Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins
“Style is the only thing you can’t buy. It’s not in a shopping bag, a label, or a price tag. It’s something reflected from our soul to the outside world — an emotion,” once stated Israeli fashion icon, Alber Elbaz. And right he was, which is the reason automotive designers seek celestial impressions to reflect on their transformative works of art within the vehicle’s architecture. So, I was not surprised that the opulent multilayer cabin of the 2020 INFINITI QX50 Autograph AWD was remarkable in every respect and reminiscent of bespoke British craftsmanship.
Mixing advanced technology such as the all-new INFINITI InTouch dual-screen infotainment system with refined materials will always set a tone of artistic comfort for the driver and his/her passengers, which ultimately translates into enjoyable drives whether short or long. Since the rear seats slide and recline, all passengers will be satisfied equally. InTouch features an upper 8” HD LCD screen dedicated to navigation with MapCare and Premium Traffic+ that is operated through both touch control and by way of the small rotary dial on the center console. The only qualm is that the rear backup camera becomes blurry after it rains.
The second lower 7” touchscreen houses audio, music, the second set of navigation commands, and the Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control. Functionality is simple to comprehend and utilize. For example, the “favorites” buttons are located directly on the audio home screen, which eliminates the need to search through various menus. On each side of the display are eight tabs dedicated to heating/cooling, such as activating the climate operated front seats. The infotainment package also adds Siri Eyes Free, WiFi hotspot, INFINITI Voice Recognition, Bluetooth Streaming, SiriusXM Radio, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay in case you prefer map settings through your phone.
The QX50 Autograph’s premium cabin commingles an array of luxurious materials to orchestrate the design philosophy and vision. Incorporating the Premium White Leather package, White Semi-Aniline Leather-appointed seats with bolstered sides and quilted stitching awaits each guest. A coat of brown leather adorns the top of the dash, then pours down the upper instrument panel to meet a blue lining of Ultrasuede that also ornaments the upper door and center console lid. Next is a strip of Natural Maplewood that flows throughout and beautifully contrasts with the Brown Ultrasuede headliner, A-pillars, and B-pillars. The presentation is quite exquisite. Enhanced ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, USB-c port, and a power tilt and telescoping, heated leather steering wheel with paddle shifters augment the richness and technology of the QX50’s interior.
Of course, the level of the vehicle’s audio system will dictate your mood, emotions, and senses. Fortunately, INFINITI includes Bose Performance Series Audio in the luxury crossover. The high-performance, 16-speaker sound system features exclusive innovations like Advanced Staging Technology, Centerpoint 2 Surround Technology, SurroundStage Signal Processing, and AudioPilot 2 Noise Compensation Technology, which combines to send elevated acoustic experiences through the polished aluminum grilles. From the instrument panel to the pillars, passengers will feel the concert-like audio streams from any seating position. I found myself continually turning to bass-heavy music, for instance, the classic roots reggae album “Heart of the Congos” for upliftment.
The 2020 INFINITI QX50 Autograph AWD MSRPs for $55,850 with almost every amenity mentioned included. Add another $2,000 for the Premium White Leather package to satisfy your soul.