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:

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  Keeps getting better! - 2016 Infiniti Q50
  By AWH2Infiniti - July 31 - 2:44 pm

  So, I had my 2015 Q50 3.7L V6 AWD Sport Sedan for about a year and a half. Loved every aspect of the car. Infiniti introduced a 3.0L TT Engine last year and so I made the switch (I lease my cars - the best way to go!) I absolutely love the new engine! The throttle/acceleration response is to the point and almost instant! I drive this car daily back and forth to work and some fun weekend drives and am very happy with it! This time, I added the Drivers Assistance package to give me some safety features and Im glad I did it. The only thing that I dont like (it has more to do with my personal preference - nothing wrong with the feature itself) is that the forward collision warning and emergency braking assist kicks in when Im zipping in and out of traffic. I know I can turn this feature off but for the 10-20 seconds of "fun" driving, I wouldnt want to keep having to go to the settings to turn the feature of, even though it can be turned off just by turning the Traction OFF. This car is very smooth and it can get up to speed in no time so just in case... I never turn the traction control off. Over all... very happy with the change and upgrade. Ill probably switch to the RedSport next time around and get a feel for it that beast as well!

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  The Ultimate Sleeper Sedan - 2016 Infiniti Q50
  By Thomas Gaydos - July 19 - 5:47 am

  The Q50 Red Sport 400 needed to convince me to buy it...and it did. Coming off of a 2013 Infiniti M37xS lease (Q70 S AWD in modern nomenclature), I was looking to downsize. I leased the M37, a very large car, opportunistically because Infiniti had a great lease deal on the loaded models, but the truth is that I liked my G37s much better. The convincing came after driving some tough competition in the form of a BMW 340i and Audi S4, both of which I liked for various reasons. The first car I test drive was actually a Q60 Red Sport coupe loaded up with the DAS steering and all sorts of active safety tech. The interior was red with optic white trim. it was gorgeous. The car fast, composed, and a lot of fun. The steering was good, but still a bit video-gamey for my tastes. I had to deactivate much of the electronic safety wizardry because it drove me nuts. The next car was what I fell in love with; a Q50 Red Sport sedan, black on black, with only the Premium Plus package and a couple other select options added on to the standard Red Sport goodies. The black with the dark gray 19" rims is a badass look and the black interior with the textured shodo aluminum trim is much more sporty than the wood interior treatment. The best part - besides the bonkers engine - is that the standard steering with electric-assist is MUCH better than the DAS, but still offers a couple of different settings. What won me over was the the combination of how the car drives and that I liked the interior and in-car tech better in the Infiniti. The first impression that you get when driving a Red Sport is that the engine is an absolute monster. Ive owned and driven some fast cars and I think 400hp is under-rating this engine. It could be that it feels even faster because the torque comes on so early (1500) with a broad peak (6200) and that the AWD variant I have delivers all of that power at any time, but wow...this thing HAULS! The drive modes (SNOW, ECO, Standard, Sport, Sport+, Personal) significantly alter the personality of the car. SNOW mode is for the deep stuff. It essentially locks the car into 50/50 split and softens torque application, ECO actively resists aggressive driving and is perfect when driving elderly relatives, Standard mode softens the suspension, steering, throttle, and shifts and is perfect for general cruising, Sport makes the suspension stiffer, steering quicker, and everything feel much more aggressive, Sport + mode is hooligan mode and dials back the traction control. Personal mode allows individual settings for Steering, Suspension, Shifts/Throttle (I like everything dialed up expect standard suspension for highway driving, for instance). In all modes not SNOW or ECO, the Red Sport wants to run. Ive already logged 4.48s 0-60 run and 12.95 quarter at 109.1mph according to Vbox in my limited testing. The interior is technically impressive with its 2 touch screens and 3rd color screen between the gauges. Some complain that the InTouch system is difficult to use, but after a short time it becomes second nature. The app connectivity is beyond pathetic (only Facebook Check-in and Events, and Google Online Search apps) and is waaaay behind the competition, and the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is shocking, the bluetooth and USB connectivity, the easy-to-use navigation system, and the solid design of the overall interface make it a positive experience. The Bose 14 speaker XM/HD Radio/FM/AM system is impressive and is superior to any of the other Bose systems Ive experienced in other Infiniti vehicles. It was also the best audio system of the cars I test drove. Overall, the interior is very comfortable with soft leather and high quality switchgear everywhere you touch. This Q50 has the G37 character that I felt the 2014 model lacked. Its aggressive and always wants to attack the next straightaway, curve, or onramp. The engine sound is addictive and itll pin you back in your seat. Check this one out if you want a true performance sleep that also happens to be a heck of a value.

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  Its the perfect car for me. - 2014 Infiniti Q50
  By pkieffer - February 8 - 12:33 pm

  I thoroughly enjoy this car. Its crazy fast, fun to drive and gets 25mpg. Its very quiet inside and has the best sound system Ive ever heard. It has all the fun of a G37 but in classy, quiet, comfortable, luxury package. It feels very solid when you pound it. The handling is superb. I prefer to drive myself so I elected not to get all the high tech gismos. I did get AWD for the Minnesota winters, cant wait to utilize it. Its so fun to drive I already have 6000 miles on it. Try one, youll find its the best value out there. I get complements everyday on what a sharp looking car it is.

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  Love it! - 2016 Infiniti Q50
  By scott Hudson - January 24 - 4:41 pm

  Actual mileage much better than suggested. That has been the only surprise, and its a happy one! Love this car. Rides smooth, quiet, with plenty of power when I need it. The auto engine shut off at stop lights seems to be standard on more and more cars and its a little annoying but you can turn it off. Ive had the car about a month and received many compliments. Great car!

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  Unsung Hero - 2015 Infiniti Q50
  By slcraft - November 20 - 3:09 pm

  It really sucks that this car will be overlooked by most due to the ongoing poor reviews for the "Drive by Wire" steering that has been universally panned by enthusiast reviews. It seems every car road tested has all the electronics which, while impressed by them, many reviewers disliked as being too "nanny-like" This is why I did my research and, once I found out I could lease a well equipped Q50 AWD Premium I ran to my dealer to do so. I put no money down and pay $344 a month. Options were Navigation (which includes voice activation, Bose System, Infiniti In Touch and Sirius Radio, the 19inch wheels (must have) leather package, and spare tire. NO drive by wire steering, ever!!!

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  Q50, Slicing Through the Wind - 2017 Infiniti Q50
  By Q50 live - October 7 - 12:40 am

  This is a great car. Ive been an owner for about 2 months and I absolutely love the car. Great acceleration, minimal shift shock and dynamic breaking without the dramatic nose dive. When you start the engine it doesnt sound so luxurious, but levels out after the fluids start mixing. Not a problem, but something that you notice. Not much head room unless you lower the seats and a small trunk thats "about" the same as its competitors. I love the Infiniti InTouch system and the ability to utilize your cell phone for many out of car features. Theres power in the pedal. You may want to be a little easy when you use the Sport Mode as it will give you what you asked for. Comes with Run Flat tires and no spare just so you know. Still a great car.

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  Its Good but......... - 2014 Infiniti Q50
  By jrich73 - August 13 - 3:33 am

  I have owned 4 Infinitis before this one. 2007 FX35(loved it), 2012 G37XS(loved it), 2012 FX35 with Deluxe touring (Everyone loved this one) 2013 M37XS (I traded in my 2006 550i manual transmission because my M37XS made it feel slow) and lastly my Hagane Blue Q50 Hybris sport. I was really excite about getting 31 MPGs on the hughway in this car because I drive alot. The closest I have been able to get is 28 MPGs on the highway using cruise control. I use a simple fomula MPG = (miles driven)/(gallons). The car would say one number but it was always high by almost 3 MPGs. If it said 29, I would calculate 26-26.5. Unacceptable. Every car Ive owned I have been able achieve the posted MPGs.

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  Having owned both the Q50 2014 and the 2015... - 2014 Infiniti Q50
  By CoffeeBean - July 24 - 8:18 am

  This review is coming from someone who likes to drive aggressively. Two thumbs up. 2 cars ago I had a 2010 VW GTI. Loved it, til I drove it (almost literally) to the ground. It had to have a new engine at 80k mi, so instead, I was then in the market for a new vehicle. Ive always liked smaller cars and their handling and steering, so this was somewhat of a big step to take to go with a "mid-size sports luxury sedan." I had the 2014 Q50 for a year and I really liked it; I upgraded to a 2015 Q50 with a few more options (they took my 2014 as a trade-in). Id never driven an Infiniti before the 2014 Q50, but my friend has/had a Nissan Maxima, another friend had an Infiniti M37, and a friend has an Infiniti EX37. My friends opinions about the reliability of Infiniti kind of persuaded me to try it, and Im glad I did. It is "less connected" to the road, especially with the way I want to drive, but I still enjoy it, but this means a softer, smoother ride--a comfy drive. My friend even commented on the smooth suspension as a passenger (although, he had a BMW 3-series, so thats a pretty big difference). The big 327HP V6 engine is pretty powerful. With a 3 adult passengers and a trunk full of luggage, the Q50 still has no trouble accelerating quickly. The Bose surround sound is pretty nice; very similar to Nissans. You have to play around with the sound settings to get it just the way you like it (took me about a week). Sometimes the bass can be too loud; depends on what kind of music you listen to. Navigation is decent. Back-up camera is good (and the display is big too). Note: There is a big difference between the non-premium version and the premium version of the Q50, the premium version has steer-by-wire, which gives it a much more disconnected feel. You get used to it after a while (of all the loaner cars Ive ever gotten), but they are drastically different. My Q50 does not have steer-by-wire. If money were not an obstacle, I wouldve gotten the Q50S for the sport suspension/tuning.

• 

  A Beautiful Machine - 2014 Infiniti Q50
  By tageo - June 3 - 11:37 pm

  Ive had my car for 1 month now, and I am very impressed. The power and handling is excellent. The black on black looks sleek and mean. The interior quality is top notch, and its full of nice options. Yes, the computer takes a bit of time to power up, but its no big deal. You still have immediate access to the back-up camera, climate controls, and radio controls via the steering wheel buttons. Stop whining, people, and just enjoy driving this machine. Not a single problem with this car yet. I did not get the navigation, no need for it. And I dont know why people are complaining about the run flat tires. The tires are fine. This car is simply fun to drive!

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  From G37 to Q50 - 2016 Infiniti Q50
  By Tony Albanese - March 12 - 5:13 pm

  I traded a G37 on a new Q50. I was worried about the new V6 because the engine in my G37 is awesome, however the new engine is powerful, quiet, and smooth with no turbo lag. I am absolutely thrilled with this car. My only gripes are that the steering takes a little getting used to and you give up a little ride quality for better handling.