One of my 20-something kids sent me a text the other day. Nothing really important, which is a good thing since had it been it would have taken me a few minutes to translate it. But that’s how our youth today communicate. They use “u” instead of “you” and short bursts of initials like “brb” “idk” and when they want to make a point, they turn on the caps lock like “OMG” or “WTF”.
I find it amusing that people communicate this way. Short phrases typed out hurriedly, leaving the receiver (such as me) to scream “WHAT DOES IT MEAN!?!?!” It won’t be long I suspect before those youth grow up and our primary forms of communication will consist of these sorts of thing along with hashtag this and hashtag that. And it will someday creep into our everyday world.
So then 20 years from now I might be referring to the Infinity SUV lineup not by the number designations such as QX50, QX60 and QX80 (small, medium, and large) but as “WFM (works for me, which it does- more about that in a moment), “BM&Y” (between me and you because it’s the middle of the lineup), and “OMG” as in “oh my god this thing is huge.”
With that out of the way I can report that Infiniti sent me a “WFM” this past week; or a QX50. Now I’ve had occasion to spend time with a BM&Y and an OMG and liked both very much, but this QX50 seems to be just my style and just my size. In other words, it WFM.
The QX50 has three levels: Pure, Luxe and Essential and all-wheel or front wheel drive. For 2019 the QX50 is a bit shorter but much wider and taller; the ground clearance was also moved up by almost 2 inches. The latest version now has a bit more of an aggressive stance; perhaps more importantly the inside now has more room. There’s more legroom, and the rear seats can recline and fold flat giving more cargo space, almost 13 cubic feet more than last years model. They’ve also upgraded the interior and the infotainment system; there is still dual screens, but the latest software is now installed.
Under the hood the V6 has been abandoned in favor of the new 4-cylinder Nissan variable compression turbocharged engine. This new engine can vary the mixture of fuel and air in the cylinders depending on the driving conditions delivering more or less power as needed.
On the road the 4-cylinder did deliver the power when needed. The only thing I don’t like, and the annoying thing they’ve kept, is the CVT automatic. It seems that while others have improved the Continuously Variable Transmission, Nissan has seemingly decided to stay the course, so we still have a transmission that delivers inconstant power to the road. Beyond that irritation the rest of the QX50 delivers everything an SUV should; without the hugeness of others.
The QX50 is more my style because I want/don’t need, a huge land yacht that takes up an entire lane and a couple of parking spots. The large SUVs are fine for rappers and those needing to haul an entourage, but when you just want a commanding view of the road and enough room to carry four or five adults and their stuff comfortably, the QX50 can fit that bill.
It the world of SUVs that are OMG and BM&Y, it’s nice to see one that WFM and has room, and the non-nonsense luxury the QX50 is it, at least IMHO.
So then ICYMI, the QX50 is WFM, not an OMG or BM&Y…OK? OK. TIA…EOD, L8R.
The 2019 Infiniti QX50 Essential FWD
MSRP: $43,350
MSRP (as tested): $55,285
Engine: Intercooled Turbo I-4, 268 hp @ 5600 rpm 280 ff-lb. torque at 1600 rpm
Transmission: CVT w/OD
Base curb weight: 3827 lbs.
Exterior Dimensions
Wheelbase: in 110.2
Length, Overall: in 184.7
Width, Max w/o mirrors: in 74.9
Height, Overall: in 66
Track Width, Front: in 64.4
Track Width, Rear: in 64.2
Min Ground Clearance: in 8.6
Interior Dimensions
Passenger Capacity: 5
Passenger Volume: ft³ 102.2
Front Head Room: in 40
Front Leg Room: in 39.6
Front Shoulder Room: in 57.9
Front Hip Room: in 55.6
Second Head Room: in 38.4
Second Leg Room: in 38.7
Second Shoulder Room: in 56.7
Second Hip Room: in 53.8
Cargo Area Dimensions
Cargo Area Length @ Floor to Seat 1: in 68.3
Cargo Area Length @ Floor to Seat 2: in 39.3
Cargo Area Width @ Beltline: in 54.8
Cargo Box (Area) Height: in 31.1
Cargo Volume to Seat 1: ft³ 64.4
Cargo Volume to Seat 2: ft³ 31.1
Cargo Volume to Seat 3: ft³ 31.1
Warranty
Basic Miles/km: 60,000
Basic Years: 4
Corrosion Miles/km: Unlimited
Corrosion Years: 7
Drivetrain Miles/km: 70,000
Drivetrain Years: 6
Roadside Assistance Miles/km: Unlimited
Roadside Assistance Years: 4
Greg has been published in major publications across the country including the Los Angeles Times, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul, published in 2010, and the Christmas edition in 2016. He wrote as the NASCAR, Formula 1, Auto Reviews and National Veterans Affairs Examiner for Examiner.com and has appeared on Fox News. He holds a BS degree in communications, a Masters degree in psychology and is currently a PhD candidate majoring in psychology. He is currently the weekend Motorsports Editor for Autoweek.