Our thoughts on four cars we’ve
tested recently, all of which feature some sort of advanced powertrain
electrification.
Infiniti Q50 3.5h
Representing the first in a new generation
of Infiniti Q models, the Q50 3.5h (‘h’ signifying hybrid) is loaded – and we
mean absolutely jam packed – with high-end technology. While there are probably
better overall luxury hybrid products out there, for us, Infiniti must be
congratulated for being the first to launch a mass-market car with
steer-by-wire technology. Behind the wheel, the Q50 3.5h’s steering feels no
different to many hydraulically assisted systems. It’s agile when driving hard,
but light when needing to maneuver in tight spaces, with the technology working
electronically to transfer the driver’s input to the front wheels where a
high-response actuator drives the steering rack, thus eliminating mechanical
losses that can slow response in conventional systems.
Under
the bonnet, the Q50 has got the firepower to match them toe-to-toe. Add a
sumptuous premium interior to go with it, and there's suddenly a new contender
in town.
That it achieves these very same sensations
with no physical connection makes it a masterpiece. And that’s just the start
of Q50’s technological tour-deforce. Another world-first comes in the form of a
predictive forward collision warning system, which doesn’t only react to the
speed/distance of the car in front, but also of the car in front of that. So
what of the hybrid powertrain? Well, it’s not short on power: 364ps and 546Nm
of torque means Q50 3.5h hits 100km/h in a quick flash 5.1 seconds, which isn’t
bad for a car that’s over 1,700kg. The V6 petrol is very refined, while the
add-on engineering of the hybrid system – e-motor and Li-ion battery pack – do
not impact the interior too much. Our major issue was that we couldn’t get
anywhere near to Infiniti’s claimed 6.2 l/100km (45.6mpg) economy rating during
our time with the car, with the 3,498cc unit only too happy to cut into
all-electric driving at any given moment.
It
looks sharp and it works well; particularly the flush look and 'In Touch'
smartphone functionality (with app-style icons) and connectivity features of
the lower screen.
Propulsion system: A 3.5-liter V6 petrol
engine provides 302ps, with the e-motor adding 50kW (67ps) – resulting in a
total system output of 364ps and 546Nm torque
BMW i3
Much has been said about the new i brand
from BMW, so let’s make things clear from the start: the i3 we recently had on
test (the range-extender with the 647cc two-cylinder IC base, not the
all-electric derivative – that’s for later in the year) is game changing in
every way possible. Engineered in that typical BMW way of boasting a 50:50
weight distribution, like the VW e-Up, here’s an automotive development that’s
a car first and then EV/REEV second. The in-house developed synchronous
electric motor – one of the lightest ever created, tipping the scales at just
50kg – generates 172ps and 250Nm of torque and is mounted immediately next to
the four-stroke IC unit that chips in with an additional 34ps but, more
importantly, eliminates range anxiety.
BMW
is today part of the all-electric vehicle maker group. On Monday of this week,
BMW unsheeted the production version of the i3 at 3 simultaneous events in New
York City, Bejing, and London. It is set to probably be available in United
States in the 2nd quarter of 2014!
Such output means that i3 is not slow off
the mark: 0-100km/h takes 7.2 seconds – just what’s needed when having to pull
away fast in city centers – and then, on the autobahn, a top speed of 149km/h
(93mph) is possible. Lavish use of CFRP means i3 has a curb weight of 1,196kg,
far lighter than most other compact cars, but, inside, it offers more space,
both for passengers and luggage. The high-voltage battery is mounted flat in
the drive module and weighs 230kg. It consists of eight modules, each with 12
individual cells, which together produce a rated voltage of 360V and generate
22kWh. This means i3 has an all-electric range of up to 160km (100 miles) and
out of all the EVs we’ve driven recently, this rated range is probably the most
realistic when driving in the real world. Once the battery has been depleted,
the tiny petrol motor takes over, resulting in the i3 having 290km (180 miles)
on one tank of fuel.
Propulsion system: The electric motor
generates 125kW (172ps) and 250Nm of torque and is mounted next to a 647cc
two-cylinder IC engine that adds 34ps.
