The Infiniti Q50 is finally launched in Malaysia after almost a year since its first appearance at the KLIMS 2013, featuring the world’s first steer-by-wire system or Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS). Available in three variants, including a hybrid, this new premium sports sedan is priced from RM248,800. It has just started a fierce competition in the local premium market.
The new Infiniti Q50 is available in three variants, starting from the Q50 2.0T GT, Q50 2.0T GT Premium and the Q50S 3.5 Hybrid. This new premium sedan wears Infiniti’s new face and design that will be inherited by future models to come, and one of its most standout features are the ‘double arch’ grille, the dynamic wave shoulder-line and crescent-cut C-pillar.
QUICK FACTS
| Name |
Infiniti Q50 2.0T GT/ Premium
|
Infiniti Q50S 3.5 Hybrid
|
| Segment |
C-Segment
|
C-Segment
|
| Engine | 1,991cc 4-cylinder, turbocharged | 3,498cc V6 with 67hp electric motor |
| Transmission | 7-speed automatic with ASC | 7-speed automatic with ASC |
| Max Power | 211hp @ 5,500 rpm | 364hp (Hybrid System Net Power) |
| Max Torque | 350Nm @ 1,250 – 3,500 rpm | 350Nm |
| Price (OTR without insurance) | RM 248,800 / RM 278,800 | RM 398,800 |
“We are all the more confident that the new Infiniti Q50 will strengthen our presence in Malaysia and nurture our brand. The New Q50 will deliver inspired performance to premium customers through its distinctive new design language, passionate craftsmanship and innovative technologies.” said Dane Fisher, Director, Asia and Oceania, Infiniti Motor Company Limited.
EXTERIOR
Infiniti’s new look is mainly dominated by its fascia ‘double arch’ grille paired with LED headlights with Daytime Running Lights in all three variants. Except that the Q50S gets an extra Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) and highbeam assist. LED rearlights and LED foglights are however similar in all.
The easiest way to differentiate the variants are the allow wheels. The entry level 2.0T GT are fitted with 17-inch split 5-spoke aluminium-alloy wheels, Premiun gets 18-inch split 5-spoke aluminium-allow wheels, while the top range 3.5 Hydrid are fitted with 19-inch triple 5-spoke aluminium-alloy wheels. All wrapped in run flat performance tyres.
INTERIOR
Infiniti claims that the interior of the Q50 offers a powerful blend of three-dimensional textures, highest craftsmanship and premium quality, combining modern luxury and user-focused advanced technology. The engineers even researched on how to develop the leather on the seats to feel like the softness of a baby’s skin. 
Welcoming you into the cabin is a dual-screen command centre, a combination of an 8-inch and 7-inch LCD screens. This is where the Infiniti InTouch and Infiniti InTuition reside, enabling access to apps such as Performance Meter and Maintenance Note, while the latter allows customization to digital environment for audio, climate control, and settings for Infiniti Intelligent Key.
The Q50 recognizes up to four Infiniti Intelligent Keys, which the car provides a personalised experience for each key holder. It prepares sitting position, favourite apps, air-cond settings, favourite radio station, side mirror adjustment and many more, all ready for you once in the car. Preset of course.
Standard in all variants are the dual-screen system, leather seats, leather 3-spoke steering wheel and Kacchu aluminium accents, which is based on Japanese Samurai’s armour texture design. The Premium variant is equipped with a set of 14-speaker Bose Studio on Wheels, else it’s a 6-speaker audio system.
PERFORMANCE
The Q50 2.0T GT is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder Direct Injection with Piezo injectors. Mated with a 7-speed automatic gearbox with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC). Producing 211 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. It gets from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds, with a top speed of 245km/h.
The Q50S Hybrid on the other hand is fitted with a 3.5-liter V6 engine with Infiniti Direct Respinse Hybrid utilizing a lithium-ion battery and a 67hp electric motor, together with the same 7-speed gearbox as the GT. It generates a total of 364 horsepower when both V6 and electric powertrain combined, with a maximum torque of 350Nm. Acceleration figure from 0 to 100 in just 5.1 seconds! Top speed is capped at 250km/h.
In addition to that, the Q50S also comes with sports package such as sport-tuned suspension, moon roof and solid magnesium paddle shifters. The world’s first electric control steering wheel or steer-by-wire is only available in Premium and Hybrid variants. After 10 years of research, Infiniti has finally introduced its Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS), offering driving comfort, safety and steering precision. Watch our launch highlights to learn more about the DAS.
SAFETY
When it comes to safety, the Q50 is well prepared. First of, the car is constructed using ultra high-strength steel, with twice the tensile strength of conventional steel. Standard in all variants are Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC). Cabin is fitted 6-airbags; dual front, two sides, and two curtain airbags.
Premium and Hybrid variants are equipped with some clever safety features. They have the world’s first Active Lane Control (ALC) system which uses camera-based technology to enhance lane-keeping safety; Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Blind Sport Intervention systems; Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems; Forward Emergency Braking (FEB); Predictive Forward Collision Warming (PFCW) and Intelligent Cruise Control.
WHAT ELSE?
Infiniti is optimistic that this newcomer is able to propel the brand further in the Malaysian market. With its attractive introductory price for a Completely Built-Up (CBU) premium sedan, it’s set to a tough contender among the usuals; BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS and Audi A4.
Available in three variants, the entry level Infiniti Q50 2.0T GT is priced at RM248,800 (OTR without insurance), at RM30,000 more there’s the Q50 2.0T GT Premium is at RM278,800. To get the best out of the new Infiniti, Q50S 3.5 Hydrid is available at RM398,800.
IMAGE GALLERY
