The INFINITI brand holds a special place in my personal automotive journey. I’ve owned a 2007 INFINITI M45 since 2010, which is the longest I’ve ever owned a car. This car’s smooth V8 engine and smooth transmission have stood the test of time and lasted nearly 200,000 miles. It’s a testament to INFINITI’s engineering and design, and I’m still impressed by its performance and durability all these years later. Craig Keyeyes, if you’re reading this, I’d be happy to take you on a ride on the M45 for a little inspiration. It may give you some ideas for the future of INFINITI. With a deep appreciation for this brand, I approached the 2024 INFINITI QX50 Autograph AWD with a mixture of anticipation and skepticism. Compact luxury crossovers are one of the most competitive segments on the market, dominated by giants like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Could the QX50 Autograph prove to be a strong contender? I tested it on a 250-mile road trip from Atlanta to Savannah for my daughter’s volleyball state playoffs, and the results leave you wondering. It might surprise you.
Photo credit: Darryl Killian
First impressions: The flagship stands out.
The 2024 QX50 Autograph AWD is the pinnacle of the QX50 lineup, and its attention to detail is evident from the moment you approach it. Infiniti’s sculptural exterior design, highlighted by its double-arch grille and crescent-shaped rear roof pillar, gives it a bold, confident stance. Finished in premium slate gray and equipped with 20-inch wheels, our test model exuded sophisticated elegance and turned heads during our trip.
Photo credit: Darryl Killian
Photo credit: Darryl Killian
Inside, Autograph trim enhances the luxurious experience with semi-aniline leather seats, open-pore wood trim, and ultrasuede accents, enveloping the cabin in a sophisticated atmosphere. A sliding and reclining second-row seat and a panoramic moonroof create a comfortable and airy interior perfect for long drives. Despite my initial hesitation about compact crossovers, the QX50 Autograph immediately felt like the right size. It’s spacious enough for a family trip, yet compact enough to easily move around the city.
Photo credit: Darryl Killian
Photo credit: Darryl Killian
Photo credit Darryl Killian
Performance and fuel efficiency: an engineered wonder
At the heart of the QX50 Autograph is INFINITI’s innovative VC Turbo engine. This is an incredible 2.0 liter engine that allows you to seamlessly adjust the compression ratio to optimize power and efficiency. When paired with the XTRONIC CVT, the engine produces 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Despite my well-known aversion to CVTs, I was pleasantly surprised by how responsive and smooth this setup was.
On the highway, the QX50 Autograph AWD achieved excellent fuel economy of 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway without sacrificing power when passing slower vehicles. The Autograph trim’s standout feature, a drivetrain with up to 3,000 pounds of towing capacity, adds versatility that competitors like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC can’t always match.
Ready for a road trip: comfort and confidence
On a road trip to Savannah, the QX50 Autograph AWD really shined. The ProPilot Assist system with lane centering and adaptive cruise control made the 3.5-hour drive along Georgia’s I-16 both relaxing and safe. This system provided the right level of support and reduced fatigue while maintaining focus.
The cabin’s quietness, even at highway speeds, allowed us to fully enjoy the Bose® Performance Series audio system. This system provided crystal clear sound quality for my wife’s carefully curated playlist while she completed some tasks along the way. With four USB ports and a wireless charging pad, the QX50 can keep all your devices powered throughout your travels, making it a must-have for your family’s adventures.
Design and versatility: customized for families and professionals
The QX50 Autograph precisely balances style and functionality. The second-row seats slide and recline to optimize space for passengers and luggage. With the seats folded flat, cargo space expands to 64.4 cubic feet (with panoramic moonroof), easily accommodating travel bags and additional volleyball gear.
Photo credit: Darryl Killian
The motion-activated power liftgate was especially helpful when loading cargo into the cargo hold. The dual-screen infotainment system feels outdated in an era when single-screen layouts were the norm, but it actually performed well. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, combined with INFINITI’s intuitive controls, ensure hassle-free connectivity and staying entertained.
Areas for improvement: Dashboard updates
The QX50 Autograph AWD is definitely impressive, but there is room for improvement. The dual-screen infotainment system works well, but its design feels out of place compared to rivals’ sleek, minimalist interfaces. A more contemporary dashboard layout improves the overall cabin experience along with the vehicle’s superior positioning.
Final Thoughts: A Flagship Worth Watching
The 2024 INFINITI QX50 Autograph AWD stands out as a thoughtfully designed and well-rounded luxury crossover. Innovative powertrains, luxurious interiors, and practical features make it an attractive choice for families and professionals looking for a blend of performance, comfort, and versatility. Although it faces stiff competition in this segment, the Autograph trim’s attention to detail and features such as towing capacity set it apart.
Photo credit: Darryl Killian
The QX50 Autograph AWD delivers on INFINITI’s promise of advanced luxury for those who value innovation and craftsmanship. And for those like me who fondly remember the greatness of the V8s in models like the M45, the QX50 Autograph is a reminder that INFINITI continues to evolve without losing its essence.
Photo credit: INFINITI
specification
– Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $41,000.00
– Test price: $61,610.00
– 0 – 60 mph: 6.7 seconds
– MPG: 22 City 28 HWY
