We found, however, that the summer tires on the Red Sport 400 lack the grip we expect in a sport sedan. The adaptive suspension offers adjustable dampers and helps flatten the attitude through corners. While the G37 was known for its great steering and handling, the Q50 takes a slight step back from those accolades. The 2.0-liter turbo-4 was only made available on base Pure trims. The hybrid version was dropped in 2019 and the model lineup streamlined: Pure, Luxe, Sport, and Red Sport. A new Sport model comes with the base 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, there's a new Design package for V-6 models, and minor equipment upgrades have been made. The Hybrid edition carries over, though it has been re-rated to 360 horsepower.įor 2017, the model lineup includes 2.0t, 2.0t Premium, 2.0t Sport, 3.0t Premium, 3.0t Sport, Red Sport 400, and Hybrid models. In the Red Sport 400, it spins out 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. In base form, the V-6 makes 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The old V-6 was also ditched in favor of a pair of twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6s from a new engine family. Starting with the 2016 model year, the base engine became a 208-hp 2.0-liter turbo-4 found in the QX30 compact and the Mercedes CLA/GLA. Just two years after its redesign, the Q50 received three new turbocharged engines last year, as well as an adjustable Dynamic Digital Suspension, and a retuned version of the controversial "steer-by-wire" Direct Adaptive Steering system that debuted in 2014.
There also was a Hybrid model, featuring a 3.5-liter V-6 with an electric motor system, two clutches, and a lithium-ion battery pack-essentially the same as the setup that debuted in the M35h hybrid-altogether making a total output of 354 hp. Standard-issue models made use of a 328-horsepower version of the company's tried-and-true 3.7-liter V-6 paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. In its first two model years, the Q50 could be had with two quite different V-6 powertrains and a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive with each. Its looks suggest a sportier car, even if the old car's focus has been muddled in the changeover. The Q50 has an obvious design link to its G37 predecessor, but brings the design up to date with a very modern, sleek profile and an interior with a much higher level of detailing. Its faults were a tight interior and a tendency to be a bit louder than competitors. The G37 was known for its steering and handling, an all-around gratifying driving experience for enthusiasts while still offering the luxury expected in this price class. Of all of Infiniti's nameplates, the G lineup, and specifically the G37, probably had the most brand recognition, so the move to the Q50 badge was initially confusing. in 2022, Infiniti made leather and wireless Apple CarPlay standard.
For 2020 Infiniti added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but dropped the turbo-4. The 2.0-liter turbo-4 was made available only on base models. With the Q50, Infiniti has a rival for such vehicles as the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, and the Mercedes-Benz C Class.įor 2019, Infiniti shelved the Q50 Hybrid and streamlined the trim lineup: Pure, Luxe, Sport, and Red Sport. The Q50 was introduced for the 2014 model year, and was the first of Infiniti's cars to adopt a new naming convention. The Q50 boasts new lines and updated powertrains, but is a continuation of the popular Infiniti G35/G37 line.
The Infiniti Q50 is a four-door luxury compact sedan.