Infiniti’s crossovers, with the exception of their smallest one, aren’t exactly up to date. However, it looks like the manufacturer is finally going to change things around. Not that long ago they released the all new 2019 Infiniti QX50, a car which has nothing in common with its predecessor. It features a new platform, a new engine as well as a few other changes under the skin. The end result is a more capable, and more efficient, crossovers than ever before. Unfortunately there are still a few issues with the car but more on that a bit later.
In detail
Its predecessor was based on Nissan’s FM modular platform. This was a rear wheel drive architecture mostly meant for fast cars. While the QX50 was quite good at being fast, it wasn’t exactly great at being a crossover. The new version on the other hand is based on a front wheel drive architecture, similar to that of the QX30. This means the car now features a transverse front engine and front wheel drive as standard. The wheelbase is identical to that of its predecessor before the reword.
This also means it is nearly 6 inches shorter than that of the 2016 QX50 which is quite interesting to see. Even though this is the case, the car is still quite a bit wider and taller too. Infiniti said that despite the shorter wheelbase, there will be more room inside the cabin as the engine will take less space than before. The new platform is also considerably stiffer than that of its predecessor which should mean better driving characteristics and a more comfortable ride.
Release and price
While the manufacturer released the 2019 Infiniti QX50 a short while ago, they won’t start selling the car until the mid of 2018. Even so, the price is still a mystery. If the rumors are anything to go by then the car should cost slightly more than before. This would give the smaller car slightly more room for upgrades and it should give Infiniti’s customers more choices.
The design
Even though the previous model was a great looking car, the new 2019 Infiniti QX50 is better. This is quite unusual to happen, especially for a car that made the move from rear to front wheel drive. While the hood is not as long as before, the shorter wheelbase, the extra width and the new proportions make the new QX50 a far better looking car with a more cohesive design scheme.
In the front the car features the same corporate look as its smaller sibling. However, the rear is quite a bit more impressive. It is quite clear that Infiniti looked at its predecessor for inspiration. There is a new set of tail lights, a larger roof spoiler as well as a new bumper.
Inside the cabin
As the car has more space inside the cabin, Infiniti used the extra space well enough. For starters, the dashboard has a rather interesting design with the center stack boasting an S-like design being slightly aimed towards the driver. The dashboard is separated into two distinct areas with the upper part being mostly made out of wood or aluminum.
Here we can also find the infotainment system as well as the AC vents. Lower there are the AC controls as well as a second LCD touch-screen which controls the car’s functions. The driving position is higher than before but the lower-mounted dashboard doesn’t really show it.
2019 Infiniti QX50 Specs
There is now just one engine choice with the 2019 Infiniti QX50. Instead of the usual naturally aspirated V6 engine, the car now features a new 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This is one of the few engines on the market featuring a variable compression system. This alters the stroke of the piston by a small amount, so it can vary the compression between 8.0 and 14.0.
The engine is turbocharged, so it will make up to 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. All the power is sent to either the front or all four wheels via a CVT gearbox which is not exactly the most inspired choice. Even so, the engine offers a rather impressive performance and it definitely feels faster than its predecessor. We do hope for at least a second engine choice in the upcoming years but this remains to be seen.
2019 Infiniti QX50 | |
Dimensions And Weight | |
Wheelbase | 110.2 in |
Length | 184.8 in |
Height | 66.1 in |
Width | 74.9 in |
Weight | N/A |
Engine And Transmission | |
Engine type | 2.0-liter VC-Turbo gasoline |
Displacement | 2.0-liter |
Power/torque | 268 hp/ 280 lb-ft |
Transmission | TRONIC continuously variable transmission with manual shift mode |
Performance | |
0-60 mph | 6.3 sec. |
Top speed | 143 mph |
PRICE RANGE: price is still a mystery |
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Competitors:BMW X1, Acura RDX |