Infiniti Q50

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Eight years is an eternity when it comes to a vehicle's lifespan, but that's how long the Infiniti Q50 has gone without a full redesign. Sure, it received a major refresh in 2016, but in the entry-level luxury sedan class, it's the grizzled old veteran trying to fend off fresher (and better) rivals. Aside from its potent V6 engine choices, there's little enticement to win shoppers over.

As a result, we suggest looking elsewhere in the class. In particular, the Mercedes A-Class and related CLA are excellent choices and the more powerful AMG versions are just as punchy as the Q50's base engine. You might also check out the Acura TLX or redesigned Audi S3. To put it succinctly, you can do better than the Infiniti Q50. Our Expert Rating below spells it out in more detail.

Our verdict    6.4 / 10

The Infiniti Q50 has a curious and often confusing design mix. On the performance side, the engine is powerful, but  lifeless steering and mediocre tires negate any sporting intent. Inside you will find comfortable seats, but bulky and cluttered. The dual-screen infotainment system infuriates even the most tech-savvy users. Other sedans are simply more consistent and refined for a similar price. 

How comfortable is the Q50?    6.5

The front seats are comfortable even on long journeys. The rear passengers will be sufficiently comfortable. But the Q50's travel comfort, or lack thereof, has its weight. The Q50  almost constantly feels engaged on everything except a perfectly smooth road.Driving on even moderate imperfections is remarkably shocking. Interior noise is dominated by road noise from other vehicles, especially at highway speeds. Thin windows and minimal door insulation are the likely culprits. Fortunately, the engine omits a pleasant, quiet hum, even at full throttle. The air conditioning system works  well enough to maintain a set temperature, but the controls are not arranged in a logical fashion.

How’s the interior?    6.5

Front passengers will have no problem getting on or off the Q50, and the driver's seat and steering wheel have plenty of adjustments so you can find a comfortable position. Taller rear passengers should pay attention to  their heads and feet when entering. Visibility to the front and to the sides is better than average thanks to the Q50's slim roof pillars, but the short rear window and high trunk lid compromise the view to the rear. 

The big downside here is the Q50's control layout. The dual screen layout is just weird and makes finding and using the controls a lot harder than it should be. Infiniti is in need of an overhaul.

How’s the tech?    4.5

This is without a doubt the most disappointing part of the Q50 experience. The dual-screen infotainment system is a patchwork of incompatible characters, resolutions and menus that will confuse most buyers accustomed to well-integrated technology. We had a lot of navigation problems and hours of frustration trying to memorize the menu architecture. Integration between Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphones is standard but doesn't eliminate the frustration that comes with just using the Q50.

 We've found that some of the Q50's driver aids are too sensitive  when we turn them off. Adaptive Cruise performed well, but Infiniti's Active Trace Control, which uses predictive technology to help with high-performance driving, is clunky and not very efficient.

How’s the storage?    6.0

The wide trunk opening is nice, but the fairly protruding wheel arches hinder the trunk. The trunk hinges are mounted on the outside of the trunk, allowing you to load the Q50 to full capacity without risking damage to items when you close the lid. The rear seats fold down, but the resulting opening in the cabin is small and of little use.

 Inside, the cup holders will have to do most of the heavy daily chores as there is no comfortable place to store something the size of a smartphone. There is a hinged door in front of the shifter, but it works best for access cards or smaller items like a pack of gum. Center console storage space is compromised by USB and power ports.

How’s the fuel economy?    7.5

We tested the all-wheel-drive Q50 (not the Red Sport), which has an EPA estimated fuel mileage of 22 mpg (19 city / 27 highway). Competitors equipped with a V6 engine publish similar figures. 115-mile trial run, our Q50 brought in an impressive 25 mpg. The Q50's fuel tank is also quite large. 

Is the Q50 a good value?    7.0

The Q50 has a lot of style and  decent  power, but is a bit short in terms of premium content. At first glance, the interior appears to be well-equipped for the modern driver, but on closer inspection it follows many competitors. in terms of technology and finishes. The paints and finishes are up to the task, but the many materials and styles contrast with a more attractive, simple design scheme. The busy approach takes away the luxury feel of the car.

Wildcard    6.0

Infiniti claims the Q50 offers both thrill and luxury, but even with its turbocharged V6 engine and rebuilt leather seats, the Q50 fails to deliver a truly luxurious or sporty experience. Deep in the piles of modern technology lie the bones and  feel of the old-fashioned and much-loved G37 sedan. But time and a lack of real development and tuning weighed down a solid chassis with  disappointing numbness.

Which Q50 do we recommend?

 The entry-level Luxe finish receives our recommendation for its long list of standard equipment which includes a full suite of advanced security features. The more powerful Red Sport 400 model with updated brakes and suspension should appeal to buyers with a sporty streak. 

INFINITI Q50 models

The 2022 Infiniti Q50 is available in three trim levels: Luxe, Sensory and Red Sport 400. first two use a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine (300 hp, 295 lb-ft of torque), while the Red Sport 400 boosts horsepower to 400 hp and 350 lb-ft. A seven-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels. All-wheel drive is offered throughout the range. In addition to the typical features  of most luxury sports sedans, the Q50 Luxe trim is equipped with:

Auto-dimming and electrically folding mirrors, Sunroof Keyless entry and starting Dual-zone automatic air conditioning. Leather upholstery. Heated front seats with memory functions. Heated steering wheel. Vegetable and telescopic steering column 16 speakers Bose premium audio system Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone integration.Two Front Collision Reduction infotainment touchscreens (warns  of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Rearview mirror with auto surround attenuation and # 40 camera system; provides an aerial view of the vehicle and its surroundings for restricted parking situations and # 41; Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the Q50 and the car in front) Blind Spot Monitor (warns if a vehicle in the next lane  is in the blind spot) Lane Departure Warning (warns if the vehicle starts to deviate from its lane) The Sensory increases performance and the luxury quotient with: High performance summer tires. Air purifierSport seats Navigation system Interior ambient lighting .The top of the range Red Sport 400 is the most efficient in the range with 400 hp. In addition, adds: Adaptive suspension shocks Updated brakes Premium leather trim Exclusive exterior and interior styling treatments.