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Infiniti Q50 S Hybrid car review – attention all Audi A4 and 3 Series drivers

Here’s a refreshing change in the executive car market. A different look from the more familiar execs, and in this hybrid form, rip-roaring performance combined with impressive economy.
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14 October 2013

Infiniti_Q50_car_review
Underneath all the technology is a well made car and since the diesels models don’t have all the technology, that sounds like a good reason for company car drivers to check out the diesels

Business Car Manager car review verdict

Residual forecaster CAP suggest that residual values – the car’s secondhand worth – will be improved over previous Infinitis, retaining as much as 35% over three years, reducing lease costs slightly (though they’re not out yet).

There’s no doubt therefore that the hybrid provides a lot of bang, albeit for quite a lot of buck. Given that, does the Q50 make sense?

For the most part, yes.

Infiniti_Q50_car_review
The Q50 is a worthy alternative to the usual premium suspects whether you go the low tax diesel route, or try the hybrid’s mix of performance and economy

Don’t be put off by the steer by wire technology – should it go wrong, there’s a failsafe mechanical link that will take over – as it really does take away a lot of the ‘noise’ that’s transmitted from the road to the wheel while letting you know his much grip you have and what the wheels are doing.

It loses its edge though when combined with the optional Safety Shield pack, where the myriad different systems end up interfering just too much, leading you to fight the car rather than work with it. Finding the Q50 adjusting my line mid corner found me reaching for the off button pretty quickly.

The fear was that these systems were masking a poor car, but underneath it all is a finely balanced vehicle that is as happy on a long motorway cruise as it is being hustled through the twisty bits.

Fortunately neither the steer-by-wire nor Safety Shield is standard on the diesel SE or Luxury models, so company car drivers should head towards this model for an enjoyable car, impressive economy and a lower company car tax bill.

Business owners, though, will no doubt be tempted by the hybrid’s high performance and economy balance.

 

The Low Down…

Doors and body style  4-door saloon
Engine/gearbox  3.5 litre V6 petrol hybrid/7-speed auto
CO2 Emissions  144g/km
Economy  45.6mpg
Power/torque  364PS/546Nm
0-62mph/top speed  5.1secs/155mph (limited)
Insurance group  N/A

…and what it costs

P11D Value  £40,000 (as tested)
Monthly business rental (ex VAT)  N/A
Road tax (VED)  Band F
Company Car Tax Bands 2013/14 to 2015/16  20%, 21%, 23%
Benefit in kind 2013/14 to 2015/16  £8000, £8400, £9200
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (20%)  £844/£70
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (40%)  £1688/£141
Annual/monthly company car tax (20%)  £1600/£133
Annual/monthly company car tax (40%)  £3200/£267
Figures correct at time of posting  
For latest figures Use our company car tax calculator

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Matt Morton

Matt Morton

Matt Morton is an automotive content writer for Business Car Manager

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