Infiniti QX50 2019: The engine steals the show

Frédéric Mercier

Friday, 16 February 2018 15:42

UPDATE
Friday, 16 February 2018 15:42

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During launches of small SUVS such as the new Infiniti QX50, we often speak in long and in wide of design, space and technology. The engine, let’s say that we talk too little often.

Except this time, it’s quite the opposite happened. Because with the QX50 2019, this is not just a new model that Infiniti presents to us. It is also a new engine that we risk to appear under the hood of many models of Nissan and Infiniti in a few years.

First engine at variable compression to be used in a production vehicle, the VC-Turbo made its appearance at Infiniti with the inauguration of this new QX50. And beyond the innovative aspect, it promises mostly a fuel economy never seen before in a category like that.

Infiniti QX50 2019

In fact, the QX50 2019 displays a combined fuel consumption city/highway 9.0 L/100 km. In this popular category that is the compact SUV of luxury, there are roughly as variant hybrid of the Lexus NX, which can boast of doing better. The Volvo XC60 also, but only in its version plug-in hybrid… which costs close to$70,000.

Not crazy as idea

The variable compression is not a new idea, but applying it to a production vehicle had never materialized.

Without going into great scientific explanations, this allows the QX50 to adapt to the driver’s behavior by varying its compression ratio from 8:1 to 14:1.

Rolling at a constant speed on the motorway for example, the four-cylinder engine of the QX50 will increase the rate at 14:1 for optimum fuel economy. Then, if you press the accelerator, the rate will increase up to 8:1, thus facilitating an acceleration more candid.

Infiniti QX50 2019

The challenge for the engineers at Infiniti, was mostly to execute this transition without the driver could. Here, it is successful. Never, during the test that I realized the edge of the QX50, I did not feel inconvenience in connection with the change of the compression rate.

This does unfortunately not mean that the road behavior of the new QX50 is without fault. The engine, when accelerating from 0 km/h, has shown a rather bleak and yet strangely noisy. Must say that the automatic transmission CVT (continuously variable transmission) doesn’t really help to improve things.

With 268 horsepower, the new 2.0-litre engine of the QX50 is far from equaling the 325-horsepower V6 found in the previous generation. And even if its turbocharger allows it to deliver a torque of 288 lb-ft, the new engine certainly has not the aplomb of his predecessor. Fortunately, the consumption of gasoline is here to save the day.

The other downside of this motor must be powered by the petrol supreme. Not to be overlooked in the budget.

Beyond the engine

It is rather rare for an SUV, but the new engine of the QX50 has almost stolen the spotlight at the model itself. And yet, this new version has several strings to his bow.

The exterior design, first, has been reworked and is now taking serious air of family with the sedan Q50. Really, Infiniti seems to have found his signature style. It is beautiful, it is sleek and I have the firm conviction that it will age well.

Infiniti QX50 2019

Inside, the use of materials of excellent quality, gives the QX50 the air of a living room on wheels. It is even better than what Lexus with the NX, one of the main rivals of the QX50 which the interior finish is one of its major strengths. As a result of several components, hand-sewn, the interior of the new Infiniti is complemented by an excellent sound system that can count up to 17 speakers.

Infiniti QX50 2019

The infotainment system user-friendly comes, however, partially undermining the onboard experience. Separated into two screens, the entries are poorly presented and the navigation system provides a display worthy of the 90’s.

Infiniti QX50 2019

Frankly, there are better ways of doing. Insult supreme, it does not offer compatibility with the systems Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Pretty ridiculous, when we know that even a Honda Fit offers…

Despite this inconvenience, the Infiniti QX50 manages to really stand out with a luxurious interior, comfort seats without reproach, and a new design that has nothing to envy to that of the Audi Q5 or the Mercedes-Benz GLC. However, we would have gladly taken a little more dynamism under the hood.

The starting price of the Infinit QX50 2019, has still not been unveiled. He is expected to arrive in dealerships from Quebec to the end of the spring.

Technical data sheet

Name: Infiniti QX50 2019
Base price: Still unknown
Configuration : four-wheel drive Vehicle with engine at the front
Engine: 4-cylinder, turbocharged 2.0 L variable compression
Power/torque: 268 hp/ 288 lb-ft
Transmission: Automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT)
Fuel consumption announced: 10,0 L/100 km (city) / 7.8 L/100 km (highway)
Maximum towing capacity: 3000 lbs
Warranty basic: 4 years / 100 000 km
Competition: Lexus NX, Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Acura RDX