The 2018 Infiniti Q50: Sport, Luxury, and Sophistication

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The 2018 Infiniti Q50: Sport, Luxury, and SophisticationVanderWolf Images / Shutterstock

The 2018 Infiniti Q50 is sister to the Q70, which is Infiniti’s full-size sedan. Read on to learn about the defining features and performance specs for the Q50.

As the more luxurious offerings from Nissan, the Infiniti models focus on quality of materials for both interior and exterior, a comfortable ride, and of course superior styling. The Infiniti Q50 is available as an affordable base model, a capable sports car, as well as a respectable hybrid option.

Performance Specifications

The 2018 Infiniti Q50 is offered in many forms, with a variety of engine options. Base models feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four capable of 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Customers can also choose a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Hybrid models sport a 3.5-liter V6, that’s now putting out 360 horsepower and RED SPORT 400 models feature an even more capable engine that captures 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. All engine options are mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission, available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Customers can purchase the 2018 Infiniti Q50 in the following colors:

Fuel Efficiency

U.S. News has the full list of fuel efficiency numbers for the 2018 Infiniti Q50. The models are ranked from smallest to largest EPA-estimated fuel efficiency below:

Entertainment and Safety Features

Base models of the 2018 Infiniti Q50 begin at $35,200 and feature the 2.0-liter turbo inline-four engine. Named the 2.0t PURE model, these designations are equipped with 17-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, idle start/stop, and manual shift mode. Hill start assist is standard, as well as auto LED headlights, front LED fog lights, LED brake lights, and remote keyless entry. A really cool feature of this RWD model is the ability to roll the windows down remotely using the Infiniti Intelligent Key. A push button start, heated outside mirrors, leather seating, and dual chrome exhaust finishers add to the luxury feel of this model. Customers also receive SiriusXM radio, Bluetooth, RearView Monitor, Brake Assist, and a six-speaker audio system. Infotainment displays are split between an upper eight-inch and a lower seven-inch screen.

The 2.0t PURE AWD model is exactly the same car as above, except it is all-wheel drive. The 2.0t LUXE model, which is described in the RWD configuration above, also comes in AWD.

The 2.0t LUXE model rides on 18-inch wheels, has a power sliding moonroof, and cruise control. This model is the highest available with the 2.0t engine option.

Models equipped with the 3.0t V6 engine begin at the LUXE trim level, which will cost you $39,150. This particular trim comes in RWD and AWD. For those looking for a bit more, check out the 3.0t SPORT, which rides on 19-inch wheels and features sport-design front and rear fascia. The 3.0t SPORT comes in RWD or AWD, with Kacchu aluminum trim and sports seats with manual thigh extension.

The RED SPORT 400 package costs a pretty penny, at $51,000. However, with 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, it’s an enticing option. Customers will receive exclusive 19-inch wheels and the Essential, ProASSIST, and Performance packages. This model is also available in RWD or AWD.

The hybrid options top the 2018 Infiniti Q50’s model list, with the 3.5-liter LUXE RWD or AWD. Both models feature 19-inch wheels, Intelligent Cruise Control, a Bose 16-speaker sound system, and navigation.

The following packages are available on select 2018 Infiniti Q50 models:

The 2018 Infiniti Q50 was rated “Good” in all IIHS safety tests, except for the “IIHS Small Overlap Front Test,” where it has not yet been tested. The NHTSA gave it five stars in their rollover rating according to Kelley Blue Book, but Edmunds notes it hasn’t been tested yet overall.

The poor gas mileage is a drawback to this model, according to U.S. News. Kelley Blue Book ranked the 2018 Q50 15th in mpg. While the hybrid models do post respectable numbers, other models sacrifice power for fuel efficiency.

How the Infiniti Compares to the Competition

Edmunds had a lot of great things to say about the 2018 Infiniti Q50, but touched on many points other reviewers brought up as well. While experts enjoyed the turbo engine option and appreciated that the high-tech entertainment options were standard, they did remark that the infotainment system is not very user-friendly, and that some users might be put-off by the dual screens.

Kelley Blue Book chimed in, noting that the 2018 Q50 ranks 15th in horsepower, even though it comes at a lower cost than most European competitors. More sophisticated interiors exist in other brands’ models, according to Consumer Reports, who agree the base model is cheap, but that you get what you pay for in this case.

U.S. News ranked the 2018 Infiniti Q50 17th in its Luxury Small Cars list, remarking on the powerful V6 engines and abundance of safety features. Infiniti, much like Lexus, might create sports-car-capable luxury sedans, but both still pale in comparison to their European counterparts. BMW and Audi pull off speedy sophistication easily, albeit at a higher price.

Customers have a lot of options in the sedan market, and it really comes down to price and features. Many of the brands known for luxury and speed include BMW, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Buick, among others. Many of these other marques offer better features at a lower price, often with a better fuel economy. Some customers might be hard-pressed to shell out $51,000 for the 400 horses of the RED SPORT 400, when a more refined BMW or Benz is within that same price point.

Pros

Cons

As Nissan’s luxury marque, Infiniti holds its own in the luxury sedan segment with the 2018 Q50, but like Lexus, their inability to compete with foreign brands on most fronts can be a drawback to some potential customers. All the same, Infiniti does offer a luxury hybrid option, available in AWD, so even as gas prices rise and the weather outside might require added traction, you can still enjoy comfort and speed in an Infiniti.

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