This is the Infiniti Q50 S Hybrid – the petrol-electric yin to the Q50 2.2-litre diesel’s yang. We tried the oil-burning version of Infiniti’s 3-series andC-class
fighter late last year, and though its avant-garde design (inside and
out) impressed, the lack of refinement and below-par dynamics left us
underwhelmed. So this hybrid version is going to have to be something
pretty special to make its mark.
Just how trick is the Infiniti Q50 S Hybrid AWD’s powertrain?
This is the all-wheel drive Q50 S Hybrid. Though you can buy a
rear-drive model for bang-on £40,000, Infiniti will sell you this model
to compete with Audi’s Quattro-drive and BMW xDrive models. It marks the peak of the swelling Q50 family, and you’ll pay an additional £1625 for the privilege.
Adaptive all-wheel drive is just the tip of the tech iceberg: the
hybrid drivetrain is a generous-displacement job, 3.5-litres of
naturally aspirated V6 teamed with an electric motor for a combined
358bhp and 403lb ft. Strong numbers, especially once you consider 199lb
ft is available from standstill, thanks to the electric motor’s instant
torque. Infiniti claims the powertrain, when specced with all-wheel
drive and its 76kg weight penalty, will return 41.5mpg, while the
part-electric power means its CO2 output is a commendable 159g/km.
So it’s BMW 335d power for 320d running costs?
Not quite. For almost identical money, you can bag yourself a BMW
335d xDrive, which claims 52.3mpg for 143g/km and a brisker 0-62mph time
of 4.8sec. You still can’t argue with the Infiniti’s performance
figures: despite its 1825kg kerbweight, the Q50 S Hybrid hits 62mph in a
claimed 5.4sec (against 5.1sec for the rear-drive version), accompanied
by a throaty V6 backing track. That sporty growl doesn’t mean it lacks
refinement – the cabin’s well insulated from both the outside world and
the mechanical performance going on around you, such as the seven-speed
automatic’s smooth gearchanges. Yet when asked to give its all, the
155mph Q50 S Hybrid goes as a £42k sports saloon should.
Sounds like a pretty handy powertrain
It’s handy on a motorway, less so in town. Unfortunately, this car is
less convincing at everyday speeds, shunting along in traffic due to
its perky throttle. The switch between pure electric and internal
combustion power isn’t seamless, either, with the Q50’s powertrain tying
itself in knots resulting in a yet more unwanted doses of abrupt
acceleration. It’s the same story when slowing down. Despite four-piston
brakes and 355mm front discs, the amount of resistance provided by the
regenerative braking gubbins varies, making smooth speed trimming a bit
hit-and-miss and hardly confidence inspiring.
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