Page 45 - Layout 1

AUTO REVIEW

twin-turbo V6, and a 302HP hybrid 3.5-liter V6 gas-electric power- Braking, and Predictive Forward Collision Warning. We’re not in the
plant. The Red Sport version of the Q50 gets a tuned version of age of autonomy yet, but we’re certainly getting closer.
the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 good for 400HP. All Q50s come with a In addition to the engine choices listed above, there are numerous
seven-speed automatic transmission. option packages and stand-alone upgrades you can select if you de-
Driving the Q50 is a bit of a mixed bag. The (non-Red Sport) cide to buy a Q50. As always, call BCMS’ Phil Hornbeak before you
twin-turbo V6 in my test car – the engine buyers choose most – pro- do anything else to ensure you get the right car at the right price.
vides lusty off-the-line acceleration (its 0-60MPH time is just 5.0 Expect to pay in the low- to mid-$40,000 range for a popularly
seconds). But a curb weight of over 4,100 lbs, relatively soft (but ad- equipped Q50 with the twin-turbo V6.
mittedly luxurious) suspension settings, and electric steering combine The Infiniti Q50 is an excellent luxury sedan trying to compete in
to make a spirited drive on a twisty back road more of a chore than a tough market segment at a time when buyers are moving rapidly
an exhilarating experience. Perhaps the best summary of the Q50 towards crossovers and away from sedans. How would I make it
road manners is: superb in town, especially in trafficlight duels, and even more appealing to erstwhile crossover or BMW/Audi/Mer-
also excellent on the open highway when you’ve got to eat up the cedes buyers? Give it a variable compression engine.
miles and want to be comfortable. But less wonderful on challenging
byways out in the country, where, darn it, we rarely ever venture any- If you’re in the market for this kind of vehicle, call Phil Hornbeak
way (I’m trying to post a sad faced Emoji here right now, BTW). at 210-301-4367.
Infiniti is a leader in active safety technology, offering these fea-
tures as either standard or optional equipment on the Q50: Active Stephen Schutz, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist
Lane Control, Intelligent Cruise Control, Distance Control Assist, who lived in San Antonio in the 1990s when he was stationed
Backup Collision Intervention, Blind Spot Warning and Interven- here in the U.S. Air Force. He has been writing auto reviews
tion, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Forward Emergency for San Antonio Medicine since 1995.

visit us at www.bcms.org 45isit us at www.bcms.org 45 45
v visit us at www.bcms.org