The EFTM Garage – Infiniti Q50 2.2d S Premium

Infiniti is back with another high-end luxury sedan. Renamed the Q50, the luxury arm of Nissan is hell-bent on securing a slice of the action. What’s more Lexus, Mercedes, Audi and BMW should take note. Because although inaccessible for many, due to a tiny dealer network, there’s no doubt Infiniti has produced a very competitive contender. This week EFTM has the Infiniti Q50 2.2 S Premium in our garage.

Make: Infiniti

Model: Q50

Variant: 2.2d S Premium

Engine / Transmission: 2.2-litre 4-Cylinder Direct-injection turbo-diesel 16-valve engine / 7-Speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control

Vital Stats: Power 125 kW @ 3,200rpm-4200rpm / Torque: 400Nm @ 5,150rpm

Infiniti Claimed Fuel Economy: 5.2l/ 100km

EFTM Claimed Fuel Economy: 6.9l / 100KM

MRRP Price: From $61,900 (plus on-roads)

Wow Factor: Loaded with a futuristic array of onboard tech. The Q50 has a mostly upmarket premium feel with eye-catching exterior design, particularly from front on. Does it give the Germans’ a run for their money? Yes, certainly pricewise.

Most Impressive: Again it has to be price, the new generation Q50 while still not cheap is far more aggressively priced than before. A Bose® 14-speaker Premium Audio System makes the Q50 a nightclub on wheels. Even heavy base settings won’t vibrate parts of the cabin senseless, always a good indication of fit and finish quality. The 2.2-litre diesel is made by Mercedes so is therefore good, strong torque figures produce brisk acceleration.

Not So Impressive: This is the most automated car we’ve driven. Some will be put off by the Direct Adaptive ‘fly-by-wire’ steering (Trevor was!). With all the driver aids turned on you sometimes feel like a spectator rather than participant. It constantly intervenes ever so slightly, tugging the wheel in the direction its computer brain wants to go. Off putting at first but in this case familiarity breeds respect. All cars will drive like this one day.