Infiniti adds supercharged hybrid model to its lineup with the 2014 QX60

By Nick Jaynes March 8, 2013

2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Infiniti announced it’s expanding its QX60 lineup with a new supercharged 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder hybrid model. Unveiled in 2012 as the JX35, the 2014 QX60 will officially debut at the New York Auto Show later this month.

With a 15-kilowatt electric motor and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), the QX60 will produce 250 horsepower and achieve a seven-passenger crossover segment leading 26 miles-per-gallon.

At the heart of the powerful yet frugal powertrain is Infiniti’s Direct Response Hybrid system, which uses a “compact Lithium-ion battery and electric motor to provide supplementary power through its one-motor/two-clutch system.” The QX60 Hybrid will be offered in either front or all-wheel drive.

Mounting the battery pack underneath the third row of seats ensures the hybrid version of the QX60 loses no interior cargo volume compared to the standard, non-hybrid model. It also solves a common cargo space complaint often leveled by hybrid customers.

Additionally, the hybrid will only cost $3,000 more than the regular model, which means the savings at the pump will pay for itself sooner.

The QX60 shares its hybrid system with the Infiniti M35h Hybrid, which we loved and hated all at once.

While the system was very well designed and implemented, the “Eco” drivetrain setting activates a motor in the gas pedal that pushes back on the driver’s foot, limiting throttle application. This made us feel like we had a bum right leg, or as if we were suffering a sudden onset of polio.

When the QX60 is officially unveiled in New York later this month, we’ll be on the ground for live photos and specs updates, so stay tuned.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

Mobile

The 6 best car phone holders in 2024

Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger with an iPhone 14 Pro.

Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Installing a car phone mount in your vehicle is the best way to make sure that you have easy access to your smartphone when behind the wheel. While you shouldn't be using your phone while driving, having it mounted on your windshield, dashboard, vent, or anywhere else will let you take a quick glance when you're using a navigation app, or to change your playlist when you stop for a traffic light, for example. Instead of having to pick up your device, it will be easier and faster to get these done while it's on a car phone mount for less time of having your eyes off the road.

Cars

Should you buy a used EV? Maybe, but it’s complicated

Electric cars are slowly but surely getting cheaper. Over the past year or so, Ford and Tesla have been discounting their most popular electric cars while other brands, like Rivian, are laying the groundwork for all-new cheaper models.

But you'd still be hard-pressed to call electric cars cheap, and buying a completely new car in the first place is a hurdle in and of itself for many potential buyers. According to Statista, used car sales represented around 74% of all car sales in 2022, and while this figure is likely to change as electric cars get cheaper, the fact remains that most car buyers would prefer to save cash and buy used rather than buy something new.
Buying a new car ain't what it used to be
Buying a car with an electric powertrain doesn't necessarily need to be all that different from buying an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. But there's a little more to it than that.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E: Will the R2 be a better buy?

Side of the Rivian R2

The Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it could end up being the go-to EV for drivers who want a decently affordable electric car with a rugged look and feel. But when it finally launches to the public, it won't be the only option in its price range -- the Ford Mustang Mach-E could be one of its main competitors.

The Mustang Mach-E may not be quite as rugged-feeling as the Rivian R2, but it does have a lot going for it -- like an increasingly low price, sleek design, and comfortable interior. Is one of these EVs better than the other? We put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The first thing to note about the two cars is their design, as they’re pretty different. The Rivian R2 is built to be a little more rugged and outdoorsy, while the Mach-E instead has a sleeker and sportier look to it. Both cars look stylish and modern.