Long wait for update worth it in case of Infiniti utility wagon
It’s uncommon for any luxury nameplate to remain essentially unchanged for more than a decade, but in the Infiniti QX50’s case, the wait appears to we worth it. The new 2019 five-passenger utility wagon, coming this summer, has a new platform, new sheetmetal and what’s considered to be one of the most technologically advanced internal-combustion engines on the market.
The QX50, which began as the EX35 for the 2008 model year, now looks like a real Infiniti, and the familial grille projects an image of quality that’s matched by the rest of the exterior design. At first glance, the irregular-cut roof pillar seems oddly superfluous, but it does grow on you after a short time.
Compared to its predecessor, the new QX50 has grown in mostly the right places. Although overall length is down by about five centimetres, and the distance between the front and rear wheels by more than seven centimetres, the width has increased by 10 centimetres and the body height by about eight centimetres. That, plus the new model’s more upright hind section, provides a dramatic increase in cargo volume.
The reduction in wheelbase might concern some, but, fortunately, the rear seat can be adjusted fore and aft to provide some flexibility.
The dashboard is clean and uncluttered and even the steering-wheel controls won’t overwhelm the driver. The lower seven-inch touch-screen operates most vehicle functions, while an eight-inch navigation screen is positioned directly above, built into the dash and not sticking up, tablet-style.
For 2019, the QX50 sheds the 3.7-litre V-6 (rated at 325 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque) for a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder rated at 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet. The engine features a first-ever variable-compression-ratio design. Under a light load, cylinder compression is increased to 14:1 so as to use less fuel, but decreases to 8:1 during aggressive driving so that more turbocharger boost can be dialed in.
The complex hardware required to alter piston travel in each cylinder (which is what changes the compression) adds about 10 kilograms to the engine, according to Infiniti. But with the estimated rating of 10.0 l/100 km in the city and 7.8 on the highway — compared to 13.7/9.7 for the previous V-6 — there’s no denying that the torque-rich turbo four-cylinder is a giant step in the right direction.
It must be noted that a continuously variable transmission (CVT) has replaced the previous seven-speed automatic. CVTs are known to reduce fuel consumption, but they generally increase noise levels during acceleration, despite continual improvement over the years. Automakers tend to install CVTs in entry models, while traditional multi-speed automatics are saved for premium-priced luxury nameplates. Not in this case.
Driving off the lot in a QX50 requires a base fee of $46,500, which includes delivery charges. This model, called the Luxe, comes fairly loaded with allwheel-drive, dual-zone climate control, panoramic moonroof, 19-inch alloy wheels, faux-leather seat covers (heated in front), power liftgate, and a limited number of active-safety technologies as part of Infiniti’s InTouch system.
Moving up to the Essential trim adds tri-zone climate control, navigation, leather seat coverings, remote engine start, 20-inch wheels and around-view camera monitoring with moving-object detection. Blind-spot warning and rear-cross-traffic alert are optional.
There are also a number of available packages to further boost the content, which also boosts the prices. Some of those features: 17-speaker Bose audio system; premium leather and suede-like surfaces; adaptive (pivoting) headlights; and genuine maple wood trim.
Although it’s sad to see the highly rated V-6 disappear, the new four-cylinder’s torquier and thriftier nature — plus the vehicle’s improved utility and safety content — is exactly what this Infiniti needs to stand out in a competitive segment.