A QUICK RIDE...
I had the opportunity to drive a new Q45 for a few kilometres in and around Montreal. Let's point out that the Q45 is NOT headed toward cars like Mercedes but more toward cars like BMWs. As a Lexus LS 430 is a very quiet sedan in which no noise filter to the cabin, the Q45 keeps a little noise, enough engine and road noise to tell the driver the car is running. And it runs fine!
My drive took me through city streets, highways, villages and country roads. The car is reasonably quiet but I liked the slight rumbling sound of the V8! There were some road noises including tires running on the pavement but they were not exaggerated, just audible enough for a driver to know what is going on! Accelerations were sharp and even if we did not do any calculated accelerations, the 0-60 mph (96 kmh) time of 5.9 seconds advertised by Infiniti seems possible. I really liked its passing power. I had to use it a few times including slipping between big rigs when getting on the highway. Such good power made me feel very comfortable and safe! Driving position was comfortable too and the car offered good visibility except, perhaps for some rear ¾ view that was blocked by the big C pillar. The instruments were easy to read but the command center takes a little studying to get used to. Also, there are a lot of functions on the steering wheel and that takes a certain time to get used to also. This is where the Voice Command came in handy. I only wished I knew more command phrases.
I ended my first driving impressions by sitting in the rear and I felt enough room for my height. The sliding sunroof takes away a few centimetres of the ceiling but there is still enough room left. I had an eye in the rear trunk. It is deep and easy to load but it could have more space up front, close to the rear seat.
I had the opportunity to drive a new Q45 for a few kilometres in and around Montreal. Let's point out that the Q45 is NOT headed toward cars like Mercedes but more toward cars like BMWs. As a Lexus LS 430 is a very quiet sedan in which no noise filter to the cabin, the Q45 keeps a little noise, enough engine and road noise to tell the driver the car is running. And it runs fine!
My drive took me through city streets, highways, villages and country roads. The car is reasonably quiet but I liked the slight rumbling sound of the V8! There were some road noises including tires running on the pavement but they were not exaggerated, just audible enough for a driver to know what is going on! Accelerations were sharp and even if we did not do any calculated accelerations, the 0-60 mph (96 kmh) time of 5.9 seconds advertised by Infiniti seems possible. I really liked its passing power. I had to use it a few times including slipping between big rigs when getting on the highway. Such good power made me feel very comfortable and safe! Driving position was comfortable too and the car offered good visibility except, perhaps for some rear ¾ view that was blocked by the big C pillar. The instruments were easy to read but the command center takes a little studying to get used to. Also, there are a lot of functions on the steering wheel and that takes a certain time to get used to also. This is where the Voice Command came in handy. I only wished I knew more command phrases.
I ended my first driving impressions by sitting in the rear and I felt enough room for my height. The sliding sunroof takes away a few centimetres of the ceiling but there is still enough room left. I had an eye in the rear trunk. It is deep and easy to load but it could have more space up front, close to the rear seat.