2005 Infiniti Q45: Road Test
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2005 Infiniti Q45 ▼
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- MSRP: $56,400
- Invoice: $51,801
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Our road test for the 2005 Infiniti Q45 includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Infiniti Q45 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Infiniti Q45, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Infiniti Q45 help you decide if a 2005 Infiniti Q45 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Luxury | Luxury w/Premium Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Impressive power off the line and in highway-speed passing and merging. Figure about 6.7 sec 0-60 mph, based on 2004 test model. Recalibrated transmission banishes early upshifts and is less tardy to downshift, though this powertrain still doesn't furnish delay-free midrange throttle response. Radar cruise control works as intended, but of most use on uncrowded freeways; in our test Q45, it would not operate in the rain.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Luxury | Luxury w/Premium Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
No opportunity to measure with '05 version. Test 2004 example averaged 18 mpg in city/highway test mix. Premium-grade fuel required.
RIDE QUALITY
| Luxury | Luxury w/Premium Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8.2 |
Solid, comfortable, but not tops in class. Some float and bounce on highway-speed moguls. Yet small, sharp surface flaws register with more harshness than is the import-luxury norm--especially with suspension adjusted to Sport mode.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Luxury | Luxury w/Premium Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 6.8 |
Corners acceptably for its size and weight, but less agile than most rivals, and steering feels rather vague. Some testers noted less body lean in corners with suspension set to Sport. Strong brakes deliver short, stable simulated-emergency stops.
QUIETNESS
| Luxury | Luxury w/Premium Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 8 | 8.5 |
Road, wind noise levels low overall, yet higher than expected for this class. Premium package 18-inch tires rumble more than standard 17s. Engine smooth and quiet, even at high speeds.
CONTROLS
| Luxury | Luxury w/Premium Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 6.2 |
Crystal-clear gauges, but unnecessarily complex climate/audio/navigation setup takes time to learn and aggravates simple tasks like changing radio stations. System frequently misinterprets voice commands. Interior materials of obvious high quality, especially leather upholstery, though still not quite up to standards set by German rivals.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Luxury | Luxury w/Premium Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8.7 |
Comfortable seats. Generous room. Standard power tilt/telescope steering enhances driver positioning. Outward visibility good, helped by unique 7-lens headlights--among brightest on the road. Rearview TV camera best at revealing small objects just behind, though trunklid-mounted lens can be compromised by direct sunlight, raindrops, heavy dust, or salt spray.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Luxury | Luxury w/Premium Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 8.3 |
Trails Lexus LS 430 but beats Mercedes-Benz E-Class for stretch-out space. Still, some 6-footers find it surprisingly cozy, with just-acceptable head and leg room. Transmission hump and cushion shaping preclude a middle adult. Premium package adds comfort-enhancing seat heating/cooling, power backrest recline, separate audio and climate controls.
CARGO ROOM
| Luxury | Luxury w/Premium Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 5 |
Trunk volume a tad below class average. Intrusive trunklid hinges are an embarrassment at this price level. Cabin storage is plentiful.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Luxury | Luxury w/Premium Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.7 |
Slow sales are evidence that Q45 tends to be overlooked among premium large cars. It's competitive with the class leaders in terms of power, features, and build quality. But it can't quite stay with them for unqualified comfort and control on the road. And Infiniti, despite an enviable record of reliability and customer service, still trails BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes in the prestige sweepstakes.
Total Score
| Luxury | Luxury w/Premium Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 67 | 66 | 68.2 |
Total Score: 67
Scores for all Premium Large Cars
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