2020 INFINITI QX50: Overview
The INFINITI QX50 was completely redesigned for the 2019 model year and voted Best Mid-Size Premium Utility Vehicle by AJAC. It became arguably the most compelling INFINITI to date with world-first technologies, standout design, enhanced interior space and an entirely new platform. For 2020, the QX50 continues to provide the highest level of versatility, efficiency and performance in luxury mid-size crossovers.
Updates for 2020, include standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ and a new-generation infotainment system with dual HD displays. In addition, a new Mocha Almond exterior colour is now available, while content and naming of several optional equipment packages has also been revised.
Safety, security and driver-assistance updates include a wide range of advanced technologies that are now standard on all grade levels: Rear Automatic Braking (replaces previous Backup Collision Intervention), Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and rear parking sensors. Traffic Sign Recognition has been added to the ProASSIST Package.
The bold exterior styling brings a fresh interpretation of INFINITI's distinctive "Powerful Elegance" design language to the crossover segment. The unrivalled interior space, artistic application of high quality materials and advanced craftsmanship make the cabin as welcoming and comfortable as it is flexible.
The VC-Turbo engine, the world's first production variable compression ratio engine, delivers driving pleasure and efficiency in equal measure, while INFINITI Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and ProPILOT Assist technologies react discreetly to certain driving situations, supporting the driver with a range of empowering driver-assist features.
Powerful Elegance design, signature INFINITI details
The INFINITI QX50 is defined by its distinctive proportions, which set the car apart from its competitors. Influenced by INFINITI's "Powerful Elegance" design language – characterized by
flowing sculptural lines and strong, muscular proportions – the 2020 QX50 has an elevated, commanding crossover stance and strong character lines.
Within this design theme, the company's signature design cues make the QX50 instantly recognizable as a modern INFINITI. For example, the INFINITI's exclusive double-arch grille gives the face of the QX50 a unique and distinguished appearance. For use with the QX50, the double- arch grille is wider with no gaps between the grille and the hood.
The QX50 features INFINITI's signature LED headlight design, which emulates the human eye in its appearance, alluring and intense when seen at a glance. The horizontal light signature cuts across the projector to make a visual statement, similar in execution to the headlamps from the INFINITI Q60 sports coupe.
The QX50's striking visual character is enhanced by a clamshell hood, presenting a strong degree of muscularity while retaining balanced body proportions. The unique hood shape facilitates the enhanced cabin proportions. A four-link hinge system has been created especially for the QX50, allowing deep, sharp-edged character lines to flow from the hood along the body. Integrating the A-pillar into this shape also makes the hood appear longer.
The QX50's sophisticated rear aspect is characterized by clean, simple lines and curves that release the visual energy built up from character lines flowing along the vehicle's sides. INFINITI's signature crescent-cut D-pillar extends the visual length of the roofline, and the rear pillar arcs forward, emphasizing motion even when the car is stationary. The design of the LED taillights matches the shape of the front headlamps. The rear light design connects visually to the chrome tailgate strip and runs into the sides of the QX50, creating an uninterrupted visual line flowing from the front to the rear of the car. Chrome dual exhaust tips, within the rear lower bumper, complete the rear appearance.
The 2020 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 (95.2) inches (cm).
Aerodynamic efficiency is another key to the QX50's design, with the drag coefficient 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 available Motion Activated Liftgate allows the keyholder to open the tailgate automatically by waving a foot under the rear bumper, enabling 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.
The QX50 is available in eight exterior colours: Majestic White (premium colour), Liquid Platinum, Graphite Shadow, Dynamic Sunstone Red (premium colour), Hermosa Blue, Lunar White, Black Obsidian and new Mocha Almond (premium colour).
A spacious, calm and connected interior
As with the exterior, the design of the QX50 interior deliberately articulates a sense of advanced human artistry. There is also a strong focus on space and functionality, with innovative packaging that creates ideal roominess and flexibility.
The interior space is highly flexible with a sliding rear bench. The cargo area is 39.0 inches (99) (cm) deep with the rear bench all the way back – increasing to 44.9 inches (114) (cm) with the seats moved forward. 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 (98) (cm)– sufficient to let rear passengers cross their legs in comfort.
The trunk's volume is 31.1) cubic feet (880.7 (litres), with the rear seats in their rear-most position, expanding to 66.4 cubic feet (1880) (litres) with the rear seats folded down. The trunk accommodates three golf bags, or a stroller situated lengthwise, with space for additional cargo. Hidden under-floor storage compartments can be used to stow valuable items or wet and muddy clothing.
The panoramic moonroof, which is standard on all models except PURE, 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 QX50's driver-centric, passenger-minded asymmetric interior design enhances the driving experience and creates a calm and connected 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 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.
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 screens can be operated with pinch-in/out operation.
The 2020 QX50 also includes a new-generation infotainment system with INFINITI InTouch™ dual HD displays with upper 8-inch and lower 7-inch VGA LCD touch screens. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are also standard on all QX50 grade levels.
The QX50 also connects users to the car with its InTouch infotainment system, allowing access to 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 addition, the Head-Up Display in the driver's line of sight shows important warnings and information on a 9-inch area on the windscreen, requiring drivers to adjust their sightline by just four degrees, compared to the 20 degrees that is typical in other vehicles. It is standard on the SENSORY grade and on the AUTOGRAPH grade.
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 it offers the ability to cool or heat the cabin before entering.
The climate control function in the 2020 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.
The optional Bose® Performance Series audio system is designed to replicate the rich sound of a live music performance. The 16-speaker system is tuned specifically for the 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 16 speakers delivers clear, natural-sounding low and high frequencies.
Specialty trim and colour combinations allow for personal expression inside the QX50. Interior package options give customers a choice of trim colours and materials. Colours 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.
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 colour 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 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 VC-Turbo
The 2020 QX50 is powered by INFINITI's 2.0-litre VC-Turbo, the world's first production variable compression ratio engine – one of the most advanced internal combustion engines ever created that won 2019 AJAC Best Green Innovation Award.
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-litre 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 it avoids knocking.
In operation, the VC-Turbo engine offers any compression ratio between 8:1 (for high performance) and 14:1 (for high efficiency). The engine delivers 268 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 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 2020 QX50 is competitively efficient and delivers fuel economy of 9.0 l/100km combined.
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-litre VQ V6 engine, the 2.0-litre 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:
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- 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
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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 QX50's 2.0-litre 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 QX50 is the only vehicle in its class to offer this kind of technology.
Intuitive ProPILOT Assist and Direct Adaptive Steering
The 2020 QX50 offers available ProPILOT Assist, as well as 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, and the driver can choose to let the car operate on his or her behalf in stop-and-go traffic. The technologies that make up the ProPILOT Assist system include Direct Adaptive Steering and Intelligent Cruise Control.
The 2020 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.
The Direct Adaptive Steering system has been tuned to provide greater customizability in the 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.
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.
Safety, security and driver-assistance updates include a wide range of advanced technologies that are now standard on all 2020 QX50 grade levels: Rear Automatic Braking (replaces previous Backup Collision Intervention), Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, High Beam Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and rear parking sensors. Traffic Sign Recognition has been added to the ProACTIVE Package.
Other available technology includes an available 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 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 QX50 even easier to park.
Additional notable safety features available to 2020 QX50 buyers include pre-crash seat belt technology, Adaptive Front lighting System 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 QX50's all-new platform provides ideal underpinnings with superior levels of space, flexibility, ride sophistication and structural integrity. The platform's front-engine, front-wheel drive 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 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 (418.9 kg). A double-rin 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.
This new generation 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 previous QX50. This rigidity allows the car to resist flex and vibrations, while also 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.
The QX50's 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.
The QX50's 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.
The QX50's 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 (1 cm) in diameter to 13.0 inches (33 cm)). The brake booster features a tie-rod system that reduces the need for higher brake pedal pressure.
The 2020 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 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 special 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.
Every 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 of the 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 2020 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 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 QX50's performance. Noise cancellation technology provides a quiet platform and enhances the engine note through the speakers, augmenting certain engine noise frequencies under acceleration.
Choice of five well-equipped grade levels
The 2020 INFINITI QX50 luxury mid-size crossover is now offered in five well-equipped grade levels
The 2020 QX50 PURE comes equipped with standard features and equipment including the 2.0- litre VC-Turbo engine, paddle shifters, 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, LED headlamps and LED signature Daytime Running Lights, leatherette seats, remote engine start, Intelligent Key, power liftgate, auto- dimming rearview mirror, INFINITI InTouch dual display system, heated outside mirrors, heated front seats, Forward Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, High Beam Assist, heated steering wheel, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Automatic Braking, rear parking sensors, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ and much more.
The QX50 ESSENTIAL model adds the power panoramic moonroof, leather-appointed seating, memory functions, LED fog lamps, roof rails, HomeLink® universal transceiver and more, INFINITI InTouch with Navigation and INFINITI InTouch Services, Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection, front parking sensors and more.
The QX50 ProASSIST model adds Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Prevention, 20-inch silver painted and machine finished wheel, Bose Performance Series audio with 16 speakers, "Ice Cube" LED headlights and more.
The new QX50 SENSORY model adds ProPILOT Assist, Lane Keep Assist, 20-inch dark painted wheels, Distance Control Assist, Blind Spot Intervention, climate-controlled seats, Tri-zone Climate Control, Head-Up Display, semi-aniline leather-appointed seating, Lane Departure Prevention, Traffic Sign Recognition, Motion Activated Liftgate, Adaptive Front lighting System and more.
Finally, the new 2020 QX50 Autograph model includes white premium grade leather-appointed seating, Seat quilting, and more.
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