Cars

Infiniti Q50 Rebirth: A Sports Sedan's Comeback

Infiniti is preparing for a significant revival in the automotive landscape, with plans to reintroduce a dynamic sports sedan by 2028, expected to carry the esteemed Q50 moniker. This strategic initiative aims to re-energize the brand, which has seen its sales dip since its peak in 2017, leading to a streamlined lineup dominated by SUVs. While new hybrid and traditional SUVs will bolster Infiniti's market presence, the re-envisioned Q50 is poised to inject a much-needed dose of exhilaration and prestige, attracting discerning buyers to showrooms with its promise of luxury and high performance.

Infiniti's Ambitious Return to Performance Sedans

Infiniti's decision to bring back the Q50, officially confirmed in October 2024, signals a deliberate pivot towards its roots, harkening back to the era when models like the V8-powered FX45 and the G35 coupe captivated enthusiasts. The brand intends to leverage the Q50's resurgence to enhance its image, creating a buzz that draws in both loyal fans and new customers seeking a sophisticated blend of power and refined driving dynamics. While sports sedans typically cater to a niche audience, Infiniti hopes the renewed interest in the Q50 will also steer consumers towards its more family-oriented SUV offerings.

Underpinning the new Q50 will likely be the familiar FM platform, a foundation also utilized by the Nissan Z sports car. This suggests a potential for shared components and engineering synergies, ensuring a robust and engaging driving experience. Expect the heart of the Q50 to be the Nissan Z's VR30DDTT twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering a formidable output exceeding 400 horsepower. There's strong consideration for a manual transmission option, an appealing feature for purists, especially given the Z's existing six-speed manual gearbox. Infiniti might also introduce more accessible variants with a lower-output V6 or even a turbocharged four-cylinder, but the primary focus remains on a high-performance variant. The competition in the luxury sports sedan segment, though smaller, includes formidable rivals such as the BMW M340i, Mercedes-AMG C43, and Genesis G70 3.3T, none of which currently offer a manual transmission. To carve out its niche, the Q50 will need to offer compelling performance and value, potentially at a price point below its German counterparts. The vehicle is anticipated to hit the market in 2027 for the 2028 model year, with the top-tier sports variant estimated to be priced around $60,000, while a base model could start under $50,000.

The return of the Infiniti Q50 as a performance-driven luxury sedan represents a bold step for the automaker. This move could redefine Infiniti's brand identity, reigniting passion among automotive enthusiasts and signaling a commitment to innovation and driver engagement. The success of this venture will largely depend on delivering a vehicle that not only meets but exceeds the high expectations set by its predecessors and the competitive luxury market, especially in offering unique features like a manual transmission that distinguish it from its rivals.

2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE320+ SUV: Enhanced Value and Performance

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE320+ SUV arrives as a strategic refresh, mirroring the price adjustments seen in its larger EQS counterparts. This update aims to enhance the vehicle's market position by offering a more accessible entry point to Mercedes-Benz's electric SUV range. Despite a significant price reduction, the EQE320+ boasts an increase in power output and notable improvements in braking performance, all while maintaining its competitive range and efficiency. This review delves into the specifics of these changes, examining how Mercedes-Benz has managed to deliver a more compelling package without altering the fundamental character of the EQE SUV.

Experience Luxury Electric Driving: Unprecedented Value, Uncompromised Performance.

Strategic Pricing and Model Streamlining: The New Era of EQE SUV Accessibility

Following in the footsteps of the EQS SUV's price recalibration, the EQE SUV lineup has undergone a similar strategic adjustment. Mercedes-Benz has removed the higher-tier EQE500 4Matic SUV and rebranded the EQE350+ into the EQE320+, accompanied by a substantial price cut. This move ensures a distinct market position for the EQE series relative to the EQS, making the premium electric SUV experience more attainable. The rear-wheel-drive EQE320+ now starts at a significantly lower price point, offering remarkable value compared to its predecessor, the EQE350+ SUV, while retaining its core attributes.

Enhanced Performance and Dynamic Handling: A Refined Driving Experience

Despite its adjusted designation, the EQE320+ sees an upgrade in its electric motor's output, now delivering 315 horsepower—a 27-hp increase—through software optimization. The torque remains a robust 417 pound-feet from its rear-mounted permanent-magnet synchronous motor. This translates to quicker acceleration, with the vehicle reaching 60 mph in a swift 5.7 seconds, surpassing earlier estimates. Furthermore, the braking system has been notably refined, offering a smoother, firmer, and more consistent pedal feel, which significantly shortens stopping distances, as evidenced by a 163-foot stop from 70 mph.

Tire Durability and Ride Comfort: Balancing Grip and Grandeur

During rigorous skidpad testing, a particular concern arose regarding the longevity of the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 summer tires, which demonstrated considerable wear under sustained cornering. This contrasts with previous models fitted with Pirelli P Zero PZ4 Elect rubber, suggesting a potential area for enhancement in tire choice. The optional Airmatic suspension, while offering adjustable ride height, presented a nuanced ride quality, being perceived as overly soft in Comfort mode and somewhat rigid in Sport mode. This raises questions about the optimal value of this particular upgrade, especially for a rear-wheel-drive configuration.

Charging Versatility and Efficiency: Connecting to a Wider Network

To bolster its value proposition, the EQE320+ now includes a home charging cable and a NACS adapter for Tesla's Supercharger network as standard. This expansion of charging compatibility significantly enhances convenience, especially considering the broader accessibility of Superchargers for all EQE models since 2023. The vehicle supports a maximum charging speed of 170 kW, allowing for a 10% to 90% battery recharge in 43 minutes. With an EPA rating of 82 MPGe combined and a 270-mile range, the EQE320+ stands as an efficient and practical electric SUV.

Interior Features and Customization: Technology and Aesthetics

The interior of the EQE320+ offers a blend of luxury and technology. While the impressive 56.0-inch Hyperscreen display is an optional feature, the standard setup with a floating central screen and subtly backlit Mercedes stars remains a sophisticated choice. Although the infotainment system can be complex, personal preference dictates the appeal of the Hyperscreen's expansive display. Mercedes-Benz has also adjusted its options packaging; the Burmester stereo is now an optional extra, and most metallic paint colors incur an additional cost. Despite these changes, a well-equipped EQE320+ still represents a compelling financial advantage over previous models, demonstrating Mercedes-Benz's commitment to delivering enhanced value and refined luxury.

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2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE320+ SUV: Enhanced Performance and Value

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE320+ SUV marks a noteworthy evolution in the electric vehicle market, delivering a compelling package of enhanced power, comprehensive standard features, and a more accessible price. This latest model builds upon its predecessor, the EQE350+, offering a significant upgrade in both capability and overall value.

A standout feature of the new EQE320+ is its impressive power increase. Despite carrying a numerically lower designation than the model it replaces, this vehicle boasts a robust 315 horsepower, a substantial leap from the previous 288 horsepower. This power upgrade translates directly into a more dynamic driving experience, allowing the SUV to accelerate with greater urgency and responsiveness. The torque, a critical measure of an electric vehicle's immediate thrust, remains an ample 417 pound-feet, ensuring strong pulling power across various driving conditions.

Performance metrics underscore these improvements. Independent testing has shown the EQE320+ to achieve 60 mph in a brisk 5.7 seconds. This figure considerably surpasses Mercedes's own projection of 6.3 seconds for the outgoing EQE350+, highlighting the tangible benefits of the powertrain optimizations. Such acceleration positions the EQE320+ as a strong contender in its segment, combining practicality with exhilarating performance.

Beyond its raw power, the 2026 EQE320+ also offers an expanded list of standard equipment. This strategic move by Mercedes-Benz aims to further enhance the vehicle's appeal, providing consumers with more features and technologies at no additional cost. Coupled with a revised pricing strategy that sees the cost lowered, the EQE320+ represents a more attractive proposition for those seeking a premium electric SUV without compromise.

The EQE320+ SUV is presented as a superior option in the electric SUV market, characterized by its elevated performance, comprehensive suite of features, and an optimized price point. This model reaffirms Mercedes-Benz's dedication to innovation and value within its electrified portfolio, offering an enticing blend of luxury and forward-thinking engineering.

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