Test drive Infiniti Q50S Hybrid vs Lexus GS 450h
With the new Q50, Infiniti wants to offer its customers an extremely dynamic midsize sedan. But with almost the same 350 hp. and the Lexus GS 450h has a corresponding temperament. Which of the two hybrid models will perform better overall?
It took a while for the hybrid to emerge from its green niche and become a fighter for a better world. Motorsport has become an image catapult for this. It is true that Formula 1 fans are not particularly fond of the immersive sound of smaller engines, but it is true that hybrid systems have taken their place in the royal class. Infiniti, Nissan's luxury brand and in this line is directly linked technologically and with Renault, is also part of this game. However, the French supplied motorcycles to Red Bull, Infiniti sponsored Red Bull and promoted its brand widely with the help of Sebastian Vettel.
Toyota pioneered hybrid systems and made life hard for Porsche and Audi in marathon racing (well, after all, Le Mans was everything to Audi) with their 1000 hp hybrid monsters. and demonstrates quite clearly that he can do one thing (motorsport) without it at the expense of the other (mind and efficiency).
If we stick to this line of thought, we come to two of our test cars, which seem like a smart solution from an environmental point of view. Sedans four-door, 4,80 meters long, rear-wheel drive, hybrid drive. It sounds so rational, but also effective ...
At the same time, the economical four-cylinder reduction unit does not fit under the hood. No, there is a place for purebred naturally aspirated V6 engines with a displacement of 3,5 liters and an output of about 300 hp, which, in combination with electric motors, reach a system power of 364 (Infiniti) and 354 (Lexus) hp. In this way, pedaling is logically reinforced with an abundance of power, which in Infiniti creates a unique subjective experience due to the significantly higher overall torque. While Lexus offers 352 Nm, Infiniti delivers 546 Nm - a lot for a rear-wheel drive car. Of course, this is fixable, because in the list of options for the Q50 there is the possibility of ordering a double gear. Well, at least on dry pavement, you rarely miss front-wheel drive, and even without it, the Infiniti sprints to 100 km/h in just 5,8 seconds. In this regard, it is a second ahead of Lexus. It's also nice that with the accelerator pedal fully depressed, the electronics shift gears only at 7000 rpm. Of course, such flirting has its price.
Lexus, on the other hand, relies on a well-proven technology ensemble with a planetary gear that doesn't provide such a direct feel. When accelerating, the engine emits a monotonous sound and the increase in speed does not match the increase in speed. With wide open throttle at 160 km / h, the Lexus drive accelerates sharper than the Infiniti, but remains at a constant 6000 RPM. It feels like the clutch (if any) is starting to slip.
So far, with manifestations of complete power. When it comes to regular part-time driving, Lexus is definitely recovering its sympathies and attitudes, confidently earning points. However, the Infiniti engine also operates in a balanced manner and its sound is made even softer thanks to anti-sound generation technology in the audio system. The propulsion system wants to play a complex ballet with two clutches (one between the engine and the gearbox and one behind it), the function of which is to synchronize the operation of the various blocks (the first) and buffering shocks (the second). However, after a morning start and when switching from purely electric or conventional traction to driving with an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, the transmission actions become (especially with cruise control on) not very discrete, and even with small speed adjustments, clear jolts appear. The car gives the impression of being driven by a clumsy driver who cannot calmly keep his foot on the gas. With Lexus, things are more harmonious, although in electric mode it remains only at speeds for city traffic, and with Infiniti, with very careful handling of the accelerator pedal, this can occur above 100 km / h.
This is where Lexus' years of hybrid experience comes into play, which is an advantage when it comes to braking – the GS 450h's braking action is nice and measured, while the Q50's clear actuation point is lost. The feel of the Infiniti is strange and synthetic, with no obvious pedal hardening, and the adjustment when shifting from regenerative braking to standard requires more precision. This has nothing to do with the hybrid system, a problem with the Q50, which otherwise stops well when it slows down on surfaces with different traction (see inset).
Otherwise, Infiniti's sporty chassis matches well with dynamic steering. The Q50 moves with bait, takes corners more willingly than the Lexus, whose four-wheel steering system is primarily for greater driving stability. It is a pity that the otherwise innovative Q50 steering (which is electrically activated without direct transmission of mechanical force from the steering wheel and only in emergency situations is such a connection created) is actually just a technical toy with no particular advantages. It changes the gear ratio and the degree of steering effort, but this is sometimes surprising and can overwhelm the pleasure of cornering. The Lexus travels confidently and reliably to the borderline, where there is already a tendency to understeer. Infiniti, on the other hand, wants to rewind due to the loss of traction on the rear axle.
Danger? Nothing special. In both cars, the stability control systems work precisely and flawlessly and continue to act on the brakes even when the front wheels are already straight again. Both models aren't ambitious sports cars, and the sporty driving setup reduces comfort significantly, especially with the Infiniti, which starts to transmit vibrations right on bad roads. Both cars are good mid-range sedans for technophiles who like to adapt and figure things out, and sometimes spend days looking for an explanation for a phenomenon. When it comes to settings or control of functions, both the GS 450h and the Q50 Hybrid cannot boast of particularly brilliant qualities.
Otherwise, the interior welcomes you with cramped seating as well as high quality materials and workmanship. Lexus offers more rear seat space and more rear luggage space (482 versus 400 liters) is certainly an added value, while Infiniti's integrated split rear seats are unlikely to interest anyone.
The tested Q50S hybrid costs about 20 euros less than the GS 000h F-Sport, which is, however, much better equipped. The increased price also includes the greater maturity of an established character who knows what he's capable of. Infiniti continues to overlook details when it comes to precision drive and chassis. Didn't Sebastian Vettel have enough time to fine tune? Maybe not, because there is still too much work to do at Red Bull.
1 LexusThe GS 450h is a beautiful car with character that offers comfort in everyday life. Its power is distributed evenly and is suitable for a balanced suspension. A private car that really offers a lot.
2. InfiniteThe Q50 Hybrid is a dynamic, dynamic and ambitious car, but the rigid chassis, boost and inharmonious steering still require fine tuning.
Brake test reveals some safety flaws
Infiniti needs to improve its μ-split braking behavior
The Infiniti Q50 is showing serious problems with extreme slowdowns on surfaces with different grip, which will cause the software of all models to change soon.
Stopping on sidewalks with different grip on the left and right is not a common occurrence only in winter. This can happen, for example, when stopping on asphalt and wet grass. In recent years, designers have been able to achieve the necessary compromise between braking action and trajectory stability. These parameters are measured by auto motor und sport in the obligatory μ-split test. Performed by stopping at a speed of 100 km / h on wet surfaces with different grip. In this case, the Infiniti ABS system fully opens the brakes, and the electronic system goes into emergency mode. On subsequent attempts to stop, the wheels of the car are blocked, the car becomes uncontrollable and leaves for the test track. Infiniti attributes this to the big difference in grip between the two surfaces. In subsequent tests, the car was equipped with new software, and although the braking distance was increased, there were practically no problems. The Japanese company assures that in the coming months the new software will be installed on all Q50 Hybrid models.
On the first stop on wet asphalt (left) and wet slabs (right), the Q50 Hybrid stops too weak, and on the second stop, the wheels are locked (the system goes into emergency mode) and the car spins uncontrollably. The modified Infiniti software installed on the test vehicle results in better behavior when the vehicle is stopped and remains stable.
Text: Michael Harnishfeger
Photo: Hans-Dieter Zeifert
