CARLIKE 2023 INFINITI QX50 IS AN EXCEPTIONAL RIDE

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com

First, great news from Infiniti in general. Any 2023 model will now come with Infiniti Premium Care, an integrated maintenance program that includes up to three years of inspections, oil changes, tire rotations, brake fluid change, in cabin air-filter replacement and tire road hazard. The luxury division of Nissan has taken the right step at the right time while introducing an all-new Sport trim to the QX50 lineup.

Under the hood of the midsize luxury SUV sits a 2.0-liter variable-compression 4-cylinder turbo engine that puts out 268 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 280 pounds-feet of torque at 4800 rpm. The slick and smooth continuous variable transmission shifts effortlessly. Ensuring stability at quick turns and bumps on the road is a MacPherson strut front and a rear multilink suspension. The variable-assist, direct adaptive steering conveys an unswerving feel. Braking duties are handled exceptionally well by 13-inch vented front and 12.1-inch rear discs. Four drive modes are offered: standard, eco, sport and personal.

Based on a steel unibody structure, QX50 is undoubtedly a boldly attractive vehicle beginning with a long clamshell hood that meets up with a double-arch black-metallic grille, surrounded by horizontal LED headlights and fog lamps. Gloss-black accents deck up the exterior all-round, including the black roof rails. The cabin is crammed with extravagance and luxury features such as black aluminum accents on the center console, dashboard, doors, push-button ignition, 60/40-split rear seat, eight-way power heated/cooled front seats, dual auto a/c, 8-inch upper touch screen for navigation and a 7-inch lower screen for climate, audio and phone controls. InTouch, a rotary knob in the center console, controls the dual screens. Semi-aniline leather perforated seats look elegant. The familiar Infiniti double-wave instrument panel lights up with electroluminescent gauges. A mix of leather and aluminum on the short but easy-to-grip shifter knob convey a classy touch. As for roominess, there is plenty with a total interior volume of 135.8 cubic feet, and 64.4 cubic feet with the rear seat down. There also is a substantial hidden under-floor bin.

Standard safety features include dual front, side and knee airbags, side curtain airbag for both rows, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, vehicle dynamic and traction controls, antiskid system, front/rear crumple zones, front seat active-head restraints, blind spot and lane departure warnings, around-view monitor, rear-cross traffic alert and tire pressure monitoring system. ProPilot Assist helps drivers to maintain their lane and set vehicle speed and distance to a car ahead. 

Though lacking in the fuel efficiency department, this carlike crossover comes with plenty of lavish treats to pamper its occupants. And the lively QX50 is quick on the road, boasting afirst-superbride and praiseworthy handling. Infiniti Premium Care is an added bonus!

QX50 (SPORT, AWD)

Tires: 255/45R20

Wheelbase: 110.2 inches

Length: 184.7 inches

Height: 66 inches

Width: 74.9 inches

Fuel capacity: 16 gallons

City: 22 mpg

Highway: 28 mpg

Weight: 4,116 pounds

Base price: $50,500

Price as tested: $52,815

Web site: www.infinitiusa.com