The latest auto news, reviews, prices, product and vehicle releases. Jan
21st
Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Let's address the elephant in the room first, shall we? This vehicle has gone through a bit of an identity crisis in terms of finding its name. Like the Empress Child in The Neverending Story, it desperately needed a name to give it grounds to stand in the auto industry. From G35 to G37 to Q50, I think it's safe to say that this Infiniti has found its place in the world, and can finally call its name its own.
Names aside, this latest iteration of the Infiniti luxury sedan I'd already come to know and rather like is impressive on so many levels. This was more than just a name change; this was a physical, mental, and emotional overhaul for the 2014 Infiniti Q50.
What is an Infiniti Q50?
Well, I've already touched on that briefly. Its history is littered with past identities and began with the Infiniti G20 in the '90s in North America. The G20 lasted into the 2000s, until the rear-wheel drive G35 appeared.
Essentially, the Infiniti Q50 is the company's "entry level" vehicle. There is also a hybrid version of the Q50.
2014 Infiniti Q50 Premium AWD Price and Specs
There are four Q50 models available (not counting the hybrid version I just mentioned). The starting price of the 2014 Infiniti Q50 3.7 is $37,500. That price can rise all the way to $47,450 for the Q50S 3.7. The two available hybrid models (Premium and AWD Premium) are priced at $47,000 and $49,500 respectively.
All four non-hybrid models come equipped with the same 328-horsepower 3.7L V6 engine and 269 lb-ft of torque, as well as the same electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission. If you don't opt for the AWD version, the 2014 Infiniti Q50s's power is spat out the rear wheels.
My particular 2014 Infiniti Q50 3.7 AWD Premium model was sitting pretty at a starting price of $43,400.
Driving the 2014 Infiniti Q50 Premium AWD
I got into the Infiniti Q50 with an open mind. I was immediately intrigued by the interior design, but most excited about experiencing Infiniti's brand new direct adaptive steering feature. This is the first vehicle of its kind to sport such a feature. To simplify, the system steers the front wheels without a direct mechanical link to said wheels.
I honestly felt a bit like I was driving a simulator the first few times I got behind the wheel. And with the ability to change the steering ratio and input (quick/heavy, standard/light, etc.), that videogame feel continues. However, after a few days I came to really appreciate the quick/heavy setting and how responsive the 2014 Infiniti Q50's steering and handling truly was. It made the next car I drove feel sloppy, uncontrolled, and disconnected (and it was German).
Steering aside, I really enjoyed the 3.7L performance. The 2014 Infiniti Q50 feels fast, and that's thanks in no small part to the 7-speed transmission's ability to properly select gears and play along when asked. I did wish for paddle shifters (something that's available in the S model), but otherwise felt nothing was lacking in the drive experience.
A rear-wheel bias (despite my tester's AWD abilities) meant a sportier feel. With Infiniti Drive Mode selection, I could cycle between Standard/Sport/Snow/Eco or a personal setting to fiddle with throttle and engine response depending on the driving mood I was in.
Inside and Out the 2014 Infiniti Q50 AWD Premium
This vehicle is loaded with gadgets and hi-tech stuff. So much so that I can't even get into it all without breaking my word count by a ridiculous amount. So, I'll have to get by simply by saying: It's all quite impressive and all done very well.
Infiniti's new InTouch and InTuition system is stellar to use. I absolutely adore the centre stack layout. It is, perhaps, one of the most modernly elegant layouts I've ever seen. The dual screens are in precisely the right spots and navigation is a breeze.
Technology aside, the 2014 Infiniti Q50 is extremely comfortable up front and in the backseat. Legroom is quite good in the back, and fitting a baby seat was a breeze. The trunk also offers up plenty of space for stroller/groceries/bags.
Moving to the outside of the 2014 Infiniti Q50, something I usually look at before the interior which says something about the impact that interior actually has, it's hard not to be impressed by the fluid lines and look of the new Q50. Infiniti's design language has evolved over the years to include some seriously aggressive lines housed in sensual creases and edges. I like the look, a lot.
Comparing the 2014 Infiniti Q50 AWD Premium
It's a good thing the Infiniti Q50 is such an impressive product straight out of the gates because it has some steep competitors in the Lexus IS (which has just undergone a serious makeover), as well as the Cadillac CTS and Audi A4.
What's in a name? Well, it's a fitting name as the new Q is so loaded with gadgets and bits and bobs that I think that may just make it a solid choice over the competition based on what today's society really places value on.
Names aside, this latest iteration of the Infiniti luxury sedan I'd already come to know and rather like is impressive on so many levels. This was more than just a name change; this was a physical, mental, and emotional overhaul for the 2014 Infiniti Q50.
 |
What is an Infiniti Q50?
Well, I've already touched on that briefly. Its history is littered with past identities and began with the Infiniti G20 in the '90s in North America. The G20 lasted into the 2000s, until the rear-wheel drive G35 appeared.
Essentially, the Infiniti Q50 is the company's "entry level" vehicle. There is also a hybrid version of the Q50.
2014 Infiniti Q50 Premium AWD Price and Specs
There are four Q50 models available (not counting the hybrid version I just mentioned). The starting price of the 2014 Infiniti Q50 3.7 is $37,500. That price can rise all the way to $47,450 for the Q50S 3.7. The two available hybrid models (Premium and AWD Premium) are priced at $47,000 and $49,500 respectively.
All four non-hybrid models come equipped with the same 328-horsepower 3.7L V6 engine and 269 lb-ft of torque, as well as the same electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission. If you don't opt for the AWD version, the 2014 Infiniti Q50s's power is spat out the rear wheels.
My particular 2014 Infiniti Q50 3.7 AWD Premium model was sitting pretty at a starting price of $43,400.
 |
| The 2014 Infiniti Q50 come equipped with a 328-horsepower 3.7L V6 engine and 269 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Colin Styker) |
Driving the 2014 Infiniti Q50 Premium AWD
I got into the Infiniti Q50 with an open mind. I was immediately intrigued by the interior design, but most excited about experiencing Infiniti's brand new direct adaptive steering feature. This is the first vehicle of its kind to sport such a feature. To simplify, the system steers the front wheels without a direct mechanical link to said wheels.
I honestly felt a bit like I was driving a simulator the first few times I got behind the wheel. And with the ability to change the steering ratio and input (quick/heavy, standard/light, etc.), that videogame feel continues. However, after a few days I came to really appreciate the quick/heavy setting and how responsive the 2014 Infiniti Q50's steering and handling truly was. It made the next car I drove feel sloppy, uncontrolled, and disconnected (and it was German).
Steering aside, I really enjoyed the 3.7L performance. The 2014 Infiniti Q50 feels fast, and that's thanks in no small part to the 7-speed transmission's ability to properly select gears and play along when asked. I did wish for paddle shifters (something that's available in the S model), but otherwise felt nothing was lacking in the drive experience.
A rear-wheel bias (despite my tester's AWD abilities) meant a sportier feel. With Infiniti Drive Mode selection, I could cycle between Standard/Sport/Snow/Eco or a personal setting to fiddle with throttle and engine response depending on the driving mood I was in.
 |
| The 2014 Infiniti Q50 feels fast, and that's thanks in no small part to the 7-speed transmission's ability to properly select gears and play along when asked. (Photo: Colin Styker) |
Inside and Out the 2014 Infiniti Q50 AWD Premium
This vehicle is loaded with gadgets and hi-tech stuff. So much so that I can't even get into it all without breaking my word count by a ridiculous amount. So, I'll have to get by simply by saying: It's all quite impressive and all done very well.
Infiniti's new InTouch and InTuition system is stellar to use. I absolutely adore the centre stack layout. It is, perhaps, one of the most modernly elegant layouts I've ever seen. The dual screens are in precisely the right spots and navigation is a breeze.
Technology aside, the 2014 Infiniti Q50 is extremely comfortable up front and in the backseat. Legroom is quite good in the back, and fitting a baby seat was a breeze. The trunk also offers up plenty of space for stroller/groceries/bags.
Moving to the outside of the 2014 Infiniti Q50, something I usually look at before the interior which says something about the impact that interior actually has, it's hard not to be impressed by the fluid lines and look of the new Q50. Infiniti's design language has evolved over the years to include some seriously aggressive lines housed in sensual creases and edges. I like the look, a lot.
 |
| Legroom is quite good in the back, and fitting a baby seat was a breeze. (Photo: Colin Styker) |
Comparing the 2014 Infiniti Q50 AWD Premium
It's a good thing the Infiniti Q50 is such an impressive product straight out of the gates because it has some steep competitors in the Lexus IS (which has just undergone a serious makeover), as well as the Cadillac CTS and Audi A4.
What's in a name? Well, it's a fitting name as the new Q is so loaded with gadgets and bits and bobs that I think that may just make it a solid choice over the competition based on what today's society really places value on.