Infiniti QX50 (2013 – 2017) Review
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Infiniti QX50 (2013 – 2017) At A Glance
Strong performance and good handling. Decent ride quality. Available with a V6 petrol or diesel engine. Very high standard equipment levels.
Only a handful of Infiniti dealers in the UK.
The Infiniti QX50 isn't merely a new car. It's one of a range of cars, previously unheard of in the UK, but very well known on the other side of the pond as Nissan's equivalent of Lexus - a high quality premium make that offers something different to the usual German makes.
Originally called the EX, it was one of the cars Infiniti launched with when it entered the UK with in September 2009 and is the smaller counterpart to the more striking Infiniti FX
It was initially available only as a petrol and used a detuned version of the 3.7-litre V6 engine that can also be found in the Nissan 370Z. With 320PS it's very rapid and sounds great too, but economy is a shortcoming as it only returns 25.0mpg.
What the EX desperately needed was a diesel engine. Luckily it didn't have to wait long and in July 2010 Infiniti introduced its first ever diesel - a 3.0-litre V6.
This means the QX50 now makes much more sense and its no surprise that Infiniti expects the majority of buyers to go for the diesel model.
It's refined but punchy and actually feels quicker than the petrol in everyday driving thanks to its enormous torque reserves of 550Nm. But the best bit is average fuel consumption of 33.2mpg, making it far more affordable in terms if running costs.
In terms of categorising the QX50, that's not particularly straightforward. It's more of a 'crossover' than a 4x4 and although it does have all-wheel drive a standard, this is no off-roader. It's smaller than the BMW X6 and isn't as tall as an Audi Q5.
Reviews for Infiniti QX50 (2013 – 2017)'s top 3 rivals
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Infiniti QX50 (2013 – 2017) handling and engines
- Engines range from 3.0d to 3.7
All Infiniti models share the same basic chassis and it's a platform that was designed for sports cars. As a result the QX50 handles very well with impressive body control and great cornering ability - it certainly doesn't feel like a 4x4 usually does. The steering is a touch light and has a slightly artificial feel, but it's still very precise so tackling sweeping bends is enjoyable and the car deals incredibly well with quick changes of direction thanks to impressive agility.
The all-wheel drive system means there's excellent traction too, especially noticeable when pulling away from junctions in the wet or where there's loose gravel. The QX50 manages that rare feat of being flat in corners thanks to a firm suspension set-up, but still forgiving over bumpy and uneven roads. It's very comfortable and makes for a great long distance cruiser with very little wind or road noise at higher speeds and a cossetting feel in the cabin.
Originally just one engine was available, a 3.7-litre V6 petrol with 320PS that's actually a detuned version of the unit that powers the Nissan 370Z. It's very refined and silky smooth at a sedate pace but has a great turn of pace when you want it to. Accelerating flat out from 0-62mph takes just 6.4 seconds and the V6 sounds great pulling from low down.
It can feel quite strained at higher revs though, but the advanced seven-speed automatic gearbox that comes as standard means you can make the most of the power as it delivers incredibly quick yet smooth shifts. One disappointment is that there aren't paddles on the steering wheel allowing you to change gear yourself plus the the American style foot operated manual parking brake is very effective, but a bit outdated these days.
Most people choose the diesel-powered QX50 which was introduced in July 2010 and is a very welcome addition to the range. This is Infiniti's first ever diesel engine and the good news is that it's a real gem. It's hushed on start-up but you're always aware of that underlying V6 engine note while the exhaust system has been specifically tuned for the diesel to deliver a suitable sporty sound, especially when accelerating. On paper the 235PS covers the 0-62mph spring in a respectable 7.9 seconds - that's considerably slower than an Audi Q5 3.0 TDI - but its 550Nm of torque means that in everyday driving it feels quick enough.
In-gear acceleration is punchy and it really shows its strength from 50-70mph which is a much better measure of real world acceleration. You don't need to force the gearbox to kickdown either as it's responsive and pulls very well from a high gear anyway, although having seven-speed does seem a little pointless given the torque on offer. It's good on the motorway where it settles down to around 1900rpm at 70mph so you can barely hear it as you cruise along.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0d | 33 mpg | 7.9 s | 224 g/km |
| 3.7 | 25 mpg | 6.4 s | 265 g/km |
Infiniti QX50 (2013 – 2017) interior
- Boot space is 340–1175 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4635–4645 mm |
| Width | 2043 mm |
| Height | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2800 mm |
Interior quality is an area where choosing a premium make really makes a difference. The likes of Audi and BMW manage to create sophisticated and modern interiors that are not only stylish but also user-friendly. It's not always an easy feat to manage but the QX50 is pretty close. The quality of the finish and the high grade of the materials used is immediately obvious as soon as you get behind the wheel with leather trim and high gloss finishes.
There are quite a few switches and controls which may be familiar to you if you've ever driven a modern Nissan before, but they don't detract from the high-end feel. The design isn't especially adventurous but everything is easy to find and straightforward to use, it's just slightly lacking in the cohesion and sharpness of the German makes. But comfort levels are superb and the seats are some of the best around for plushness, although a bit more side support wouldn't go amiss.
There's decent rear passenger room too, although with the front seats pushed all the way back, rear legroom is pretty restricted. Head room is generous and the boot is usefully large too. But where the QX50 really has the edge over its rivals is standard equipment. It's absolutely loaded with kit, most of which would be (expensive) optional extras on other premium makes.
Equipment levels from launch (September 2009):
QX50 models in standard form all come with six airbags (driver and front passenger airbags, front hip-thorax side airbags and front-to-rear curtain airbags), rain sensor and light sensor, an auto dimming rear view mirror, cruise control, Isofix child seat mounting points in the rear seats, front and rear parking sensors with display, CD stereo with MP3 WMA compatibility and 2GB Infiniti Music Box, USB/iPod connectivity and AUX-in RCA, Bluetooth, I-Key with smart access, boot release and smart ignition, eight-way power driver's seat, four-way power front passenger seat, driver's manual lumbar support, a multifunction steering wheel, leather steering wheel and gear shift lever, dual zone adaptive climate control, powered (up and down) 60/40 folding rear seat back rests, 18-inch eight-spoke light alloy wheels, heated and electrically folding exterior mirrors, privacy glass for rear side windows and tailgate, xenon lights with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), front fog lamps, LED rear lamps and Scratch Shield paint.
GT models add power reach and rake adjustment for steering column, leather seat facings, 10-way power driver's seat, eight-way power front passenger seat, driver's power lumbar support, memory for driver's seat, steering wheel column and door mirrors (linked to I-Key), heated driver and front passenger seats, integrated jacket hanger (on driver's seat headrest) plus tilt door mirrors while reversing.
GT Premium versions get the Lane Departure Prevention system (only with 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with full speed range and Intelligent Brake Assist, a high resolution touchscreen central display with Infiniti Controller, the Around View Monitor (AVM), a 30GB HDD navigation with Michelin guides and 3D POI content, voice recognition for navigation system, a CD/DVD reader with MP3 WMA DivX compatibility and 10GB Infiniti Music Box supported by Gracenote music database.
Infiniti QX50 (2013 – 2017) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4635–4645 mm |
| Width | 2043 mm |
| Height | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2800 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1876–1985 kg |
| Boot Space | 340–1175 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 9000–12000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £35,050–£43,480 |
| Insurance Groups | - |
| Road Tax Bands | K–M |
| Official MPG | 25.0–33.2 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Estate 3.0D V6 Auto 5dr | £35,050 | 33.2 mpg | 7.9 s |
| Estate 3.0D V6 GT Auto 5dr | £39,005 | 33.2 mpg | 7.9 s |
| Estate 3.0D V6 GT Premium Auto 5dr | £42,605 | 33.2 mpg | 7.9 s |
| Estate 3.7 V6 GT Auto 5dr | £39,880 | 25.0 mpg | 6.4 s |
| Estate 3.7 V6 GT Premium Auto 5dr | £43,480 | 25.0 mpg | 6.4 s |
Model History
- September 2009
- July 2010
- December 2010
- January 2011: EX30d Black Premium announced
- February 2011
- December 2012
September 2009
The EX was launched in the UK with every model claimed to come with a wide range of safety, convenience and luxury features. Many of these are very familiar from rival models options lists. One example is adaptive xenon headlights which turn with the steering to provide a wide spread of light around corners. The EX37 is rare in this class to include them as standard.
Infiniti is proud of its new Connectiviti information and entertainment system, also fitted to the EX37 (and GT). It comprises features from hard disk drive (HDD) music storage, CD and iPod connection to parking sensors and Bluetooth phone connection that could add many hundreds of pounds more to the price of rival models.
Many features of the EX cannot be had in rivals at any price. Scratch Shield, for example. This unique Infiniti technology ensures the bodys gloss finish remains unblemished for years thanks to an elastic resin within the top coat that fills in light scratches when exposed to heat. Another EX first in this class is the remote lowering and raising of the individual rear seat backrests highly convenient when the EX doubles up as an estate car.
Also standard is a truly special engine: a new 320bhp 3.7-litre version of the groups award-winning, petrol-fuelled V6 with Infinitis variable valve event and lift technology. In the EX37 it offers 0-62mph acceleration in just 6.4 seconds and a top speed where the law and conditions allow of 149mph. Ease of driving is assured by a hefty 360Nm of pulling power available at 5200rpm while in league with the EX37s high performance is an official combined fuel cycle figure of 25.0mpg. The engine is ahead of emissions requirements, being compliant with the Euro 5 standard. For the record, its CO2 emissions figure is 265g/km.
July 2010
The EX30d was introduced alongside the EX37 and developing 238bhp and 550Nm of torque it has the performance credentials you'd expect in an Infiniti along with a seven-speed automatic gearbox as standard. This gives it a 0-62mph time of 7.9 secs while economy is 33.2mpg.
December 2010
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system for 2011. With both audible and visual signals to alert the driver to an adjacent vehicle in the blind spot area, this valuable real-world aid further reinforces an unparalleled list of safety technologies all fitted as standard to the top-selling EX GT Premium, in either high performance petrol or diesel forms.
Blind Spot Warning joins other technologies such as Intelligent Cruise Control, Intelligent Brake Assist, Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Prevention to make Infiniti’s anti-collision Dynamic Safety Shield more complete than ever.
For the first time all the safety elements, including Lane Departure Prevention, which made its European SUV debut in the EX30d in summer 2010, will be standard on GT Premium versions of both V6 petrol and V6 diesel models, echoing the latest systems fitted to Infiniti’s just-launched executive saloon, the M.
Dynamic Safety Shield provides a “bubble” of protection all around the vehicle and works to avert risk at three levels: by informing the driver of potential hazards, by intervening to help avoid a collision, and by lessening the effects of a crash should one occur.
The new Blind Spot system helps drivers by taking some of the risk out of lane-change manoeuvres. Each time a vehicle enters the EX’s blind spot area amber lights at the base of the door mirrors start to blink. If the driver activates the indicator, showing an intention to change lanes, the lights are supplemented by a warning sound – further indication of a potentially dangerous situation.
In all other ways the 2011 version of the sports all-wheel drive crossover is just as fully equipped, potent and rewarding to drive as its predecessor – but with slightly less orange in the dashboard display. In the only design change for 2011, the needles of the twin dials and the graphics of the trip information screen now show white in a move which enhances quality, improves legibility and harmonizes interior colours.
| EX30d | £36,741 |
| EX37 | £37,047 |
| EX30d GT | £38,099 |
| EX37 GT | £38,405 |
| EX30d GT Premium | £42,547 |
| EX37 GT Premium | £42,853 |
GT Premium models feature most elements of the Dynamic Safety Shield, including the new Blind Spot Warning, every EX GT Premium model comes with leather trim, heated and electrically adjustable memory seats, Connectiviti+ hard disk drive 3D navigation and music storage with touch screen and voice recognition, Around View Monitor, Xenon cornering headlights, parking sensors, Scratch-shield paint, 18-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth mobile connectivity, dual zone climate control and electrically adjustable steering column.
January 2011
EX30d Black Premium announced
Priced £45,671, production limited to 150 units to be shared among all of Infiniti’s European markets. Each 238 PS, 550Nm torque V6 diesel-powered Black Premium offers Malbec Black paint, 19-inch five double-spoke alloy wheels, sunroof and polished aluminium roof rails. The interior has a Bose sound system, graphite leather interior and highlights of aluminium and black lacquer.
Based on the GT Premium, the Black Premium is comprehensively equipped as standard with Around View Monitor, Intelligent Cruise Control, Scratch Shield paint, cornering xenon headlamps, Lane Departure Prevention and Blind Spot Warning as well as state of the art entertainment, navigation and communication systems.
As official automotive partner to Relais & Châteaux – a unique association of more than 500 of the world’s greatest hotels and restaurants – Infiniti offers EX Black Premium owners membership, for two years, in the exclusive Relais & Châteaux Club 5C programme.
Created in 2004 as a way of sharing more of the Relais & Châteaux experience with its most loyal clients, these Relais & Châteaux “ambassadors” are looked after more like house guests than hotel customers.
Like Infiniti, the Club 5C is based on a philosophy of hospitality and in particular a passion to share some of the treasures behind the five key words – Courtesy, Charm, Character, Calm and Cuisine – at the heart of the Relais & Châteaux experience.
Each Relais & Châteaux hotel has its own individual take on offering 5C members some unique gift or “Discovery Privilege”. Thus, the 5C member might create their own, customised scent in the Galimard studio, or visit the market with the chef to select the produce for lunch that day. They might enjoy a guided tour of the grounds from the head gardener, or be privy to cultural or historical insights on the property and the surroundings from the general manager.
It is on top of what 5C members can expect in every Relais & Châteaux establishment: a VIP welcome, personalised attention from a dedicated Concierge Service and invitations to exclusive events. Just what the Infiniti customer is already used to, in other words. And of course, every 5C member on arrival benefits from a room upgrade, availability permitting.
February 2011
NCAP Advanced Award for Infiniti’s Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system – and for Infiniti's programme to include it in as many models in the range as possible. LDP helps drivers return the vehicle to its travelling lane by giving a warning and then making a dynamic intervention if an unintended departure out of that lane – through drowsiness or inattention – is likely. With lane drift resulting in a large proportion of accidents involving fatal and/or serious injuries, Infiniti predicts that around 5000 deaths a year in Europe could be prevented if LDP were fitted to every vehicle.
December 2012
Name was changed from EX to QX50 as part of the Infiniti move to simplify its range with a new naming structure.
What to watch out for
Fault occurred in speed limiter on EX30d. Set at 50mph it failed and engine stopped. Re-started okay, engine fault light showed for a day then went out, but speed limiter no longer limiting speed of car. Radar adaptive cruise control works fine. Suspect accelerator pedal throttle switch.
