2014 Infiniti Q50S AWD Hybrid Long Term Test Initial Impressions

2014 Infiniti Q50S AWD Hybrid (Image courtesy of Amy Stitt)

We recently took possession of a 2014 Infiniti Q50S AWD Hybrid that we'll be using as a long-term test vehicle. This has been a vehicle we've had an interest in for quite some time as it has an amazing blend of drivetrain, safety, and infotainment options available in a pretty competitive premium sports sedan segment.We liked the Q50 so much we named it, the Q50S AWD Hybrid in particular, our 2014 Premium Segment Geekiest Car of the Year. This particular combination of Q50S, all-wheel drive, and hybrid is pretty rare in the Q50S lineup too. With 10 different base combinations available between Q50 Premium, Q50 Sport, rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and 3.7L V6 or 3.5L V6 Hybrid configurations, our vehicle represents a very capable yet interestingly complex drivetrain and chassis layout.

Q50 Hybrid models have a 360hp (combined) 3.5L V6 and 50kW electric motor (Image courtesy of Amy Stitt)

Our journey first started at Smith Infiniti of Huntsville where we were greeted by salesman Ryan, who led us right to the this specific model we came to look at. Although we already knew a great deal about the Q50 lineup, Ryan was more than happy to go over some details in person we still had some questions on, and he was well versed in all aspects of the Q50 lineup. Ryan was very knowledgeable, passionate about the Infiniti brand, and engaging without being patronizing. Something we find rare in a lot of salesmen, at least in our area. After getting some figures we went on our way to double check our Vehiblog budget and our insurance costs. Several days later we emailed Ryan with a best and final offer and were quickly contacted with a mutually agreeable deal. We showed up several hours later and the car was already waiting for us outside for one final inspection and test drive before we signed paperwork. Here's where things go from good to great. We go inside to sign all the paperwork and it only took *minutes*. There was no back and forth last minute surprises, or high pressure, well anything. While there were some optional protection packages we were offered, they were not pushed on us and one polite "no thank you" was all it took for us to wrap everything up. The test drive was probably twice as long as the actual paperwork process and it was a pretty short drive. As we finished up the paperwork, the finance manager gave me one more form to sign. A "We Owe" slip to signify anything outstanding the dealer is required to perform. On it was written "1st oil change on us along with a lifetime of excellent service." That was probably the first time we've ever gotten warm fuzzies in a finance managers office in a car dealer! It was a subtle yet simultaneously powerful statement that really put this initial car buying/leasing experience light-years above anything else we've ever experienced.

Things that make you go "awwwwwwwwwwww"

After we wrapped up the paperwork, our salesman Ryan took us back out to the car to help with the car/phone Bluetooth integration and go over more settings and features in the drivetrain, climate control, and infotainment systems. Then...

...a quick photo in front of the dealer... (Image courtesy of Smith Infiniti)

...we officially took position of a 2014 Infiniti Q50S AWD Hybrid with a Graphite Shadow exterior, and a Stone leather interior. Interesting note, despite the rare drivetrain option this model did not come with the Deluxe Technology Package or the Navigation Package. While we would have liked the extra options to evaluate, deep down we're still drivers and figure this unique drivetrain is more than enough to evaluate over the next 39 months.

Our 2014 Q50S Hybrid AWD Window Sticker

We then received a full tank of premium fuel, and we were sent on our way.

(Image courtesy of Amy Stitt)

Initial impressions are very positive. This car definitely has a Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde persona. Around neighborhoods in Standard or ECO modes, and even with cruise control on, up to ~50mph or so, that we have observed, this car will run on just the battery and electric motor for a decent amount of time, even with the lights, HVAC, and stereo going. However, put the drive selector into Sport mode and you can really unleash a beast with a combined 360hp gas/electric motor with 472lb-ft combined torque (258lb-ft engine + 214lb-ft electric). Combined with the 7 speed automatic and the intelligent all-wheel drive system, this car launches hard from a dead stop and can quickly find the right gear if extra thrust is needed when you're already rolling. Look for performance times and fuel economy numbers in upcoming articles as we rack some more miles up on the car.

Inside the car there is also a lot going on. With two touch screens in the center and a third screen between the driver gauges, there is an enormous amount of information that can be displayed or customized either through the steering wheel, touch screens, or more traditional buttons laid out in the cockpit. We'll save most of this for additional articles as well but we were able to easily access basic HVAC, audio, and phone controls without having to consult with the owners manuals.

One of the first things we've noticed, that others have commented on as well, is the slightly inconsistent brake feel with the regenerative braking. This car, being the sport model, has pretty large 14" 4-piston calipers in the front and 13.8" 2-piston calipers in the rear and depending on the vehicle speed and drive modes you're not quite sure how firm the pedal's going to be when you go to stop. Just to be clear the brakes don't feel unsafe, it's just you have a wide range of pedal feels from "normal" to firm to rock hard, and initially we've had a tough time trying to anticipate which pedal we'll get every time we go to brake.

The Q50 is also the first production car to have fly-by-wire steering, which we covered in an article last year. So far we have not had any issues with the Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS), which has gotten mixed reviews. The only observation is that there are a number of driver selectable steering firmness/ settings which seem a bit overkill. Computers are much faster and smarter than people, for the most part, so leaving the settings to the computer to figure, out depending on drive-mode and speed, should be more than adequate and have one less thing for obsessive-compulsive drivers to need to fiddle with. With any new technology like this there will be a period of getting adjusted. Just because it's different doesn't mean its bad. So far it seems to do a good job of giving us the feedback we want while hiding some of the road irregularities we don't.

Small quirks aside this is an amazingly capable car that really stands out in a sea of impressive premium sports sedans. We'll have more photos, videos, and detailed reviews of various aspects of the car in upcoming feature articles so stay tuned!

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(Image courtesy of Amy Stitt)