Skip advert
Advertisement

Sebastian Vettel signs off new Infiniti Q50

Infiniti has used Formula One drivers to fine tune its new BMW 3 Series rival

Infiniti Red Bull drivers Sebastian Vettel and Sebastian Buemi have been used by the Japanese premium car maker to make final adjustments to and sign off the ride ad handling of the new Infiniti Q50.

Test driver Buemi covered the most miles in the Q50 – Infiniti's compact exec set to rival the Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series – while Vettel also took to the wheel at Infiniti’s test track in Japan. The F1 stars' input was used to tweak suspension and steering settings of the Q50, prior to the car’s launch in June this year.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Direct Adaptive Steering system is a first in a production car in being all electric, but with a mechanical failsafe. The benefits include the elimination of bump steer kickback through the wheel, while Infiniti claims there’s as much feel and feedback as in traditional mechanical systems.

Infiniti boss Andy Palmer told Auto Express that the Q50 was “tuned and ready for Europe”, with an efficient 2.1-litre 168bhp diesel under the bonnet – the first fruits of Infiniti’s relationship with Mercedes-Benz. A new six speed manual and seven speed auto gearboxes will be provided by Mercedes, too.

The engine is already used in the Mercedes C-Class and E-Class models, but in the Infiniti it should return impressive economy and emissions figures of around 64mpg and 115g/km.

The Q50 is slightly bigger than a 3 Series with excellent rear legroom and okay headroom. It features plenty of tech on board, with a dual touch screen system: one for navigation and the other for infotainment controls.

Prices for the Q50 should start at around £30,000 when it goes on sale in June.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Steve Fowler has previously edited Auto Express, Carbuyer, DrivingElectric, What Car?, Autocar and What Hi-Fi? and has been writing about cars for the best part of 30 years. 

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Shanghai Motor Show 2025: what all the big car brands are up to
Shanghai Motor Show 2025 - header

Shanghai Motor Show 2025: what all the big car brands are up to

The Shanghai Auto Show is now an established part of the automotive calendar – we’ve got a full list of show debuts
News
25 Mar 2025
Goodwood Festival of Speed 2025 will celebrate genius Gordon Murray’s 60-year career
Gordon Murray T.50 in front of Goodwood house

Goodwood Festival of Speed 2025 will celebrate genius Gordon Murray’s 60-year career

2025’s Goodwood Festival of Speed will also feature an enormous celebration of Formula One, with a central theme of ‘The Winning Formula – Champions a…
News
17 Mar 2025
Best classic and performance car shows, events and days out for the family in 2025
British motoring events planner 2025 - header

Best classic and performance car shows, events and days out for the family in 2025

You’ve got your new car but where are you going to drive it? Our selection of events and road trips will provide some inspiration
Features
27 Jan 2025
Brussels Motor Show 2025: full show round-up and all the exciting new cars
Brussels Motor Show header

Brussels Motor Show 2025: full show round-up and all the exciting new cars

The all-new BYD Atto 2, Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Mazda 6e were among the key models on display at this year's Brussels Motor Show
News
14 Jan 2025

Most Popular

Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales
Luxury car tax

Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales

Is pressure from retailers and car makers finally cutting through with ministers?
News
22 May 2025
The Nissan Micra is back! New supermini arrives with EV power and plenty of charm
Nissan Micra - front

The Nissan Micra is back! New supermini arrives with EV power and plenty of charm

The Nissan Micra makes a long-awaited return as an EV and is set to offer up to 253 miles of range
News
21 May 2025
BYD Dolphin Surf review
BYD Dolphin Surf - front

BYD Dolphin Surf review

The BYD Dolphin Surf is a roomy, sophisticated, and competitively priced electric city car that’ll find plenty of willing buyers
In-depth reviews
23 May 2025