It looks like the 2017 Q50 RS500 AWD lists at almost $60,000 with the technology package. How much are you expecting or hoping the 2018 G70 to list at?
Well, actually, fully loaded and including delivery charge, the Q50 RS400 AWD runs up to about $62,000. But discounting is pretty steep, with Q50 forum members reporting about a 12% discount, which puts the car at about $54,500. Not having driven it, I can't say what I'd be willing to pay but that establishes a reference point. I'd be looking to buy but I believe their leasing deals are also very attractive. If the G70, AWD, fully loaded, in its most performance-oriented version (Dynamic?) can come in at or under that, I think it will do well (assuming it does what we all believe it will as far as luxury, performance, etc.). I'd certainly be attracted to it. Above that, it will face stiffer competition.
On paper (and on video, from what we have so far), I think the G70 is the more appealing car, largely because of its advanced tech features, some of which (like HUD)
Infiniti doesn't have yet. I'm also not a big fan of the run-flat tires that are standard on the AWD
Infiniti. But
Infiniti has a great track record and customer experience working for it. As I said, until I can drive them both within a short enough time frame to be able to make direct comparisons, I don't know which I'd actually prefer owning. But I'm leaning toward the G70 based on what we know now. I hope the driving experience and price support my leaning that way. It's a car I'd like to own if it meets expectations.
Honestly, I'm expecting the US-spec car to be even better than the Korean models we've seen so far in videos. The suspension will be tighter on the US-spec cars, which is a big plus for me. They may also be able to squeeze a few more horses out of the engine with a more aggressive management system. The Korean G70 experience, plus the
Stinger experience, should give them a sense of whether they can safely push the engine platform a bit more. If they can squeeze out a few more HP without reliability taking a hit, that would be a good thing. One advantage of the Q50 is its HP hits the magic 400. If it were, say, 397 HP, it really wouldn't matter as far as performance goes but the psychological benefit of having a 400 HP engine would be lost. As childish as it is, I do find myself liking the idea of 400 HP, even though I think the G70 with 365 HP will perform as well as the Q50.
Both are really nice cars. I'm leaning toward the G70 and I'm hoping that once they arrive, pricing, performance, and sales approach don't burst that bubble. If they do, the Q50 RS400 AWD is a very appealing fallback.