Infiniti Q50 to face off BMW 3-Series

The Q50 sedan was revealed at the Detroit motor show this week and is a milestone car for Nissan’s luxury brand, with a new look and new naming structure that brings a Q prefix to all Infiniti models.

That means the just-launched G37 coupe and convertible will be renamed as the Q60 when they are replaced next year. Likewise, the next version of the M sedan will be rebadged as a Q70 and the FX SUV will become the QX70.

Infiniti Australia has yet to confirm powertrains for the Q50 but the US launch included the familiar 3.7-litre V6 tweaked to produce 245kW and the potent 3.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid that now drives the M35h and delivers 220kW from the engine and 50kW from the electric motor.

US buyers will be able to choose from rear or all-wheel drive and all versions use the slick seven-speed auto transmission already in use across the Infiniti range.

The Q50 adopts a range of innovations, with a customisable digital display, active lane control and direct adaptive steering. The steering system provides independent control of the tyre angle and steering inputs, which Infiniti says transmits “the driver's intentions to the wheels faster than a mechanical system”.

Four different modes are available, which change steering effort and the steering gear ratio. A back-up mechanical system is included. The wheels are suspended by a double wishbone set-up at the front and a multi-link rear.

Active lane control is based on the lane departure warning system but automatically makes minor steering adjustments to compensate for road camber or crosswinds.

The exterior style changes are highlighted by the wraparound headlamps, accented by a top row of LED daytime running lights. The interior includes a dual touch-screen that is operated by hand gestures and a claimed class-leading boot capacity.

Infiniti president Johan de Nysschen says the car propels the brand in a new direction. "We have new technologies that embrace the way people live today – seamless connectivity and personalization everywhere they go, including while in their cars, with an optimized human-machine interface for ease of use," said de Nysschen.