Just some random thoughts to toss into this thread . . .
Fuel Octane Level ?
Perhaps in the first post, the test driver was driving units that the Dealers just threw in a few gallons of cheap 87 octane Regular Fuel in rather than the recommended premium ?
Sport Mode vs. Economy Mode on the Shifter ?
Perhaps they unknowingly bumped the shifter between the 2 Shift Modes, and is giving the differing feedback between quicker shifts ( economy ) and longer drawn out shifts ( sport )
Learning ?
Also as stated above, and confirmed by dealer, the car does indeed adjust to driving styles.
Personal Observations -
I have '16 AWD, purchased used in '19 with just 6,700 miles, Due to Work at Home . . . It still only has 13,000 miles.
I have other cars too, and the QX50 was purchased to be my work commuter primarily.
I've noticed a " Dr. Jekyll / Mr. Hyde " thing . . .
Sometimes the Acceleration impresses me, and puts a grin from ear to ear, and justifies the purchase.
Other times, when wanting to bypass slow traffic or get around a situation, I get the feeling that this 3.7 325 HP VQ should be giving me more scoot than it is putting out.
Bottomline ~
Compared to all the other 4 Cylinder smaller CUV / Wagon-Like Utility Vehicles out there . . .
The 3.7 V6 is a Screamer, Delivers Acceleration above and beyond the Competition, and when needed, the Power is there.
* EDIT * Update Nov 2022 - 20,000 miles later ~ now at 33,000 miles ~ Commuting 5 days a week ~
Dang excellent performing vehicle ~ Totally delivering a performance ride ~ with a Tire swap from the crappy Factory OEM Bridgestone Turanzas ~ world of difference in " sure footed-ness " Got Bargin Tires ~ Falken GS Pro AS $159 each ~ impressive so far after 3,000 miles, even in our first few icy ~ snow falls
I think the acceleration quirks mentioned in this Thread could also be related to just stomping the accelerator and the 7 spd auto " thinking " for a second what to do ~ then, once it gets the message you wanna go fast ~ the proper gearing is found and off you go ~
Interesting Post right below here - anxious to hear what Z1 ( a notable tuner for all things VQ related ) can do with the Transmission Programing