Package that includes the Infiniti Navigation System, Infiniti Studio on Wheels by Bose, Infiniti Voice Recognition, NavWeather with Real-Time Weather and 3-day forecast, NavTraffic with Real-Time Traffic information, Bluetooth streaming audio, and DVD video playback.