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2005 Infiniti Q45 Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2005 Infiniti Q45 Review:
2005 Infiniti Q45 Review
The flagship of Nissan's luxury brand gets a mild facelift and some equipment revisions for 2005. The Q45 has a 340-hp V8 and a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift gate. Recalibrations to the transmission for '05 are intended to improve response and smoothness. ABS and antiskid/traction control are standard, as are front side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags. A driver-adjustable suspension is also standard. A dashboard screen shows audio, climate, and trip-computer functions; it also serves as the display for the standard navigation system and, when the transmission is in Reverse, a rearview TV camera. Q45 has voice control for audio, climate, and navigation functions.
A Premium package adds heated and cooled front seats, reclining heated rear seats, satellite radio, and 18-inch wheels in place of standard 17s. It also includes radar cruise control designed to maintain a set following distance from other traffic.
A Premium package adds heated and cooled front seats, reclining heated rear seats, satellite radio, and 18-inch wheels in place of standard 17s. It also includes radar cruise control designed to maintain a set following distance from other traffic.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Large Cars are top-of-the-line sedans in size and luxury. Many are manufacturer flagships and/or showcases for the newest automotive technology. Some have 6-figure price tags.
Our Best Buys include the Audi A8 and Lexus LS 430. Our Recommended picks include the Buick Park Avenue, Cadillac DeVille, and Volkswagen Phaeton.
Our Best Buys include the Audi A8 and Lexus LS 430. Our Recommended picks include the Buick Park Avenue, Cadillac DeVille, and Volkswagen Phaeton.
News
Trade weekly Automotive News reports that the Q45 may be redesigned for model-year 2008. We take that to mean that Nissan is debating whether to continue Infiniti's flagship sedan, which has long been a sales laggard even by luxury-class standards. We'll let you know the decision once we hear.
2005 Infiniti Q45 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Fuel economy |
| Quietness | Navigation-system controls |
| Build quality | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
No opportunity to measure with '05 version. Test 2004 example averaged 18 mpg in city/highway test mix. Premium-grade fuel required.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
Trunk volume a tad below class average. Intrusive trunklid hinges are an embarrassment at this price level. Cabin storage is plentiful.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Premium Large Cars
| Low Score | 58 | |
| Average Score | 68 | |
| High Score | 79 |
2005 Infiniti Q45 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 11/29/2005
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Luxury 4-door sedan | $56,400 | $51,801 | $610 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Luxury
Powertrain
4.5-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunk release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, power tilt/telescope wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats, 10-way power driver seat w/power lumbar adjustment, 8-way power passenger seat, center console, cupholders, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/signal lights and driver-side automatic day/night mirror, passenger-side mirror tilt-down back-up aid mirror, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, Bose AM/FM w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, glovebox-mounted cassette player, analog clock, tachometer, trip computer, navigation system w/voice recognition, rearview TV camera, automatic day/night rearview mirror, outside-temperature indicator, compass, universal garage-door opener, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, power decklid closer, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, xenon headlights, computer-controlled and driver-adjustable rear suspension, 225/55VR17 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
Luxury
|
$5,800
|
$4,997
|
|
Radar cruise control, heated/cooled front seats, heated power-reclining rear seats, rear climate and radio controls, satellite radio (requires monthly fee), power rear sunshade, manual side shades, full-size spare tire, 245/45VR18 tires. NA w/run-flat tires.
|
||
|
Premium Pkg. w/chrome alloy wheels
|
||
|
Luxury
|
$6,800
|
$5,859
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Satellite radio
|
||
|
Luxury
|
$400
|
$345
|
|
Trunk mat
|
||
|
Luxury
|
$60
|
$48
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
225/55VR17 run-flat tires
|
||
|
Luxury
|
$400
|
$345
|
|
|
||
2005 Infiniti Q45 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Infiniti Q45 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 200.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.6 |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4050 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 44.0 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.3 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.5 /274 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 340 @ 6400 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 333 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed automatic | 17/23 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Infiniti Q45 4-door sedan |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 6/70,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/60,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 7/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/unlimited | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2005 Infiniti Q45 Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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