by Gabrielle DeSantis

The luxury SUV segment is booming, with many competitors fighting for customers’ attention. Interestingly, one of the best luxury SUVs on the market is Infiniti. Here’s a look at how the 2021 Infiniti QX50 was recognized as one of the most luxurious SUVs of the year.

The Infiniti QX50 is among the most luxurious SUVs of the year

Some people may immediately think of a Cadillac or a Land Rover when it comes to luxury SUVs. Customers looking for something more reliable may immediately think of a Lexus or maybe even a Genesis. According to U.S. News, customers may also want to start thinking about Infiniti when it comes to luxurious SUVs.

Infiniti didn’t get very far on the list, to be fair to the other luxury automakers, but it was on it. U.S. News placed the QX50 in 21st place, and that meant that the QX50 is more luxurious than at least one other popular and well-known luxury SUV: Mercedes-Benz GLA. QX50 owners can rest easy knowing that U.S. News said that the QX50 is more luxurious than a Mercedes. 

Why this is surprising news

Infiniti and its parent company, Nissan, aren’t doing well right now. Some people believe that Infiniti will be dead by 2030. The main reason for that prediction is because of its sales and reception. Nissan and Infiniti as a business cannot survive if nobody is buying their cars. It is time to adapt or go defunct.

Thus far, it seems like few people are buying, and there are many reasons for that. The reasons will differ depending on which car is being criticized, but it’s clear that not many people love Nissan or Infiniti. One common complaint that involves the QX50 and other Nissans is age. The QX50 has been around for a long time, and it hasn’t had many updates. That can be a bad thing since customers want newer and fresher cars.

Even though critics liked the Nissan Infiniti Q50, customers didn’t feel the same way. The same thing could happen to the QX50. At the very least, Infiniti can be proud that the QX50 is considered to be one of the most luxurious SUVs on the market right now.

An overview of the 2021 Infiniti QX50

The QX50 does have quite a few luxurious offerings as a luxury compact SUV. According to U.S. News, synthetic leather upholstery is standard. Drivers and passengers will have a comfortable time in their Infiniti when combined with the QX50’s spacious seats. 

Another feature that comes standard with the QX50 is its dual touchscreen displays. It has an 8.0-inch touchscreen and a 7.0-inch touchscreen under that. These touchscreens give people access to Infiniti’s infotainment system and its suite of standard smart safety features.

U.S. News wrote that things like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and adaptive daytime running headlights are all standard among many more smart safety features. Additionally, the QX50 is a pretty practical SUV, despite being so luxurious. The QX50 has a max cargo capacity of 65 cubic feet when its seats fold down, which is really great for the segment. However, its price tag of just under $38,000 makes a midrange-priced car.

RELATED: The 2021 Infiniti QX50 Is Finally Adding a Necessary Feature

The post The 2021 Infiniti QX50 Is a Surprising Entry on This List appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The automotive industry is buzzing about the longstanding massive Takata airbag recall crisis. About 19 automakers have been affected, BMW being one of them. In response, the BMW Group has since issued a recall of 4,500 vehicles of its 1999-2001 3 Series wagon and sedan models.

Keep in mind, these models were previously recalled back in 2019 for the same issues. However, the main concern is that the inflators were only inspected but not replaced. 

Another airbag recall update leaves us rolling our eyes

In a document filed through the NTSA, BMW recommended parking the 1999 328i and 323i models. These airbags produced by Takata may have manufacturing defects. The NHTSA found it may not contain a stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Without this crucial element, the airbags would underinflate in the event of an accident. Worse yet, moisture could cause them to explode. 

In case of an explosion, they could spray you and your passenger with shrapnel, which would lead to severe injuries or even fatalities. In fact, a driver in Australia was injured by faulty Takata airbags in a 2000 BMW Series, although investigations indicated that the inflator was from a 1998 model. 

Consumer Reports stated that other similar incidents have occurred here in the US, resulting in 19 deaths and 27 deaths globally. Additionally, they have estimated that about 400 US residents have sustained severe body injuries from these airbags. This number would have been more were it not for the massive recalls that now accounts for more than 42 million vehicles in the US alone. 

Why do these airbags keep getting recalled?

Inq draws on internal ACCC documents to reveal the inside story of the flawed recall of deadly Takata airbags — and how BMW was given special treatment by the authorities. https://t.co/rIMMX1TkxM

— Crikey (@crikey_news) December 11, 2019

In 2019 the faulty airbags’ issues affected the 328is and 323i models from 1999 the most, which amounted to 7,910 vehicles according to Roadshow. Other models included the 1999-2001 3 Series. A total of 74,000 cars were affected and 34,000 were cars from 1999-2000 3 Series coupes. Also, about 74,000 vehicles that received airbag replacements during the last recall may still contain these faulty ones. 

In the first stages of the recall, Takata believed that the solution was to replace the old deadly inflators. However, they replaced the faulty ones on some car models with new ones that used the same exact chemistry and design. Of course, this didn’t work, and they have eventually reformulated the explosive propellers to preserve airbags for a longer time. 

Due to these manufacturers’ defects, some automakers have experienced losses and have opted to source airbag inflators from other suppliers. As a consequence, Takata’s reputation got damaged, it went out of business, and was purchased by Joysen Safety Systems back in 2018.

What do you do when your car has been recalled?

Takata airbag recall: Honda, BMW, Mitsubishi and other car brands affected by faulty airbags https://t.co/z4SzaRCjcJ

— Newsweek (@Newsweek) December 6, 2019

All affected BMW cars with Takata airbags will have to a BMW dealership for thorough inspections by a technician. If they are faulty, you will get new ones free of charge. BMW issued recall notification letters to car owners to take their vehicles for inspections and replacement on July 19, 2021. 

A recall of this magnitude is very complex, and many drivers often miss the manufacturer’s deadline. The reason is mainly the inconvenience faced by drivers whenever they lose access to their car. This failure to take the cars for repairs leads to fewer people getting the parts than expected.

NHTSA says more than 38 million vehicles have received repair since the first recall notice. They also estimate a figure of about 13 million cars could still have defective airbags. If you are one of those people with a 1999-2001 BMW model and have received a repair notification, kindly make time and get your car fixed. It’s absolutely free and could save your life and that of your loved ones in case anything happens.

If you have a question about the safety of your airbags, you can reach out to BMW on 800-525-7417 or NHTSA hotline 888-327-4236. You can also check your vehicle identification number on the NHTSA website.

RELATED: The 2022 BMW X3 Is Killing the Plug-in Hybrid Powertrain in the U.S.

The post Deadly Takata Airbags Spark 2nd Recall of 4,500 BMWs That Weren’t Fixed the 1st Time appeared first on MotorBiscuit.