CHICAGO AUTO SHOW: Take II! Another Look At Infiniti's All-New Q50

Infiniti's bread-and-butter product is the G-Series but as we've seen it age from a crowd pleaser to an also ran, the Japanese marque knew it was time to give it a proper update. Though it's not the first time we're seeing the all-new Q50, the 2013 Chicago Auto Show gave the Agents another chance to take a look at it.

In this lighting I have to say it appears that Infiniti did a pretty nice job on this product. Several elements I particularly find attractive on the Q50: 1) I think the creases on the hood, which are integrated into the front grille, is a real nice detail, 2) The sculpted rear fender shoulder line that starts in the middle of the rear doors is a nice touch, and 3) I am digging its proportions — short front/rear overhangs.

For me, the major sticking point is its interior that doesn't seem to grab me.

Otherwise, with reports coming in that it will receive a hybrid variant, a four-cylinder turbocharged motor, plus a diesel abroad, it could be a competitive product out of the gate.

Really though it's just a shame Infiniti didn't update the six-cylinder powerplant that's carried over from the G37. Seems like a missed opportunity to me.


Stay tuned to AutoSpies.com for the BEST auto show photos coming to you straight from Chicago!


Chicago Auto Show Photo Gallery
















**Special thanks to Nissan for providing accommodations and transportation for the 2013 Chicago Auto Show

autobroker - 2/9/2013 9:16:44 AM

+1 Boost

I completely agree on your negative comment on the interior. While the quality of materials may be ok for the segment, and better layout and quality than the current car, which isn't saying much, to me, the new car layout (which you can't see in the above photos but you can in others) looks near identical to the Hyundai Sonata. The center stack looks almost identical. It's funny, I thought when Hyundai came out with their Navi units, the way the control shelf was under the screen, it reminded me of Infiniti's layout. Now I'm seeing Infiniti copy Hyundai Sonata's design layout which is puzzling. The center vents look the same, almost everything. That's the downer as it doesn't look too luxurious. Looks like any mid-size sedan now. The exterior looks good. A nice modern evolution of the previous model.

nisslover - 2/12/2013 11:58:12 AM

+1 Boost

So... let me get this straight. It was clear Hyundai copied Infiniti's interior design language with the current Sonata, yet now that Infiniti decided to stay their ground and stay true to THEIR interior design language, they're the one ripping Hyundai? That makes no sense to me. The interior is true to Infiniti's latest interiors. It is a very good mix of the current G, FX and M all in one. The rip off here is CLEARLY Hyundai, which I have no shame in supporting, otherwise because I do like their latest cars. But they blatantly copied Infiniti with the Sonatas interior and should be the one labeled a "copy cat".

curriescorner - 2/9/2013 10:11:52 AM

+1 Boost

" . . . it 'could be' a competitive product out of the gate"

With some luck I guess it could be since the previous G's have struggled in this segement. lol

Agent00R - 2/9/2013 12:38:49 PM

+2 Boost

If this turbo four-cylinder comes out and it's priced $3-4,000 CHEAPER than a 3-Series, you'll see people go for it.

And I disagree, I'd say the G had its heyday several years ago when the G37 first debuted. Tons of them in the northeast.

dlin - 2/11/2013 3:21:28 PM

+1 Boost

Not too mention this car in fact looks nicer than 3 and new IS, and the built quality/durability will be better than 3, but may not be as good as IS.

nisslover - 2/12/2013 12:01:12 PM

+1 Boost

The is the #3 selling car in this class even in its old age... not the definition of struggling to me...

cidflekken - 2/9/2013 2:21:22 PM

+1 Boost

I want so badly to love this car's design. The front end is gorgeously aggressive. The rear fender sweep lines are gorgeous. The rear looks aggressive.

Then I get to that C-pillar and the C-pillar crease, and I shake my head. Then i also remember the interior and how Cadillac-y is it, and I shake my head again. Deal breakers for me.

Agent00R - 2/9/2013 5:34:22 PM

+1 Boost

The C-Pillar is tough to get over but I kind of enjoy the "reverse kink" because it is different from what everyone else is doing.

Not sure if it works on this vehicle yet but it worked on the Essence concept.

iamdabest1 - 2/9/2013 10:15:14 PM

0 Boost

sorry but to me this car tarnishes the Q45 name...

dayday - 2/10/2013 1:17:30 AM

+1 Boost

The interior is really BAD.
Looks Hyundai and Subaru ish.

Agent00R - 2/10/2013 4:43:58 PM

+1 Boost

While it may LOOK bad, I am interested in the construction and if its high quality.

85bmw745i - 2/10/2013 9:24:46 PM

+1 Boost

All I can say is why the hell did Infinity change up all this naming. They say to make it simple but, in fact, it has made it more complicated. G25 for the 4 cyl turbo and Gxx for the V6 would be much simpler, considering Q was their flagship. Now that everything is Q this, Q that, on paper, it looks like multiple versions of their flagship sedan.

M35MT - 2/11/2013 3:48:40 PM

+1 Boost

Their only rationale that made any sense was the fact that their new flagship M could have a 3.0L engine in it - which means it would be an "M30" - a lower number than M56 thus perceived as less of a car.

Then you have the average consumer factor. The family that walks into the showroom with 50-60k to plunk down on a luxury SUV that has seen "cool looking" Infiniti SUV's (probably FX's) on the road, but doesnt know which is which..."oh, you have 3 kids? The new JX is right over here, miss..."

M35MT - 2/11/2013 3:50:19 PM

+1 Boost

Hopefully those wheels make it to the production model, some of the best I've seen on any Infiniti.