Overview:
An ad campaign for the Infiniti Q45 states \”Own one and you’ll understand\”. That insightful statement is quite true for the Flagship model from Infiniti. Also true is that they are \”plain Jane\” and not real inspiring from a styling standpoint. It is very unassuming and could be mistaken for a much less expensive car.
They simply don’t grab your attention like the Cadillac STS for example. The Cad is distinctive in styling and the Infiniti is, well \”cookie cutter\”. I believe folks who spend fifty grand for a car want other folks to know that fact. But the flip side is that this unassuming design us subtle and some feel they don’t want or need showy.
That being said, I’ll modify Infiniti’s statement and say you only need to \”drive one\” to see the difference and understand. What you’ll understand is how elegant a feeling it is to drive an automobile of this quality. My racing bud Price Cobb (at Indy as I\’m writing this) says cars like this Infiniti are boring. OK Price, I’ll give you that one, but you’re a wild and crazy race driver and get high on abusing tires, engines, suspension not to mention your nerves. This Infiniti pays attention to detail and the fit of components and body pieces is among the best.
I think back on my commuter days to L.A. many years ago and I really found peace and quiet during that hour or so of my day. Most of those years I made the trek a Cadillac and the time was pre-Infiniti, (it is only in its ninth year of production). If you think about it there are only two places to really relax, and be alone…the water closet and your commute to and from the office. For me the Q45 turns an ordinary road into an extra-ordinary driving experience of comfort and convenience. For the exec who feels he deserves to pamper himself with high tech stuff, like the rear Multi-link suspension (for maximum tire contact with the road), Traction Control, (that directs the power from the wheels that are slipping to the wheels that are gripping) will likely justify the cost. The Q45 comes in two models – Standard and this Touring model with a more sporty addition of a sport-tuned suspension, 5-spoke performance cast aluminum alloy wheels, rear spoiler, black-out grille, heated front seats, a trunk mounted 6-disc CD changer, and a perforated leather-wrapped sports steering wheel.
From the outside this Q45 is soft spoken and on the inside you melt into the soft comfort and quiet performance. You’ll experience power without the noise. You can throw on some soft music, turn off the cell phone and ignore the outside world. You’re sandwiched between the two realities of the office and home, each with their own demands. You may decide to keep driving. Next stop – the twilight zone.
The Competition:
Acura RL $42,000, Audi A8 $57,400 – $65,000, BMW 5-Series $38,900- $88,900, Cadillac Seville $42,495 – $46,995, Lexus LS 400 – $52,900, Lincoln Continental $37,930, Mercedes-Benz E-Class $41,800 -$50,600
Good News:
Great ride and great safety standard features. Known for quality and workmanship.
Bad News:
Styling is a bland and unexciting.
Standard Equipment:
4.1 liter 266 Horsepower DOHC V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, speed sensitive power steering, sport tuned suspension, traction control, 4-wheel power anti-lock disc brakes, power tilt and slide sunroof, heated remote outside mirrors, leather and wood trim, 10 way power driver’s and front passenger seats with lumbar support, heated front seats, automatic temperature control, dual air bags & Front seat side air bags, 200 watt 8 speaker Bose audio system with in-dash CD and cassette plus trunk mounted 6 disc CD autochanger, power antenna, power tilt and telescopic steering column, power windows, door locks and fuel filler door, cruise control, door and trunk released, intermittent wipers, child safety rear door locks, keyless remote entry system plus security system.
Gas Stats:
18 City and 23 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP is $49,900
