Infiniti

QX50

Ignoring convention this coupe crossover is a beautiful blend of coupe luxury and sports utility vehicle performance. Deceptively spacious, it boasts a magnificent array of outstanding specifications and delivers a ride that will not be forgotten.

Test Drive

Infiniti EX30d GT Premium (Now the QX50)

f you are billed as the premium arm of Nissan, then you have a bit of a reputation to live up to – thankfully the Infiniti EX30d passes with flying colours.

Boasting eye-catching good looks, excellent performance stats and technology that Buzz Lightyear would be proud of, this diesel-powered four-door model is just bursting with quality.

First impressions are very good thanks to the vehicle’s long bonnet design, smart light clusters, sloping tailgate, privacy glass, twin tail pipes and 18-inch alloys.

But, in all honesty, it’s once you take your seat behind the multi-function, leather steering wheel that the high level of creature comforts coupled with the incredible build quality becomes apparent.

There are touches of luxurious craftsmanship at every turn and the ergonomics seem to have been devised with you personally in mind.

For example, the exceptionally comfortable leather seats can be adjusted electrically to find the perfect driving position and can be heated at the turn of a dial – they even have a memory function. There is black leather trim at every turn which contrasts beautifully with the flashes of aluminium.

Features include an excellent sat nav system with touch screen and voice control, fixed speed camera warnings, a Bose sound system with 11 speakers, an electric sunroof and an efficient air con system to name just a few.

The comfort levels are exceptionally good for all occupants and rear seat passengers are treated to plenty of leg, head and elbow space.

Storage options are good too with a generously-sized boot that can be increased further in size thanks to split-folding rear seats and there are numerous smaller storage options throughout the cabin.

After spending a few minutes assessing the quality within the cabin, the drive itself needed to be good … and it was.

The 3.0-litre V6 diesel-powered engine delivers incredible power and acceleration as and when required and the EX30d boasts 0-62mph stats of 7.9 seconds with a top speed of 137mph.

The seven-speed automatic transmission was exceptionally smooth and there is the added reassurance of all-wheel drive too so you are prepared for anything Mother Nature throws in your path.

All-round visibility was generally very good although the three rear headrests caused a bit of an obstruction.

That small gripe aside though, what a vehicle.

And Infiniti has fitted a comprehensive list of safety features including lane departure warning and prevention, intelligent brake assist, numerous airbags and plenty more besides.

All in all, priced at £44,236, the Infiniti EX30d is a perfect vehicle for anyone who enjoys an active lifestyle but insists on a premium quality vehicle to achieve that goal.