1995 Infiniti Q45 Review (continued)
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Walkaround

Your first glance at the Q45 may provoke a seen it before" reaction. The big 4-door sedan does indeed have a design inspiration, one that appears to come largely from the folks who penned the lovely Jaguar XJ Series sedans. The proportions of hood, greenhouse and rear deck are the first tip-off, followed by the pronounced "shoulder" between the rearmost roof pillar and the rear fender. The grille, added in the 1994 redo, looks as if it was drawn in England, not Japan.

That said, it must be emphasized that the Q45 has an overall look of its own. Inspiration is not plagiarism, and no one will mistake an Infiniti for a Jaguar.

And the Q45 is a wonderfully attractive car. Some may find the grille less appealing than the plain front panel of 1990-93, but that's a matter of individual preference, and few will have any but kind words for the balance and masterful detailing of the body shape."

Interior Features

It's amazing what a little wood and soft leather will do for the appearance of a car. The Q45's major interior components all are carried over from the original version, but the addition of some subdued wood accents and plusher looking leather seats have made a considerable difference in the cabin's appearance.

Otherwise, everything is near-perfect. The instruments and controls are logically placed, handsome and easy to use, the seats are among the most comfortable and supportive in the automotive world, and sound and climate-control systems perform to the level you'd very reasonably expect in a car that costs more than 50 grand.

There's nothing especially unusual about the Q45's interior. No special fitments, no heads-up displays or built-in blenders to mix drinks with while underway - just the expected array of power assists and comfort and convenience features. What sets this inside space apart from others is the way all the systems look and feel. That's something better explained by a test drive than with words.

It's quiet inside the Q45, too, but the same can be said for the cabins of many other luxury sedans. Some, to be honest, are quieter; every Q45 we've sampled has suffered more from wind noise than do most rivals.

That one quibble aside, the Q45 cossets its occupants in fine style. The engine is only a muted hum at speed, tire noise is well-suppressed and the suspension takes care of irregularities in the pavement before they intrude.