Q50 Launch Main

The Infiniti Q50 was officially launched this morning at the marque's Jalan Tun Razak showroom in KL. The Q50 - a premium compact exec that will do battle with the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4 and Lexus IS - is available in Malaysia with two engines, a 2.0 turbo and a 3.5 hybrid. You know that already from our showroom preview and test drive report.

The Q50 2.0 Turbo is powered by a 2.0 litre turbocharged engine with 211 hp and 350 Nm of torque from 1,250 to 3,500 rpm. The direct-injection four-pot is paired to a seven-speed automatic gearbox with manual mode and Downshift Rev Matching. The drivetrain is from Mercedes-Benz, and can be found in the W212 E-Class facelift. The upcoming W205 C 200 is expected to carry this combo as well.

Zero to 100 km/h is done in 7.2 seconds and top speed is 245 km/h. That's comparable to the 184 hp/270 Nm BMW 320i, which is good for 7.3 seconds and 235 km/h. The W204 Mercedes C200 does 7.8 seconds and 235 km/h, so they're all in the same ballpark. Like the German duo, the Q50 is a rear-wheel drive sedan. Claimed combined fuel consumption is 13.6 km/l.

Infiniti Q50S Hybrid 21

Powering the Q50S Hybrid is a 298 hp, 338 Nm 3.5 litre Atkinson-cycle V6 mated to a 62 hp, 270 Nm electric motor, a lithium-ion battery and a seven-speed automatic transmission. Total system output is 364 hp and 546 Nm, enough for 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

The Q50 2.0t Standard, at RM248,800 on-the-road without insurance, looks like good value for a CBU Japan import, and that's before you scan the very decent spec sheet.

Auto LED headlamps, keyless entry and push start, 10-way powered driver's seat with memory (8-way for passenger), power steering adjustment, dual LCD screens, rear view monitor and tyre pressure monitor (TPMS) are all standard. Customers can choose from three leather colours – black, grey and beige – to go with the nicely-textured "Kacchu" aluminium trim.

Infiniti Q50 2.0T Premium- 24

Should that be not enough, Infiniti is offering a RM30,000 "Premium Touring and Technology" upgrade package (RM278k total) that includes 18-inch alloys (with obvious Enkei branding, 17-inch on Standard, run-flat tyres for all), a 14-speaker Bose sound system, Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) and high beam assist, a choice of aluminium or maple wood trim, and the Infiniti Driver Assist System bundle.

The latter package includes Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Around View Monitor (with Moving Object Detection Backup Collision Intervention), Active Lane Control and Predictive Forward Collision Warning with Intelligent Cruise Control.

The RM30k upgrade also includes Direct Adaptive Steering, the "steer by wire" headlining tech act for the Q50. Operation is entirely electric, though there's still a mechanical link for the direct steering in the form of a safety clutch – our man Jonathan likes this pioneering system, and you can read his review to find out more. The 2.0T Standard comes with regular EPS.

The RM398,800 Q50S Hybrid gets all of the above, and more. Interior additions include a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar and torso support, aluminium pedals and magnesium steering wheel paddles. It also looks more aggressive thanks to a S-specific front fascia and 19-inch wheels, backed up by sport-tuned suspension.

Infiniti Q50 2.0T Standard

Infiniti Q50 2.0T Premium

Infiniti Q50S Hybrid