Overview & Reviews

The Infiniti Q50 effectively replaces the Infiniti's popular G series entry-level luxury sport sedan. And just like the G, the Q50 offers an appealing combination of luxury, performance and value wrapped up in handsome styling.

Although the luxury sport sedan segment has historically been dominated by elite German nameplates, the Infiniti Q50 holds its own against these typically pricier models. It also comes with the latest high-tech features, and there's an available hybrid model as well.

Current Infiniti Q50 Specs
The Infiniti Q50 entry-level luxury sport sedan debuted for the 2014 model year. It's powered by either a 3.7-liter V6 with 328 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque or, in the case of the hybrid version, a 3.5-liter V6 and a 50-kilowatt electric motor, which provide a total output of 354 hp. All Q50s come with a seven-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive is standard. All-wheel drive is optional. The regular Q50 comes in base, Premium and Sport trim levels, while the Q50 Hybrid comes only in the upper two trims.

Standard feature highlights on the base trim include keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control and eight-way power front seats. Also included are an electronics interface with twin touchscreen displays, smartphone app integration, Bluetooth phone/audio connectivity, a rearview camera and a six-speaker sound system.

Premium trims also feature a sunroof, heated front seats, leather upholstery (on the hybrid only), a 14-speaker Bose sound system and a multimedia monitor/display, while the Sport adds a sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels with summer performance tires, leather seating (for non-hybrid Q50 sedans), a sport driver seat and paddle shifters. The hybrid also includes Infiniti's Direct Adaptive Steering (which offers four different steering responsiveness settings) and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Option highlights include a navigation system, a 360-degree camera parking system, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and various safety features such as blind-spot warning and front and rear collision warning.

On the move, the Q50 has been somewhat of a disappointment for us. While acceleration is strong, ultimate handling ability on non-Sport trims is hobbled by all-season tires that don't offer the grip we'd expect from this otherwise athletic sedan. Ride quality is similarly mixed. Although the Q50 ably damps out larger bumps and ruts, it gets fidgety on roads with minor imperfections.

Beyond these issues, however, the Infiniti Q50 stands strong thanks to its well-trimmed and comfortable cabin, roomy trunk, user-friendly high-tech features and the impressive fuel economy of the hybrid model. It's worth a good look if you're shopping for a sport-oriented entry-level luxury sedan.

Used Infiniti Q50 Models
The Infiniti Q50 was all-new for 2014. If you're looking at used cars, though, many of the Q50's qualities can be found in its predecessor, the Infiniti G sedan.

User Reviews:

• 

  the capability to be good but not a bad car - 2015 Infiniti Q50
  By Ray - January 23 - 10:14 pm

  While shopping i was deciding between a 2015 Hyundai genesis sedan and a few other cars. I came across the q50 liking the old G models. ENded up with the Q because of the boring feel of the genesis. The q50 is marginally faster only because the transmission tuning is terrible at best. Pedal to the floor my 06 IS350 and the genesis sedan both downshift instantly to the right gear and puts the power down. The Q50 on the other hand has to build the revs up from cruising around 2k rpms to about 6k to rev match, and it feels like an eternity. It never really knows what gear to go into when trying to do a smooth pass from 40 to 55 mph. I have reset the ecu so it could relearn based on my driving, it has improved but is still erratic. It either stays in a high gear then just bogs or downshifts too much and jumps out where you have to come off the gas quickly to compensate. The premium Bose system is awesome much better than the earlier version in my old Maxima. I listen to a variety of music and it handles everything pretty well. I added an additional sub just to get those deeper lows but the sound is not lacking from factory, its crystal clear. The apps are a gimmick its best to use your phone when your parked versus having the intouch system do a google search. USB and ipod work very well and have clean sound and amplification. Bluetooth audio works seamlessly and gives access to phone for browsing on the screen versus using the actual phone. Build quality is not on par with lexus or bmw parts feel a bit cheaper and less sturdy. Cabin noise is low even at highway speeds. tire noise is not bad for run flats but the ride quality greatly suffers. For a 55 series tire it rides like a 35 minus the performance benefits. I will be changing to standard tires once these wear out. plus the 17 inch wheels look too small for the car 18s or the 19 inch sports are a much better option. Trunk space is marginally bigger than my is350 but the backseat is far more spacious. If the new Lexus IS wasnt so ugly i would have looked into one but i feel like i will go back to lexus versus Infiniti. Possibly even move to BMW before i buy another Infiniti. The q50 is no where near a bad car but it has a lot of bugs that need to worked out. THE GAS MILEAGE IS ALSO NO WHERE NEAR STATED. I get average 22 with 80% highway (70-80mph) 20% city (45mph). Driving the same routes/ speeds my is350 averages 25 highway and 18 city. the q50 is around 23 highway using premium only.

• 

  the capability to be good but not a bad car - 2015 Infiniti Q50
  By Ray - January 23 - 10:14 pm

  While shopping i was deciding between a 2015 Hyundai genesis sedan and a few other cars. I came across the q50 liking the old G models. ENded up with the Q because of the boring feel of the genesis. The q50 is marginally faster only because the transmission tuning is terrible at best. Pedal to the floor my 06 IS350 and the genesis sedan both downshift instantly to the right gear and puts the power down. The Q50 on the other hand has to build the revs up from cruising around 2k rpms to about 6k to rev match, and it feels like an eternity. It never really knows what gear to go into when trying to do a smooth pass from 40 to 55 mph. I have reset the ecu so it could relearn based on my driving, it has improved but is still erratic. It either stays in a high gear then just bogs or downshifts too much and jumps out where you have to come off the gas quickly to compensate. The premium Bose system is awesome much better than the earlier version in my old Maxima. I listen to a variety of music and it handles everything pretty well. I added an additional sub just to get those deeper lows but the sound is not lacking from factory, its crystal clear. The apps are a gimmick its best to use your phone when your parked versus having the intouch system do a google search. USB and ipod work very well and have clean sound and amplification. Bluetooth audio works seamlessly and gives access to phone for browsing on the screen versus using the actual phone. Build quality is not on par with lexus or bmw parts feel a bit cheaper and less sturdy. Cabin noise is low even at highway speeds. tire noise is not bad for run flats but the ride quality greatly suffers. For a 55 series tire it rides like a 35 minus the performance benefits. I will be changing to standard tires once these wear out. plus the 17 inch wheels look too small for the car 18s or the 19 inch sports are a much better option. Trunk space is marginally bigger than my is350 but the backseat is far more spacious. If the new Lexus IS wasnt so ugly i would have looked into one but i feel like i will go back to lexus versus Infiniti. Possibly even move to BMW before i buy another Infiniti. The q50 is no where near a bad car but it has a lot of bugs that need to worked out. THE GAS MILEAGE IS ALSO NO WHERE NEAR STATED. I get average 22 with 80% highway (70-80mph) 20% city (45mph). Driving the same routes/ speeds my is350 averages 25 highway and 18 city. the q50 is around 23 highway using premium only.

• 

  Reasonable luxury sport sedan - 2018 Infiniti Q50
  By Hisham Taher - November 13 - 11:15 pm

  I was in the market for a luxury sedan. I need this for my personal use, as I do own a minivan used for kids and errands. I wanted to keep my expenses within a reasonable range, and hence eliminated the German cars from my search. From the Japanese luxury sedans, the Infiniti was more fun to drive and engaging. Infiniti then gave me a good deal, which settled the matter for me. There is a lot of chatter about the dual screen and jnfotainment system, but I found it easy to use. I actually like having touchscreens, and can get to anything I want with a couple of quick clicks. My car came with all the bells and whistles. I don’t think anyone should get a luxury sedan without highly desired options that come in a few uncomplicated packages

• 

  Probably the best car in its class - 2015 Infiniti Q50
  By Nick J - March 7 - 10:45 am

  A lot of reviewers and car magazines like to brag on and on about the road feel and handling of a BMW 3 series. But most people in the real world arent driving their car on a racetrack, a mountain road or trying to set a lap time. The Audi A4 doesnt even compare to this car in any way. This is more spacious, more powerful, and the quality of the material and fit and finish is on par. The S4 however, is a better car. The same story with the 3-series. When compared to a 328, the Q50 is definitely the better car. A 335 is a better performance machine, but the ride and comfort is sacrificed in the name of performance. If youre looking for a great balance of luxury and sport, but you dont want to fork over $50k or more (Audi S4, BMW 335i, etc.) This is the best car in its class.

• 

  Probably the best car in its class - 2015 Infiniti Q50
  By Nick J - March 7 - 10:45 am

  A lot of reviewers and car magazines like to brag on and on about the road feel and handling of a BMW 3 series. But most people in the real world arent driving their car on a racetrack, a mountain road or trying to set a lap time. The Audi A4 doesnt even compare to this car in any way. This is more spacious, more powerful, and the quality of the material and fit and finish is on par. The S4 however, is a better car. The same story with the 3-series. When compared to a 328, the Q50 is definitely the better car. A 335 is a better performance machine, but the ride and comfort is sacrificed in the name of performance. If youre looking for a great balance of luxury and sport, but you dont want to fork over $50k or more (Audi S4, BMW 335i, etc.) This is the best car in its class.

• 

  Q50 redsport - 2017 Infiniti Q50
  By Sash - August 6 - 1:14 am

  Ive had the car for about 2 months. My previous car was a G37 IPL, so I will mostly compare this to that and the other two cars I cross shopped this with, the BMW 440iGC/340i and Lexus GS350 F Sport. Its definitely faster than the IPL, but it doesnt feel as sporty. I cant figure out why, but Ive narrowed it down to either the tires being different or because the IPL had a LSD. It just doesnt feel that great in the corners. The acceleration is really good, though. I mainly drive on the highway and its really useful for when you have to speed up to change lanes. From what Ive read, the 400HP ranking is actually underrated. But still, I actually preferred the cars I was comparing this too. I really wanted a Lexus GS, but when it came down to price, there was really no decision at all. They have some insane deals going on. The sticker on mine was $57K. The Lexus and BMW I was looking at were $59K. My monthly lease payment is $250-350 lower with the Infiniti. My payment is actually $50 lower than what it was for my IPL and this has a lot more power and technology. The gas mileage is pretty good too. I get 24mpg in Sport mode and 25 in Normal. One time I was running low on gas, so I took it easy on the pedal and I got up to 30mpg. So in conclusion, the car looks great, handles okay, has a lot of power, interior is comfortable with a good amount of space, has all the new technology, and even gets pretty good gas mileage if you dont mash the peddle. And they usually have really good deals going on, so its great value for the money.

• 

  not just a Nissan anymore - 2015 Infiniti Q50
  By dwightex - May 25 - 2:47 pm

  Its clear that Nissan makes lots of money on the Infiniti, but it is a nice daily driver and pretty nice to look at. Not much torque, but still mid 5s to get to 60 MPG. Its a little bumpy with the run flat 19s. What makes it a great car is the low cost lease. Why drive a used car when you can get a new car in mid 300s per month?

• 

  Q50S Infiniti Computer Debacle - 2014 Infiniti Q50
  By rickm2345 - January 20 - 7:06 pm

  I bought a new Q50 Sport AWD in mid-October. It is fun to drive. Performance and handling are great. The interior is well appointed and comfortable. It looks and feels luxurious. The major disappointment with this car is the Infiniti InTouch system. This system is used to control the navigation, climate, and audio systems. The system is takes a long time to first boot up and then is slow to respond to user input. The worst part is that it crashes and locks up all the controls. This was improved with a software upgrade but is still an issue. Its not fun when the navigation system gets reset while following route directions.

• 

  My New Q50 - 2016 Infiniti Q50
  By Raymond Gross - July 1 - 9:55 pm

  I leased a new Q50 when they first came out three years ago. That car had some issues (most notably the computer), but when my lease was up I decided to give the Q50 another try. I absolutely love my new Q50. The computer issues have all been resolved and I dont notice any of the issues I had with my last one. Even though the engine is a bit smaller, the turbo gives the car plenty of power. It also handles like a dream. The sports seats provide great support. And I love all the technology. After having two Q50s, I cant imagine owning a car without the surround view cameras. But best of all, the dealers were bending over backwards to move the cars over Labor Day weekend. The final cap cost on my new lease was over $10k below sticker (with the only upfront payment on my part being the customary drive offs). I would highly recommend this car.

• 

  Well...it looks good... - 2014 Infiniti Q50
  By srq5363 - February 1 - 9:07 pm

  I leased the base model with the sunroof about 1.5 weeks ago. I didnt want to pay for (or deal with) the electronic issues and gizmos and the base version hit my target price. It looked great, drove well, and met my needs for size. The downside is this car smells...bad. Two others like it smelled bad, too, but the dealership claimed that whatever I was smelling would wear off or theyd take care of it. After a few days, I returned and was told there was nothing they could do and I could trade it, lemon law it, or try to air it out. No luck. Software is buggy and slow and they are still saying apps are coming in 1 more month. Im regretting my choice but, at least it looks good.