More sporty than your typical SUV

We all want to make our lives easier but what are you supposed to do when you crave, say, something more sporty and fun to drive than your typical sports utility vehicle? INFINITI has your answer and it's one 3Birds Template thinks you'll enjoy. It's called the INFINITI QX50 and it boasts the type of powerful engine and dialed-in handling that you'd expect from a sports car but with all the comfort and convenience of a crossover. Oh, and it's also quite stylish to boot. 

Performance

If you want an SUV with power, INFINITI has you covered. The QX50's powerful 3.7-liter V6 engine is capable of delivering 325 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Thanks to the placement of the engine (right behind its front axle), the 2017 QX50 boasts excellent weight distribution, which translates to exquisite handling. 

And that's important because INFINITI owners expect a greater degree of performance from their vehicles and the 2017 QX50 does not disappoint. Its handling is invigorating and its acceleration is beyond reproach. In truth, the 2017 INFINITI QX50 drives more like a sports sedan than an SUV. It's nimble in the corners but composed enough for your daily commute. 

The 2017 INFINITI QX50's sharp handling is made even more impressive given that it comes standard with front-wheel drive. Customers looking for a greater degree of flexibility, however, will want to opt for the model's available all-wheel drive, which helps maintain traction on slick and slippery surfaces. 

Despite its sporty performance, the 2017 INFINITI QX50 returns impressive fuel economy, delivering an EPA-estimated 20 mpg combined (17 city/24 highway).*

Features

The 2017 INFINITI QX50 is a compact luxury SUV that can seat up to five people. It's available in a single trim with a starting MSRP of $34,450.**

As expected of a vehicle bearing the INFINITI badge, the QX50 comes with a wide variety of luxury features as standard, including 18-inch wheels, automatic headlights, a sunroof, heated mirrors, and keyless ignition/entry. To help maintain a comfortable cabin, the QX50 also comes with dual-zone automatic climate control. Its features list doesn't end there, though. The QX50 includes heated power front seats, leather upholstery, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth® phone connectivity. 

Drivers can also choose from optional packages when it comes to further customizing their new QX50: the Premium Package, the Premium Plus Package, the Deluxe Touring Package, and the Technology Package.

The Premium Package comes with dual occupant memory, maple interior accents, and advanced climate control system, and a Bose® 11-speaker Premium Audio system, making your vehicle even more luxurious. The Premium Plus Package makes your drive easier by adding the INFINITI Navigation System, INFINITI Voice Recognition, NavTraffic, NavWeather, and Around View® Monitor with Front and Rear Sonar Systems.

The Deluxe Touring Package makes things more comfortable by adding 2-way driver's seat power lumbar support, power up-folding 2nd-row seats, and an 8-way front passenger's seat. Finally, the Technology Package practically gives you an invisible co-pilot, between the Intelligent Cruise Control, Distance Control Assist, Blind Spot Warning System, and more.

Design

Style-wise, the 2017 INFINITI QX50 is a winner from start to finish. With the wheelbase of a sports sedan and the taller ride height of an SUV, the QX50 looks as smooth as freshly oiled mahogany. Although available in seven colors (Majestic White, Liquid Platinum, Black Obsidian, Graphite Shadow, Midnight Garnet, Malbec Black, and Hagane Blue), the vehicle looks stunning in any of them.

As is to be expected, the interior of the QX50 is nothing short of exquisite. Leather-appointed seating, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, not to mention the black lacquer and aluminum interior trim, all complement each other and add to the luxury feel of the vehicle. The extended wheelbase of the QX50 makes things even more comfortable, transforming an already roomy interior into a living room you can drive around. And with fold-flat seats, that spacious legroom easily transforms into cargo space.

Safety

You'll find every modern safety feature you'd expect in the 2017 QX50 (even if drivers don't opt for the Technology Package): anti-lock brakes; a traction control system; vehicle dynamic control; front, side, and curtain airbags; brake assist; and more.

Verdict

If you're in need of an SUV that's well-appointed, comfortable, stylish, powerful, and fun to drive, you simply must experience all that the 2017 INFINITI QX50 has to offer.  

To schedule a test drive, be sure to call, contact us online, or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516 today.

*2017 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions. Use for comparison only.

**All prices are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, tax, title, license, and options.

Image: INFINITI