2019 Infiniti QX50

The 2019 QX50’s commanding stance is aided by a choice of 19-inch or 20-inch wheels – which also adds to its sense of agility and crossover-like ruggedness. The wheels are pushed as far as possible into the corners, helping minimize the intrusion of the wheel arches into the passenger cabin on interior space. The rear overhang is just 37.48 inches.

An overall height of 66.1 inches and 8.6-inch ride height provides an elevated driver position, helping maximize visibility – with an eye-point of 50.7 inches in height affording a clear view whether driving or parking.

Aerodynamic efficiency is another key to the 2019 Infiniti QX50’s design, with the drag coefficient is improved by six percent compared to the previous-generation QX50. The hood, A-pillar, tailgate and enclosed underbody are all specially designed to encourage airflow over, around and under the vehicle, with minimal turbulence. The bumpers and wheel arches feature air slits, inlets and outlets to assist the efficient flow of air.

In addition, the center of the QX50 roof is subtly recessed towards the rear of the car, and the side spoiler (connecting the sides of the rear spoiler to the rear window) and a defined trailing edge to the rear combination lamps each contribute towards a zero lift design.

The QX50’s standard Motion Activated Liftgate allows the keyholder to open the tailgate automatically by waving a foot under the rear bumper. This allows them to open the tailgate, even when their hands might be full. The tailgate can also be opened remotely, either from the driver’s seat or by pressing a button on the key fob.

A range of nine available exterior colors allow for a high degree of personal expression: Majestic White, Liquid Platinum, Graphite Shadow, Eclipse Black, Chestnut Bronze, Dynamic Sunstone Red, Hermosa Blue, Lunar White and Black Obsidian.

A spacious, calm and connected interior

As with the exterior, the design of the Infiniti QX50 interior deliberately articulates a sense of advanced human artistry. There is also a strong focus on space and functionality, with innovative packaging creating ideal roominess and flexibility.

Utilizing the advantages of the QX50’s all-new platform, efficient packaging maximizes the amount of interior space. The body is designed to accommodate both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive drivetrains without impacting cabin space.

The enhanced interior space is made more flexible with its sliding rear bench. The cargo area is 39.0 inches deep with the rear bench all the way back – increasing to 44.9 inches with the seats moved forward. The trunk’s volume is 31.1 cubic feet, with the rear seats in their rear-most position, expanding to 64.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

As one of few vehicles in its segment to offer sliding second-row seats, the QX50 boasts rear legroom of up to 38.7 inches – sufficient to let rear passengers cross their legs in comfort.

The trunk accommodates three golf bags, or a stroller situated length-wise, with space for additional cargo. Hidden under-floor storage compartments can be used to stow valuable items, or wet and muddy clothing.

The optional panoramic moonroof stretches from the front row through to the cargo area, providing a dramatic view of the sky for all passengers. The moonroof visually enhances interior space, flooding the interior with natural light to accentuate the sense of space.

The Infiniti QX50’s driver-centric, passenger-minded asymmetric interior design enhances the driving experience and creates a calm, connected, and co-operative space. It also offers technologies that enhance the potential for relaxation and calm, creating an environment suited to the needs of driver and passengers alike.

For the driver, the high-performance steering wheel has a sport-inspired form, shaped for a comfortable grip over long distances to minimize hand fatigue while allowing the driver to feel fully in-control. Paddle shifters are mounted on the steering wheel, rather than the steering column, for ease of use. The wheel is finished in matte chrome and cross-stitched leather, while the gear shifter is also wrapped in leather and positioned for intuitive control.

As with all Infiniti models, the QX50’s interior functions have been ergonomically designed and presented to make the user experience intuitive and simple. An intuitive Human Machine Interface helps take the stress out of driving for greater comfort on longer journeys. The system adopts smartphone-style controls, and each of the two screens can be operated with pinch-in/out operation.

A four-monitor display supports the driver by showing information where it is needed, when it is needed. The monitors are positioned for quick-and-easy consumption of information while on the move. The setup includes:

• Head-Up Display in the driver’s line of sight, to show important warnings and helping the driver to react quickly. The Head-Up Display’s projector displays information on a nine-inch area on the windscreen, and requires the driver to adjust their sightline by just four degrees – compared to the 20 degrees that is typical in other vehicles
• 8.0-inch upper touchscreen in the center console, displaying essential information to the driver, including navigation instructions and system messages. Displaying this information on the upper screen enables the driver to focus their attention on the road ahead more readily.
• A separate 7.0-inch lower touchscreen, displaying apps, climate control and entertainment functions
• Instrument gauge screen between the speedometer and tachometer, displaying key driving information, safety messages and warnings, plus a real-time display of the VC-Turbo engine’s transforming power output and efficiency.

Other available technology includes an Around View Monitor (AVM), which offers a 360-degree overhead view of the space around the QX50 – displayed on the center console screen – to aid parking in tight spaces. Moving Object Detection (MOD) works in tandem with AVM to alert the driver of people or objects that move into proximity of the vehicle. Four parking sensors in each of the front and rear bumpers (eight in total) make the 2019 Infiniti QX50 even easier to park.

The climate control function in the 2019 QX50 is designed to benefit all passengers, and not just those in the front of the car. Dual-zone climate control automatically maintains the cabin temperature for driver and front passenger, while a more passenger-minded optional tri-zone automatic climate control extends temperature functions to the rear.

Heated and ventilated seats in the front, as well as a heated steering wheel, are also available. A Remote Engine Start System with Intelligent Climate Control allows the driver to start the engine remotely with the Intelligent Key, and to cool or heat the cabin before entering.

The optional Bose Performance Series audio system is designed to replicate the rich sound of a live music performance. The 17-speaker system is tuned specifically for the 2019 QX50’s interior acoustics, and the hardware underpinning the system includes an amplifier, a high-quality sound processer, tweeter speakers and a subwoofer. The Bose Performance Series delivers deep, rich and nuanced sound to the driver and all passengers – while the depth of sound provided by the 17 speakers delivers clear, natural-sounding low and high frequencies.

The 2019 Infiniti QX50 also connects users to the car with its InTouch infotainment system. InTouch allows the driver to access vehicle comfort and entertainment settings via dual screens at the center of the instrument panel.

Users can interact intuitively with InTouch, either through the dual touchscreen displays or through the Infiniti Controller, a dial on the center armrest. Occupants can also connect to InTouch via a hand-held device, meaning passengers can stream media from smartphones, tablets, MP3 players and notebooks, connecting devices with one of the four USB ports, or via Bluetooth for wireless music streaming and voice calls. Video can also be connected and played back, and InTouch can synchronize with a phone’s digital calendar. In certain markets, the InTouch system is compatible with telematics features, such as remote start and locate vehicle.

The QX50 cabin also espouses a handcrafted feel, with fine attention to detail in handling materials creating an appearance and ambience greater than the mere sum of their parts.

Specialty trim and color combinations allow for personal expression inside the 2019 QX50. Interior package options give customers a choice of trim colors and materials. Colors include Graphite, Wheat/Black, Wheat/Brown and White, with each used across a variety of surfaces, from the center console leather to other parts of the trim. Smooth leather or quilting is used for seats, with open-pore wood or aluminum adorning the dashboard, while the customer’s preferred color options are evident throughout the cabin.

Using bespoke manufacturing methods, wrap-and-sew detailing is a highlight of the handcrafted ambience. The leather on the dash is selected for its quality and is hand-wrapped over the edges of the panels. The seats, door panels and dashboard feature a laser hole-cut stitch pattern specifically tailored to follow the curves of the interior surfaces. Contrast color stitching is used on the seats, paired with three-millimeter piping for a luxury look and feel. Even items that are typically complicated to manufacture, such as the instrument panel’s wave form, use wrap and sew production methods.

Where many luxury vehicle interiors use high-gloss wood surfaces to create the perception of quality, the 2019 QX50 is finished in genuine, matt-finish open-pore maple wood. The wood is treated to retain its natural characteristics in texture and appearance, with the grain of the wood still detectable to the touch.

The world’s first production-ready VC-Turbo

The all-new 2019 Infiniti QX50 is powered by Infiniti’s new 2.0-liter VC-Turbo, the world’s first production-ready variable compression ratio engine – one of the most advanced internal combustion engines ever created.

This unique variable compression technology represents a breakthrough in combustion engine design. The engine continually transforms, adjusting its compression ratio to optimize power and fuel efficiency. As a result, it combines the power of a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with the torque and efficiency of an advanced four-cylinder diesel engine.

The VC-Turbo changes its compression ratio seamlessly with an advanced multi-link system, continuously raising or lowering the pistons’ reach to transform compression ratio – offering both power and efficiency on demand. A high compression ratio gives greater efficiency, but in certain applications poses the risk of premature combustion (knocking). A low compression ratio allows for greater power and torque, and avoids knocking.

In operation, the 2019 QX50’s VC-Turbo engine offers any compression ratio between 8:1 (for high performance) and 14:1 (for high efficiency). The engine delivers 268 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600 – 4,800 rpm. The VC-Turbo’s specific power output is higher than many competing turbocharged gasoline engines, and comes close to the performance of some V6 gasoline engines. The unit’s single-scroll turbo ensures immediate accelerator responses, on demand.

Equipped with the VC-Turbo engine, the 2019 QX50 is competitively efficient, and delivers fuel economy of 27 mpg combined for front-wheel drive and 26 mpg combined for all-wheel drive models. In front-wheel drive specification, this offers a 35-percent improvement in fuel efficiency over the previous V6 engine, while the all-wheel drive model’s 26 mpg represents a 30-percent improvement.

Other highlights of the VC-Turbo include compact packaging and weight-saving technologies. The engine block and cylinder head are cast in lightweight aluminum alloy, while the transformative multi-link components are manufactured in high-carbon steel alloy. Compared to Infiniti’s 3.5-liter VQ V6 engine, the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo weighs about 40 pounds less and requires less space in the engine bay.

The engine employs the world’s first multi-link system and an electric motor with a unique Harmonic Drive reduction gear to transform its compression ratio. The electric motor is connected to the Harmonic Drive with a control arm; as the Harmonic Drive rotates, the control shaft at the base of the engine rotates, moving the multi-link system within the engine. As the angle of the multi-link arms changes, it adjusts the top-dead-center position of the pistons – and the compression ratio with them. An eccentric control shaft changes the compression ratio of all the cylinders at the same time. As a result, the engine capacity varies between 1,997 cc (for a low 8:1 ratio) and 1,970 cc (high 14:1 ratio).

The VC-Turbo engine combines a number of existing Infiniti technologies to realize its variable nature. The engine employs both multi-point injection and gasoline direct injection to balance efficiency and power in all conditions:

• Gasoline direct injection improves combustion efficiency and performance, and enables the engine to avoid knocking at higher compression ratios
• Multi-point injection mixes fuel and air earlier, enabling complete combustion in the chamber for greater efficiency at low engine loads

The engine switches between both at regular engine speeds, with both sets of injectors able to work in conjunction under higher loads.

Infiniti’s low-friction mirror bore coating contributes to a 44-percent reduction in cylinder friction, allowing the engine to rotate more smoothly. The coating is applied to the cylinder walls by a plasma jet, then hardened and honed to create ultra-smooth cylinder walls.

The Infiniti QX50’s 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine also employs the world’s first active engine mount vibration damping system, called an Active Torque Rod, to reduce engine noise even further. The 2019 QX50 is the only vehicle in its class to offer this kind of technology.

The new VC-Turbo engine is paired with Infiniti’s new XTRONIC continuously variable transmission – a shift-by-wire system that eliminates the need for traditional gears. The CVT in the all-new 2019 QX50 results in super-smooth gear shifts and seamless power delivery. The transmission adjusts immediately under hard acceleration as the engine transforms to a lower compression ratio. A higher gearing ratio for cruising speeds matches the higher compression ratio of the engine, enhancing fuel efficiency.

The shift-by-wire transmission also enhances the 2019 Infiniti QX50’s powertrain packaging, with the fully electronic system replacing the mechanical transmission linkage, improving cabin space and allowing for a larger center armrest and center console.

New, intuitive ProPILOT Assist and Direct Adaptive Steering

The 2019 QX50 offers available ProPILOT Assist and the first crossover and first front-wheel drive application of Direct Adaptive Steering, which is now in its fourth-generation. Both technologies are key elements in Infiniti’s vision for driver assistance technologies that allow drivers to retain ultimate control over their vehicles.

ProPILOT is the umbrella term under which all future Infiniti driver assist technologies will be based and represents the first step in their development. These technologies are designed to support the driver in identifying and responding to other road users and potential hazards. Drawing on inputs from radar and camera to read the road ahead and monitor the position of vehicles in front, the system allows the car to react accordingly. The framework that underpins ProPILOT will be developed in the future with a series of new functionalities.

As the first in a potential suite of driver-assist technologies, ProPILOT Assist is designed to help the driver control acceleration, braking and steering during single-lane highway driving. ProPILOT Assist takes over single-lane driving operation at the push of a button, without the driver’s input on acceleration, braking, or steering. The driver can choose to let the car operate on his or her behalf in stop-start traffic. The technologies that make up the ProPILOT Assist system include Direct Adaptive Steering and Intelligent Cruise Control.

The all-new 2019 QX50 offers two adaptive steering systems: rack-electric power steering and the fourth-generation version of Infiniti’s Direct Adaptive Steering – a steer-by-wire system that supports driver assist technologies by providing smooth operation, allowing for more direct steering responses and easy maneuverability.

Direct Adaptive Steering replaces a mechanical steering column with high-speed electric motors and sensors, with the steering instead controlled and enhanced digitally. The system places the driver in total command, and is key in realizing the 2019 Infiniti QX50’s ProPILOT Assist functions.

The Direct Adaptive Steering system has been tuned to provide greater customizability in the all-new QX50, with less negative steering and road surface feedback. The electronic connection gives the driver instantaneous steering responses, for a linear and secure driving experience.

Different driving modes can be selected to adapt steering responses and steering effort. This means the 2019 QX50 can track straight and true at a steady highway cruise, with minimal steering input required for a relaxing drive. It can then enhance the car’s handling upon request, empowering the driver to steer more quickly and accurately than a conventional steering system.

Direct Adaptive Steering works with ProPILOT Assist to enable a range of single-lane driver assistance functions. The steer-by-wire system links with the driver assistance function to provide intelligent lane-keeping when driving in a straight line and through curves, while offering drivers precise, high-feedback steering with ProPILOT Assist turned off.

The rack-electric power steering system is a rack-and-pinion configuration, supported by an electric motor. It offers a natural build-up in the level of steering effort required from the driver as speeds increase, while enabling measured and linear steering responses at low steering angles.

Both steering systems are adaptive, empowering drivers to tailor steering characteristics to their individual preferences via the Drive Mode Selector.

Additional technologies are also available with the 2019 Infiniti QX50, including: Distance Control Assist; Back-up Collision Intervention; Predictive Forward Collision Warning; Blind Spot Warning and Intervention; Lane Departure Warning and Prevention; and Forward Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection. Other notable safety features available to 2019 QX50 buyers include pre-crash seat belt technology, adaptive front lighting with high beam assist, a tire inflation indicator, and lighter steering for certain parking situations.

An all-new platform, advanced all-wheel drive technology

The 2019 QX50’s all-new platform provides ideal underpinnings, providing superior levels of space, flexibility, ride sophistication and structural integrity. The platform’s front-engine, front-wheel drive (FF) layout is engineered with flexibility of application in mind, setting new standards for refinement, rigidity and interior space in the compact luxury crossover segment.

The all-new QX50’s body-mass index (the body shell’s ratio of weight-to-size) is one of the best in the segment. The body-in-white is large but lightweight, weighing just 923.7 lbs. A double-ring structure provides the body shell with a naturally strong frame, in particular reinforcing the rear of the car and the area around the tailgate, contributing to ideal rigidity.

The 2019 Infiniti QX50 also represents the first automotive use of SHF (Super High Formability) 980 MPa high-tensile steel, further strengthening the all-new platform. The high-tensile material can be molded into unprecedented shapes, saving weight and representing a torsional rigidity improvement of 23 percent over the current QX50. This rigidity allows the car to resist flex and vibrations, while reducing the noise transmitted to the cabin.

In addition to reducing flex and body vibrations, the high rigidity body provides a stable base for the QX50’s front and rear suspension systems, steering and brakes to perform optimally and provide the driver with greater control.

An all-new MacPherson strut front suspension system delivers immediate responses during spirited driving, with geometry set up to also provide high levels of straight-line stability and ride sophistication. Early suspension prototype components were modeled and validated with 3-D printing, the first time Infiniti has used the technology. 3-D printing enabled the rapid creation of new parts, reducing the complexity of development.

The 2019 Infiniti QX50’s new damping control system maximizes body control and ensures a comfortable ride by isolating vibrations and reducing unwanted body motions. The system, fitted to the struts, uses a floating valve in the dampers. It is tuned to provide greater control and reduce the level of elasticity in driver inputs – the lurching delay between the driver turning the wheel and the car reacting – while enabling a greater degree of compliance and shock absorption at wheel level. Under cornering, the valve adds greater damping force to reduce body roll and aid immediate handling responses. At steady straight-line speeds, a reduced level of damping force aids cruising comfort.

An all-new braking system is engineered to deliver comfort and responsiveness, and provide confident braking in all conditions. Ventilated disc brakes are fitted on both axles, with larger front brakes than the previous generation QX50 (growing 0.4 inches in diameter to 13.0 inches). The brake booster is newly designed, featuring a tie-rod system that reduces the need for higher brake pedal pressure.

The 2019 QX50 offers a choice of 19-inch wheels with 235/55R19 tires or 20-inch wheels with 255/45R20 tires. The run-flat tires strike a balance between design, practicality and refinement. The application of run-flats enables the fitment of low-profile tires around the 20-inch wheels, while special reinforced rubber sidewalls allow the tires to work with reduced air pressure for up to 93 miles.

Customers can specify their all-new QX50 with either Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or the standard front-wheel drive (FWD) drivetrain.

The optional Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system offers all-season safety, providing optimal handling performance and maximum driver confidence in variable conditions. The drivetrain offers two-wheel drive efficiency, with all-wheel traction when the driver requires it. The AWD drivetrain constantly monitors traction levels and wheel spin and can send up to 50 percent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels to maintain traction. If the extra rear-wheel traction isn’t required, the drivetrain defaults to front-wheel drive for maximum efficiency. When accelerating from a standstill, the system automatically reverts to AWD power delivery, with a 50:50 front-to-rear torque split.

The AWD system also features two new elements to its Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system. Active Brake Limited Slip enables wheels to brake individually and isolate the delivery of torque to those wheels with the most grip. Active Trace Control provides braking to individual wheels to limit understeer when cornering.

The front-wheel drive system is engineered to deliver the same handling characteristics under most conditions as AWD models. The FWD drivetrain constantly monitors traction levels at the front axle and keeps wheel spin in check. FWD models are equipped with VDC as standard, offering the same Active Trace Control system as AWD models, to ensure confidence-inspiring handling. The rear suspension is revised to accommodate the lighter weight over the rear axle.

Every 2019 Infiniti QX50 is also equipped with an advanced Drive Mode Selector, which allows the driver to select the driving mode that best suits his or her preferences and present road conditions by adjusting engine torque output, transmission shift points, steering ratios and steering effort in each four drive modes -Standard, ECO, Sport and Personal.

Standard is suitable for every-day driving, while Sport mode enables more immediate throttle responses, and adjusts the engine output to deliver higher power and torque. Personal mode empowers drivers to pick their own settings. The engine and transmission can be set to Sport, ECO or Standard settings, while steering effort can be set to Sport or Standard. Furthermore, owners of Direct Adaptive Steering equipped models can tailor steering responses to Default, Dynamic or Dynamic+, with Dynamic+ offering the most immediate reactions to driver inputs. The Drive Mode Selector gives drivers of all models the option to turn off Active Trace Control.

The 2019 QX50 also features a pair of active sound control technologies: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Active Sound Enhancement (ASE). ANC reduces noise to give the 2019 QX50 one of the quietest cabins in its class. It uses two microphones to identify undesirable low-frequency engine noise (booming), then neutralizes it by playing opposing sound waves through the door speakers.

ASE adds to the driving experience by enhancing the sound of the Infiniti QX50’s performance. Noise cancellation technology provides a quiet platform from which to build up a more pleasant range of sounds in the cabin. ASE enhances the engine note through the speakers, augmenting certain engine noise frequencies under acceleration. The technology provides an acceleration sound that matches the driver’s intentions for and expectations of the engine.

Choice of three well-equipped grade levels

The 2019 Infiniti QX50 luxury mid-size crossover is offered in three well-equipped grade levels and in a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The QX50 PURE comes equipped with standard features and equipment including the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine, paddle shifters, 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, LED headlamps and LED signature Daytime Running Lights, leatherette-appointed seats, Intelligent Key, power liftgate, Infiniti InTouch dual display system, Forward Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, Predictive Forward Collision Warning and much more.

The Infiniti QX50 LUXE model adds the power panoramic moonroof, LED fog lamps, Blind Spot Warning and more. The 2019 QX50 ESSENTIAL model includes leather-appointed seating, Infiniti InTouch with Navigation and Infiniti InTouch Services, Around View Monitor, Moving Object Detection, remote engine start, heated outside mirrors, tri-zone automatic climate control and more.

Also available are a number of special option packages, including the Premium Audio Package with Bose® Performance Series premium audio and 17 speakers; the ProAssist Package; the ProACTIVE Package with ProPILOT Assist and Direct Adaptive Steering; the Autograph Package with white premium grade leather-appointed seating; and the Sensory Package with unique cube design LED headlamps, Adaptive Front lighting System, natural Maple wood interior trim, and black Ultrasuede trim accents

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