Test drive Infiniti QX60 Hybrid 2020: TOP-5 questions and answers - part 2

 Test drive Infiniti QX60 Hybrid 2020: TOP-5 questions and answers

 Wow, a lot of power. Going fast?

 Yes, it goes well. According to my measurements, the Infiniti QX60 Hybrid accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 9 seconds. That practically corresponds to the passport data (8.6 seconds) and is less than a second inferior to the 3.5-liter V6 version. But the point is not even in absolute numbers, but in the sensations from acceleration and the reactions of the hybrid motor to pressing the accelerator pedal. True to its name, the hybrid really gives instant responses to the accelerator pedal. It seems that when starting from a standstill, the electric motor works out as much as possible: even if there is only 19 hp, but plus 168 Nm. As a result, the electric motor adds agility, the start and the initial set of speed are quite intense, albeit without dramatic depressions into the back of the seats. When starting from a standstill and accelerating at low speeds, the hybrid feels even more dynamic than the 3.5-liter V6. But at medium and high speeds - the opposite is true. However, the hybrid will surprise you all the same: starting from 3-3.5 thousand rpm, a "second wind" wakes up in the power unit and powerful acceleration carries the huge crossover forward.

 At the same time, the acceleration is supported by an excellent soundtrack: the seemingly familiar sound of a 4-cylinder - but it is diluted by the howl of a compressor and the hum of an electric motor. All these sounds barely break into the cabin through excellent sound insulation, but the driver will hear and rejoice at every note in the engine melody. Equally, he will rejoice that the CVT is trying to imitate a traditional automatic transmission and allows the engine to "jump" a little in revs during intensive acceleration - as if real gear changes are taking place. The Infiniti Drive Mode Selector slightly changes the nature of the engine and transmission. But even in "ECO" -mode, the car does not turn into quite a snail (as it sometimes happened with other Infiniti cars) - rather, it just becomes as smooth and soft as possible in reactions to pressing the accelerator pedal. But "SPORT" -mode, on the contrary, sharpens the sensitivity of the gas pedal, allows the engine to fully manifest itself, as if it "adds salt and pepper" to the character of the crossover.

 Under the hood - a hybrid engine, on the display - 9 seconds of acceleration to "hundreds". The Infiniti QX60 Hybrid dashboard received an additional pointer (energy consumption / recovery), as well as an additional on-board computer tab (direction of energy flows in the hybrid system). The hybrid power unit uses the entire tachometer scale in full - it is equally good at traction at different speeds: in the range of 1200-5000 rpm, the hybrid produces 320-360 Nm. The drive mode switch is located on the center tunnel and displayed on the center display. Bottom line: decent acceleration dynamics and cool, rich sound are what you can expect from any version of the Infiniti QX60: hybrid or regular.

 You can also expect maximum suspension comfort. It seems that the car travels on the road not with the help of 20-inch wheels, but with the help of a thick and soft mattress - that is already so soft. On small and medium irregularities, the suspension works perfectly, shaking the car regularly, large holes are successfully rolled with huge tires, and sharp edges dissolve ... I don't even know where - in tires, shock absorbers, "silencers" - but they just dissolve and disappear. At the same time, the crossover is devoid of unnecessary buildup on a wavy road: thanks to the huge wheelbase.

 Of course, with such a suspension it is impossible to talk about the intricacies of handling. Any sudden movement of the steering wheel ends with large body rolls and a redistribution of weight between the wheels. Plus a very light steering wheel, which does not provide a relationship with the steepness of the turn, and even treacherously becomes heavier during parking (it would be better the other way around). Frankly, there is only one car in this class that gives pleasure during an incendiary drive - this is the Mazda CX-9. But here's the thing: the Infiniti QX60 crossover relies on maximum comfort and fully justifies it. Thus, we again get a couple of the best examples in this class: Infiniti - for lovers of comfort and luxury in the cabin, Mazda - for lovers of drive and high technology. Will the new Toyota Highlander become the "golden mean" between them? I'll tell you soon. For now, back to the QX60.