2017 Facelifted Infiniti Q50 Begins Production In Japan

Infiniti has begun production of the facelifted Infiniti Q50, at its manufacturing facility in Tochigi, Japan. The facelifted model was launched in April, featuring a refreshed exterior and interior and upgrades to the car’s ProPilot active safety systems.

The facelifted model now features two distinct exterior packages – the performance-oriented Sport variants and the Pure and Luxe variants which offer an understated elegant look.

The Q50 is offered with two four-cylinder engines, both Daimler-sourced – 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol (208hp/350Nm) and 2.2-litre turbodiesel with 168hp and peak torque of 400Nm. The most powerful engine for the Q50 is the VR30 3.0-litre, twin-turbo V6 powerplant which is offered with two power output levels – in 300hp and 400Nm guise, or in the range-topping “Red Sport 400”, with 400hp and 475Nm of torque.

A hybrid variant uses Infiniti’s Direct Response Hybrid system that features a 3.5-liter V6 paired to a 50kW electric motor. The hybrid system’s combined power output is rated at 360hp.

Engines are paired to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission, depending on the marketplace, with two drivetrain options – rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

On the inside, Infiniti’s engineers have incorporated some styling elements from the Q60 sports coupe – now with a newly designed steering wheel, leather shift knob and reshaped paddle shifters.

Also updated is the infotainment suite - Infiniti’s ‘InTouch Services’ features two screens - an 8-inch upper and 7-inch lower screen. Most frequently viewed applications, such as navigation, will appear on the upper screen while other content is directed to the lower display screen for easy legibility.

New for 2017 is the Q50’s updated ProPILOT suite of active safety systems – now including an updated version of Direct Adaptive Steering (steer by wire), Active Lane Control; Adaptive Cruise Control with Distance Control Assist; Backup Collision Intervention; Blind Spot Warning and Intervention; Lane Departure Warning and Prevention; Forward Emergency Braking; and Predictive Forward Collision Warning.

The facelifted Q50 is scheduled to go on sale in some markets starting in Q2 of 2017.