Infiniti enhances new QX50 crossover with new spin on engine technology
Innovation recognition Nissan’s premium brand, Infiniti, figures it’s about time it should get the recognition it deserves as an innovative leader in the automotive industry – and its latest model may just gain that respect. The 2019 Infiniti QX50 is a premium, mid-size crossover, plugging into the brand’s utility lineup between the entry-level QX30 and the QX60 7-seater. (The large luxury QX80 tops off the lineup.) ▲
Whole new take on engine design What makes the QX50 so unique in this crowded segment isn’t anything you can see, or even feel. It’s a whole new take on engine design – variable compression – that sets this vehicle apart. This very complex system is most simply explained by saying that Infiniti engineers have added a link between the piston’s connecting rod and the crankshaft, unlike the conventional setup with the connecting rod connected directly to the crankshaft. ▲
Seamless transition of power, efficiency Under the QX50’s clamshell hood is a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, an engine choice that’s becoming the standard in this segment. Inside that engine, however, is a radical new system that varies the compression ratio in the combustion chamber, switching between ratios that enhance fuel efficiency to all-out peak performance. The vehicle’s computer responds to the driver’s input on the accelerator in a totally seamless manner. You can’t sense what’s going on inside that engine – it reacts like any other conventional combustion engine. ▲
Nearly 30 years of innovation The variable compression engine design is just the latest in industry-firsts from Infiniti. Few people are aware of the numerous innovations the brand has introduced over the years since it arrived in the North American market in 1989. For example, Infiniti introduced the first lane-keeping support system and the rearview monitor in 2001 and its FX models created the rear-wheel-drive performance SUV segment in 2003. ▲
History of innovation Infiniti was the first to bring us such safety features as lane departure warning (2004), around-view monitor and blind spot warning and intervention (2010). Hydraulic body motion control (2011), backup collision intervention (2012) and direct adaptive steering or steer-by-wire (2013) are other systems that have come first from Infiniti. Now the variable compression turbo engine joins this impressive list of innovative features. ▲
Perky and refined powertrain The innovative engine’s outputs (268 peak horsepower, 280 lb.-ft. of torque at just 1,600 rpm) are channeled through a fully reworked CVT (continuously variable transmission) with upgrades that include a new oil pump and valves. The CVT has built in steps that mimic the gear changes of a conventional transmission, as well as shift paddles on the steering column if you’re in a playful mood. During a media jaunt from Toronto’s Exhibition Place to Niagara-on-the-Lake, the powertrain delivered perky response when required, yet cruised smoothly and quietly on open stretches. The transmission contributed to the quietness with none of the “motorboating” sensations and noise that is often associated with some CVTs. ▲
Its all-wheel drive is intelligent All QX50s sold in Canada are equipped with intelligent all-wheel drive that normally sends 100% of the engine’s output to the front wheels but can split the delivery 50/50 as required. The system can transfer output side to side as well. While the QX50 is intended for pounding through the boonies, it does have 218 mm of ground clearance, so traversing the trail to the cottage shouldn’t be an issue. If you plan to tow a trailer, the QX50’s limit is 1,360 kg and hauling is only recommended for the upper-tier trim levels, which have an ECU update, transmission cooler and tranny tuning to accommodate the added demands of towing. ▲
Tailor-made driving modes A toggle switch on the console allows the driver to choose from four driving modes. The default Standard mode is the normal mode for engine, transmission and steering effort. ECO mode maximizes lowers the power output, adjusts the transmission for softer shifts and maximum economy by holding the highest possible gear ratio. Sport mode boosts throttle response and sets the engine for higher output, downshifts the transmission sooner and holds lower ratios longer, allowing the engine to peak at the redline before upshifting, and makes the steering feel heavier. I found throttle tip-in in this mode a bit touchy – it was difficult to engage the engine smoothly. It did, however, make the QX50 more fun to drive. A Personal mode selects the individual setting that best suits driver preferences. ▲
Five trim levels to choose from Five trim levels are offered with the QX50, starting with the Luxe model ($44,490), which includes a panoramic power sunroof and shade, paddle shifters, power liftgate, automatic dual-zone climate control, heated steering wheel and heated front seats, engine block heater, wiper de-icer, remote engine start, roof rails, LED headlamps and fog lamps, auto-dimming rearview mirror, aluminum trim accents, pedestrian forward emergency braking and predictive forward collision warning. ▲
Volume leader gets leather, nav and climate control The Essential model ($48,990) is expected to be the volume leader, accounting for about 40% of QX50 sales. It adds leather seating, navigation, moving object detection, parking sensors, tri-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, power tilt and telescopic steering column, seat memory settings and reverse synchronized mirrors. ▲
Numerous driving aids and safety features The ProACTIVE trim ($52,990) includes numerous driver assistance and safety features, such as a 9-inch head-up display which I found easy to read, even in bright sunlight, plus backup collision intervention intelligent cruise control Infiniti’s ProPilot Assist, which helps keep the vehicle centred in the driving lane, as well as a premium, 16-speaker Bose audio system. ▲
Premium features for a premium SUV The Sensory trim ($56,490) adds 20-inch wheels, premium leather seats with climate control, motion-activated liftgate and more. The lineup tops out with the Autograph edition ($57,990) featuring premium quilted white leather seat coverings with blue piping and blue Ultrasuede accents on the doors and instrument panel. ▲
Exclusive Infiniti platform The all-new 2019 QX50 is larger, yet lighter, overall than the previous model and is built on a new platform that’s exclusive to Infiniti. It features the first automotive use of SHF (super high formability) 980 MP, a high-tensile steel, which has reduced the body structure’s weight to 473 kilograms, while the vehicle’s total weight is 1,795 kg. The use of this high-tensile steel has also increased the new model’s torsional rigidity by 23% compared to the current model. ▲
Class-leading economy The new VC turbo 4-cylinder engine, combined with the QX50’s trimmer curb weight and reworked CVT, has produced a 25% reduction in fuel consumption, compared to the outgoing model. The new QX50 is rated at 10.0 litres/100 km in city driving, 7.8 on the highway and 9.0 combined. Those ratings outpace key competitors such as the Lexus NX 300 (10.6/8.5/9.7), Acura RDX (11.0/8.6/9.9) and Audi Q5 (10.4/8.6/9.6), all with 2.0L 4-cylinder engines. ▲
Attractive and refined styling The exterior styling is tasteful and refined – a design that’s attractive without over-the-top features that might offend traditionalists. It’s also more aerodynamic, with the hood, bumpers, A-pillar, tailgate and enclosed underbody all specially designed to encourage airflow over, around and under the vehicle with minimal turbulence. The result is a 6.0% reduction in the drag coefficient compared to the previous QX50. Two power bulges dominate the clamshell hood, while up front the double-arch grille is larger. ▲
Character in every design line There are new LED headlamps, with the high-end trim levels getting cubed elements within the assembly. A prominent character line wraps around the upper body, flowing from the headlamps around the rear of the vehicle, where you’ll find LED tail lights and dual chromed exhaust tips peeking out from under the rear fascia. The rear pillar has a distinctive shape that differs significantly from the norm in this segment. ▲
One of Ward’s Top-10 interiors Ward’s rates the QX50’s spacious interior as one of the 10 Best for 2019 and it’s difficult to find fault with that selection. Our test vehicle was the premium Autograph model featuring the while quilted leather seat coverings and blue Ultrasuede accents and piping. It was truly an impressive décor. The materials were first class and the craftsmanship was superb. Infiniti describes the layout of the instrument panel and console as “driver-centric,” although most controls are still within reach of the front-seat passenger. That access proved essential when my co-driver and I experienced difficulties with the navigation system, which seemed quite dated and unintuitive. ▲
Functional upscale interior Two display screens dominate the centre of the instrument panel, with the navigation display stacked over the second unit which controls the climate and audio systems. The centre console has a tidy layout, thanks to the space-conserving shift-by-wire gear selector. The start/stop pushbutton and drive mode selector are also located atop the console panel. The NASA-inspired zero-gravity seats were extremely comfortable and leg- and head-room were excellent, in the front seats as well as the rear. The second-row bench, which is split 60/40, also manually slides fore and aft and the seatback can be reclined. With class-leading cabin volume, the QX50 will comfortably accommodate four “full-size” adults, although a fifth passenger can be fitted in a pinch. ▲
Cargo area filled with storage versatility Cargo capacity is best in the segment. With the rear seatback upright, there’s 880 to 1,048 litres of cargo space, depending on the position of the sliding seat in its tracks. With the seatback folded flat, the volume increases to 1,822 litres. There’s also a storage bin under the cargo floor for stowing valuables and other items out of sight. ▲
Excells in areas of luxury, space and tech It’s doubtful buyers will be swayed toward the new QX50 solely by its advanced engine technology. Shoppers in this segment are looking for luxury, lots of room for themselves and their stuff, competitive pricing plus fuel efficiency. This crossover delivers on all those counts – and you get its innovative engine system as a bonus. ▲
Keyword: FIRST DRIVE: 20 items of note in the 2019 Infiniti QX50