Sailing For New Horizons With The New Infiniti Q50 S Hybrid

19 March 2018 Redazione Lifestyle, News, Tested

INFINITI Q50 S HYBRID

SAILING FOR NEW HORIZONS

Words and photos by Alessandro Marrone

The imaginary line of the horizon is right there, regardless of where we are and where we point our eyes, it will always be that indistinct and distant point towards which we turn our gaze and our efforts, almost trying to materialize it into something concrete, for being able to reach it and touch it. Like every goal we set to ourselves, the horizon does not remain stationary and moves constantly, like a lifetime chase, but becoming clearer as our experience and our bag of memories is enriched with moments sculpt in our soul. The story of Infiniti, initially born as a luxury branch of the Nissan brand, is quite recent, so much that it was introduced in the US in 1989 and only arrived in Europe in 2008, with the FX SUV. A mission that would have been difficult several decades ago and which is far more hard in recent times, where even the less noble competition is now able to produce excellent cars. But this did not stop Infiniti from carving out a space on its own, made of a futuristic design with strong lines, a lot of technology for those who require on board comfort but without giving up driving pleasure. With these assumptions, in a very short time it has become synonymous with class and sportiness, expanding its range and offering excellent proposals in more than one segment. That’s why we flew to Portugal to drive the new Q50S Hybrid, the sports sedan that more than any other model represents the prestigious essence of the Japanese brand, made of clear and precise proposal for a specific public. What are they? Let’s find out.

The sky above Porto is dark and occasional drops fall on the Iridium Blu bodies of the three cars that Infiniti has given to a very small National press representation, a wonderful opportunity to underline how quality is more important than quantity. As I get on board, seeking shelter from the insistence of the bad mood discharged from the clouds above us, I close the door leaving out all the noise thanks to a perfect soundproofing of the passenger compartment. The dashboard has been updated, we have a new three-spoke steering wheel with a more sporty and modern design, stitching on the seats and the various leather panels, the two classic touch screens from which to manage every function of the car and an itinerary that will take us to the discovery of a multi-faceted city – I would almost call it a hybrid, just like the Q50S which is waiting for nothing other than demonstrating its capabilities.

Infiniti’s vision is precise and revolves firmly around its objectives: the driver is at the center of everything and can rely on a mechanical and technological package of first level. Stylistically speaking, the new Q50S updates what has been already introduced with the previous model (tested on Auto Class #45), thanks to a front grille made even more aggressive, front headlights that recalls the human eye (both in design and movement) and an increase in the crescent cut of the C pillar. To highlight the intention to diversify the proposals there are the three versions available, Base, Premium and Sport, or even Sport Tech, each of which is already able to offer a complete package and respective options and equipment that will not make customers go crazy during the configuration phase. The “steer by wire” direct electric power steering system is still further improved, which through three control units manages the inputs that are transmitted to the steering wheel in an immediate and precise manner, so as to simplify driving in city traffic and turn into a whole different level the moment in which you decide to wake up the engine at your disposal. An aspect that deserves to be emphasized is that despite its look has been made more muscular by the Sport package, which includes glossy profiles under the front bumper and rear diffuser, we are not in front of a car that has lost the elegance that distinguishes the leitmotif of the brand, but hides fast and reactive intentions under the hood where we find a 3.5 petrol V6 that goes to match the electric unit, providing 364 horses and 546Nm of torque. The hybrid choice is a reality that is increasingly affirming and that will inevitably be embraced by an increasing number of customers, being able to easily control shorter journeys on full electric power, but with the V6 obviously ready as soon as it is called into question.

The first day in Porto is flying fast and wide roads that coast an angry ocean alternate with narrow porphyry-lined streets, which penetrate inhabited centers colored by houses with the most disparate walls. Freedom is breathed with full lungs and everywhere I look I notice a completely different landscape compared to what I have every day before my eyes. People faces are friendly and in the city center everyone turns looking at the Infinitis that run along the streets crowded with people coming back home after a busy day at work. There is still time to make a stop at the spectacular Port of Leixões, an immense structure designed by architect Luis Pedro Silva and completed in 2011, for which 1 million tiles were used. The contrast between the different architectural styles of the city and the road along the Douro River create those colors of Porto that fade with the incoming of the evening while our group reaches the charming Hotel Casa do Conto for the press conference and an exquisite dinner. The morning after the alarm clock rings early and we are back at the wheel, appreciating the practicality of a mid-size sedan that knows how to move easily even in the most intense morning traffic. I also keep an eye on consumption, above all because I have certainly not spared the V6 under the hood, having at my disposal some roads wide enough to test the Sport mode properly. Just the different driving modes, among which there is also the possibility of combining the various parameters according to your liking (Individual), offer a totally multi-purpose vehicle. In Standard everything is set to combine the nature of an elegant and comfortable cruiser with the sporty character of its 364hp, while selecting Eco or Snow, the resistance of the throttle becomes noticeable, with the steering and the engine/gearbox combination that keep the engine revs as low as possible. In Sport, the one I obviously prefer, everything is sharpened with an intelligent control of the engine revs that with the transmission on automatic will not go unnecessarily towards the red line, unless you are asking for it. I move the lever towards me and I use the 7 gears through the paddles behind the steering wheel, everything is very precise and despite the slipperiness of the asphalt the Q50S has no uncertainties. I specifically go looking for some grip loss of the large tires that surround the 19-inch wheels and the four-wheel drive pulls me out with ease, allowing me to face fast corners and changes of direction as if the road was completely dry.

Despite weighing 1,900 kg I do not have the impression of carrying the entire office with me and having adjusted the seat as I like it, I have total visibility of what is around and the perfect control of the frame is felt under my back. Infiniti also has a huge list in terms of driving aids, going to dictate new standards for a very complete endowment that sees the updated DAS (Direct Adaptive Steering) among its main points. My eye falls on the digital display located in the middle of the analog dials of the speedometer and tachometer and I can see that fuel consumption does not differ from the 5.9 l/100km declared by the company, as long as you are kind to the gas, otherwise my 12 l/100km have been the natural result of a fairly cheerful driving day. Checkpoint at the J.M. de Sousa goldsmith laboratory to admire how precious gold and silver objects are handcrafted and we dive for a motorway run that highlights the high quality and the quietness of on board comfort, even at high speeds. The safety felt on board is total and lulled by a soft but reactive chassis I devour several kilometers without even realizing it. I think I could go back to Milan by land and be more rested than I would on a plane, but it’s not possible – not this time. It is time for lunch and after a continuous hide and seek with a shy sun, we reach Casa de Chà da Boa Nova, a modern structure a bunch of steps from the ocean, which reserves a gastronomic trip that I’ll never forget. The waves are getting more and more violent and crashing against the rocks create the perfect background for the last shots to the three Q50S, now joined by a beautiful red Q50 equipped with the powerful 3.0 twin-turbo V6 good for 400 horses. The sound of the water mixes with the seagulls, the rain peeps again and the eyes get lost again towards the horizon, sanctioning how Infiniti has again managed to accomplish an arduous mission, updating a good car and giving it that character and those qualities that I had already appreciated two years ago, but which today have been firmly confirmed and will be able to cleverly make its way in the jungle of the International market. With prices starting at € 39,900 for a base diesel version, powered by a 2.2cc engine and 170hp, I expect to see that unmistakable Infiniti nose on the road more and more. I am sure ‘bout this as I know that I would see the eye of a satisfied customer at the wheel for having finally found a good reason to choose something different from the usual cars. No matters if this road points straight to the horizon or for some magical city like Porto, because the many facets of the Q50 will make you appreciate the journey and not just the destination.