The Infiniti Q50 Hybrid is a gasoline-electric energy efficient version of the compact executive sedan series from Nissan’s luxury brand. For the 2014 model year, the Q50 model replaced the G sedan lineup, which featured the well known G37 and G25 sport sedans; the Q50 is essentially the latest version of the G series. This change in the model’s naming convention was introduced at the model’s unveiling at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 2013, and is part of a revised naming strategy across the entire Infiniti brand. The Infiniti Q50 Hybrid became available in late 2013 in North America and in Europe. It is a front-engine four-door sedan that is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The Infiniti Q50 Hybrid marks the first time Infiniti has made a hybrid drivetrain available in one of its entry level models.
The drivetrain in the Infiniti Q50 Hybrid is based on a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, pried to a 60 kW electric motor. The total combined output of this system is 360 horsepower, put to the ground through a seven-speed automatic transmission that goes to the rear wheels, or, alternately, to all four wheels if the buyer has opted for all-wheel-drive. The Environmental Protection Agency has rated the Infiniti Q50 Hybrid for 29 miles per gallon city, 36 miles per gallon highway, and 31 miles per gallon combined. The all-wheel-drive Q50 Hybrid sacrifices fuel economy slightly, earning a 30 miles per gallon combined rating.
Along with the all-new hybrid drivetrain, the Infiniti Q50 Hybrid also features some design changes from the outgoing generation of the G series. The profile has a bolder front end, yet more subtle lines elsewhere, than the old car, and boasts a cabin full of luxury amenities. The Q50 Hybrid boasts a new twin touchscreen to control the car’s electronics and accessories. The Infiniti Q50 Hybrid, which comes in premium and sport trim levels, also features equipment such as direct adaptive steering, which is a fully electric steering system that enables quicker responses than the old car, plus improved steering feel and four different settings to accommodate the driver’s preferred mode of driving. Active lane control helps keep the car centered on the road by providing subtle corrections to the steering. The car is fitted with all-season run-flat tires on its 17-inch alloy wheels. Other standard equipment for the premium trim level includes leather upholstery, aluminum or wood interior accents, automatic LED headlights, LED fog lamps, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power heated front seats, cruise control, a sunroof, a rearview camera, Bluetooth wireless integration, and a 14-speaker Bose audio system that features a CD player, satellite radio, and USB and iPod connectivity. Opting for the sport trim level adds a suspension upgrade, 19-inch alloy wheels, a sport driver’s seat, and aluminum trimmed pedals. A deluxe technology package exclusively for the hybrid model adds together the features from the standard Q50’s deluxe touring package and the technology package. Such amenities include adaptive headlights equipped with automatic high beam control, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and forward and reverse collision warning. Standard safety features on the Infiniti Q50 Hybrid include anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags.
