A BRAND REVIEW...INFINITI

Here is the second installment of a new feature on this blog called "A Brand Review". Today, I'll be reviewing the entire Infiniti product line for model year 2016. I did not include the upcoming Q60 nor QX30 as they are both being launched later this year as 2017 models.

Q50
Q70
QX50
QX60
QX70
QX80
_________________________________________

MODEL:                            Q50

ENGINES:                         208 hp Turbo 4-cylinder
                                          300 hp Twin Turbo V6
                                          360 hp V6 Hybrid
                                          400 hp Twin Turbo V6

STARTS AT:                     $35,000
FULLY LOADED:             $60,000

TRIM LEVELS:                 2.0t
                                          2.0t Premium
                                          3.0t Premium
                                          Hybrid Premium
                                          Sport
                                          Red Sport 400

I LIKE:                               Technology; Looks; Sport + mode
NOT SO MUCH:                4-cylinders; Fake Leather

ON THE ROAD:               Today's car manufacturer has strict gas mileage goals they are required to meet by the year 2025. I get that...I really do. Speaking for myself, if I can ever get myself to the point financially where I can afford a car in the $30-$40k range, I want more for my buck. The Q50 has lowered its starting price approx $3000 which is nice, but as a result you're sitting on fake leather and driving a turbo 4 borrowed from the Mercedes-Benz engine family but made in Mexico! That's the downside.
     The good? EVERYTHING ELSE! It's quick to respond when you need it. The hybrid has gobs of power while averaging 34-36 hwy mpg numbers and don't even get me started on how technologically advanced the Q50 is!
______________________________________

MODEL:                            Q70

ENGINES:                        330 hp V6

                                          360 hp V6 Hybrid

                                          420 hp V8

STARTS AT:                     $50,000

FULLY LOADED:             $77,000

TRIM LEVELS:                 3.7

                                          L 3.7

                                          Hybrid

                                          5.6

                                          L 5.6

I LIKE:                            V8 Muscle; Interior Space; Looks

NOT SO MUCH:             Old Technology; Not Very Refined

ON THE ROAD:              This is a difficult car to review. I would have to say I am literally on the fence regarding my opinion of the Q70. I love the L model's extra 6" of rear legroom, but hate the fact that the L feels so damn big & ponderous. I love that big V8 sound and feel and all 420 ponies it brings to the table. I hate the overall 12 mpg that comes with that same big powerful V8! I love the way the Q70 looks with the optional 20" sport wheels. I hate the harsh suspension & noisy ride you get with those 20" wheels. I could go on & on here but the gist of it is the Q70 and I have a "love-hate" relationship!

_____________________________________

MODEL:                            QX50

ENGINE:                          325 hp V6

STARTS AT:                     $36,000

FULLY LOADED:             $45,000

TRIM LEVELS:                 Base

                                          AWD

I LIKE:                               New 19" Wheels

NOT SO MUCH:                Everything Else

ON THE ROAD:               I honestly cannot fathom why this car hasn't been killed yet. 2016 marks the first significant makeover it's had since it first debuted in 2008! There is so much more I could elaborate on this outdated luxury crossover but there just isn't enough time or blog space available!

__________________________________________

MODEL:                            QX60

ENGINE:                    250 hp Supercharged 4-cyl Hybrid

                                   265 hp V6

STARTS AT:               $44,000

FULLY LOADED:       $63,000

TRIM LEVELS:           3.5

                                    Hybrid

I LIKE:                         Technology; Interior Space; Looks

NOT SO MUCH:          Hybrid Refinement; Rear Visibility

ON THE ROAD:          Overall, the QX60 is a pretty nice luxury Crossover. It's got great features, its versatile, and in my opinion gives you the most for your hard earned dollar. Stay clear of the hybrid model though. The loud and rather clunky feeling alone is not worth the price of admission.

_____________________________________________

MODEL:                            QX70

ENGINE:                     325 hp V6

STARTS AT:                $47,000

FULLY LOADED:        $60,000

TRIM LEVELS:            3.7

THUMBS UP:               Looks; Handling; Sport package

THUMBS DOWN:         This Car Needs a full Makeover!

ON THE ROAD:            See QX50 & mirror that here!

_____________________________________________

MODEL:                         QX80

ENGINE:                           400 hp V8

STARTS AT:                     $65,000

FULLY LOADED:             $90,000

TRIM LEVELS:                 Base

                                          Limited

THUMBS UP:                    Roomy; Luxurious; Competitive

THUMBS DOWN:              BIG! 16 MPG in real world driving

ON THE ROAD:                 Man is this thing big! The QX80 has been the 2nd best selling SUV in its class since 2011 when the second generation QX launched as the QX56. I have to say as big as it looks, surprisingly it doesn't drive big. It handles nicely, is very comfy, and just as luxurious overall as any Range Rover , Lexus, or Cadillac out there. One item not so hot is the gas mileage. Of course, the demographic of people buying $65,000 + SUV's probably aren't much concerned about that I would imagine.