Infiniti QX60 Hybrid combines luxury, safety
Family-friendly Infiniti a treat to drive, but thirsty at pumps
When it comes to the annual mid-January trek to attend the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, I do not travel lightly. Considering the unpredictable weather at that time of year, my choice of transportation is usually on the larger side and always with an all-wheel or four-wheel drivetrain.
An exceptionally nasty start to this winter — early snow followed by a crippling ice storm and record cold — had me in an Infiniti QX60 Hybrid. Truth be told, the drive to and from Detroit this year was effortless, with dry roads, clear skies and seasonal temperatures. The only fly in the ointment was a wonky cruise control, which would arbitrarily drop from the set speed — likely a software glitch.
The QX60 Hybrid, a new addition for the 2014 model year, is essentially a much fancier version of the Nissan Pathfinder crossover.
Instead of the 3.5-litre V-6 found in the seven-passenger QX60, the Hybrid model sees a supercharged 2.5L four-cylinder with an electric motor powered by a compact lithium-ion battery pack. The pack is located under the third-row seat — allowing simpler access to the secondand third-row seats as well as decent cargo room with the back row folded down.
The combination of gas engine and electric motor puts out 250 net system horsepower — not far off the V-6’s 265 hp — and is connected to a continuously variable transmission.
The battery and electric motor provide supplementary power through its onemotor/two-clutch system, the result, says Nissan, being delivery of power equivalent to the V-6 but with fourcylinder fuel economy.
The Hybrid had enough juice to complete passing moves with a minimum of fuss and with little noise from the four-cylinder — not bad for a 2,100-kilogram rig.
The claim of four-cylinder- like fuel economy is another matter altogether. During my travels, mostly on the highway, I averaged 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres. Yes, hybrids are most efficient in urban situations; still, Natural Resources Canada rates the Infiniti at 7.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.9 L/100 km on the highway.
Another aspect of the powertrain that caused me to wonder was the fact the gas engine came on almost immediately after startup. Most every other hybrid I’ve driven provides 10 to 15 seconds of battery power before the engine kicks in.
As a luxury crossover, though, the QX60, Hybrid or not, delivers the goods, though the tester’s three optional packages (Technology, Deluxe Touring and Theatre) ups the Hybrid’s $53,950 base price by a wallet-flattening $9,000. Between the heated leather seats and steering wheel and premium sound emanating from the Bose audio system’s 15 speakers, I covered Point A to Point B in a mellow frame of mind. The ride and handling were exemplary.
It’s also one of the safest, with copious active and passive systems. The newest is Backup Collision Intervention. When backing up, the system will help detect crossing vehicles and objects behind and can automatically engage the brakes to help avoid a collision.
However, my favourite remains the standard Around View Monitor, which displays a virtual 360-degree image of the area around the QX60. It also provides visual and audible warnings if the system detects moving objects such as when pulling out of a parking space.
As much as I like the family-friendly QX60 generally — as do many Infiniti customers — I’m disappointed with the Hybrid. From a fuel-saving standpoint, the $9,000 premium over a gasonly QX60 AWD makes the Hybrid a pricey alternative that won’t pay for itself at the gas pumps.