2018 INFINITI Q50 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　

What’s new

　　For 2018, Infiniti has simplified the Q50's trim level names and shuffled some features and options. The front and rear ends also receive subtle exterior styling and interior trim changes.

　　

Vehicle overview

　　Strong performance, plenty of premium features and a competitive price give the 2018 Infiniti Q50 a well-earned seat at the table with other refined and accomplished luxury sport sedans.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 INFINITI Q50 2.0t PURE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$181/mo  for Q50 2.0t PURE

　　Q50 2.0t PURE

　　2.0t PURE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7A) - $35,200 MSRP2.0t PURE 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7A) - $37,200 MSRP2.0t LUXE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7A) - $37,550 MSRP2.0t LUXE 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7A) - $39,550 MSRP3.0t LUXE 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7A) (Most Popular) - $39,150 MSRP3.0t LUXE 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7A) - $41,150 MSRP3.0t SPORT 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7A) - $40,650 MSRP3.0t SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7A) - $42,650 MSRPHybrid LUXE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 7A) - $50,600 MSRPHybrid LUXE 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 7A) - $52,600 MSRPRED SPORT 400 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7A) - $51,000 MSRPRED SPORT 400 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7A) - $53,000 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　The Q50's interior design continues to age gracefully, but age it does. It's the same basic design used since 2014, and it feels a bit behind the more modern, elegant environments in Audi and Mercedes rivals. But don't let that end your consideration. The Q50 is still a joy to drive. If you're looking for power, consider one of the Q50's turbocharged V6 engines. They deliver a jolt of pony car-esque thrill each time you dig into the pedal, especially in the Red Sport top trim. Infiniti also packs in plenty of standard features for you money.

　　Overall, the 2018 Infiniti Q50 isn't quite as polished as some rival sedans, but it stands as a desirable and stylish alternative to the status quo.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　Strong performance, plenty of premium features and a competitive price give the 2018 Infiniti Q50 a well-earned seat at the table with other refined and accomplished luxury sport sedans. Though better in some ways and inferior in others, the Q50 nonetheless is a desirable alternative.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our first drive of the 2018 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 Sedan (turbo 3.0L V6 | 7-speed automatic | RWD).

　　

Driving

　　The Q50 is a highly competent luxury sedan that's enjoyable to drive. It drives like a smaller, sportier car. The Q50 Sport trim demonstrates its true capability thanks to additional grip, while the Red Sport 400 is nothing short of a refined road hooligan.

　　

Acceleration

　　The turbocharged four-cylinder engine's 208-hp output is subpar for the class, but real-world acceleration is certainly adequate. Both of the Q50's turbocharged V6 engines offer strong and satisfying power.

　　

Braking

　　The brakes have a good feel and are easy to modulate, delivering consistent distances at the track. Panic-stopping distances are about average for summer-tire-equipped cars in this class.

　　

Steering

　　The steering feels quick and precise and builds effort well, though it's a bit light for our tastes. The adaptive steering option on some Q50s is less impressive.

　　

Handling

　　The Q50 3.0t Sport is a capable sport sedan. It inspires confidence with high levels of grip and composure. The Red Sport 400 amplifies these qualities considerably.

　　

Drivability

　　The Q50 is a very pleasant sedan to drive. It exhibits good manners in typical driving and a natural sporting demeanor.

　　

Comfort

　　The Q50 is comfortable and generally quiet, though road noise is still noticeable. The 2018 Red Sport 400 is a superbly comfortable touring car with excellent seats.

　　

Interior

　　The Q50's cabin makes use of high-quality materials and sturdy construction, but the design hasn't changed much in nearly a decade. Conventional controls are within easy reach, but the touchscreen has some drawbacks. Still, it remains a pleasant and spacious place for driver or passenger.

　　

Ease of use

　　Most systems are controlled via the split touchscreens, which can sometimes be confusing. Input reactions are quick and menus are intuitive, but the displays are often obscured by glare and fingerprints, especially with the newer protective glass.

　　

Getting in/getting out

　　The Q50's low step-in height and wide seats facilitate easy entry and exit. As an added bonus, the doors swing open with surprising ease.

　　

Roominess

　　The airy cabin and the contoured dashboard provide plenty of room up front. Six-footers can occupy the back seat with headroom to spare.

　　

Visibility

　　The forward view is expansive through the windshield, but the higher beltline and relatively high rear decklid reduce the view over your shoulder and out the rear window. The optional surround-view monitor eliminates any guesswork in tight spaces.

　　

Quality

　　Even though it's showing its age, the Q50 maintains high standards for materials and craftsmanship. Compared to newer luxury sport sedans, the Infiniti looks and feels about average for the class.

　　

Utility

　　The Q50's cargo capacity is decent for the class, but interior storage for your personal items is somewhat lacking by contemporary standards. The trunk space is adequate, though the wide opening makes for easier loading.

　　

Technology

　　It takes a little time to get used to the dual touchscreens, but most users will find the menus intuitive. Reactions to inputs are quick, and updates to the Infiniti InTouch system have kept it relevant.

　　

Which Q50 does zzdcar recommend?

　　The 2018 Infiniti Q50 with the 3.0t engine delivers strong performance and comes with a lot of standard features at a reasonable price. Choosing between the Luxe or Sport trim depends on your driving style and appetite for nicer features (although many Sport features are available as options). If nothing else, the Luxe gives you a little more flexibility with options that aren't exorbitantly priced, but do come bundled in large packages.

　　

2018 INFINITI Q50 models

　　The Infiniti Q50 luxury sport sedan is available in five main trim levels: 2.0t, 3.0t, Red Sport 400 and Q50 Hybrid trim levels. Infiniti also offers three subtrims, Luxe, Pure and Sport.

　　The Q50 2.0t starts with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (208 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque) paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional. From there, the 2.0t Pure come with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and foglights, automatic wipers, selectable drive modes, keyless entry and ignition, power-adjustable front seats, simulated leather upholstery, automatic dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, dual touchscreen displays (8-inch upper and 7-inch lower), and a six-speaker CD player with two USB ports and satellite radio. The 2.0t Luxe variant adds 18-inch wheels, a sunroof and maple wood interior accents.

　　Moving up to the 3.0t brings a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (300 hp, 295 lb-ft of torque). all-wheel drive is again optional. The 3.0t Luxe is equipped similarly to the 2.0t Luxe trim while the 3.0t Sport adds 19-inch wheels, performance tires, leather upholstery and additional front seat adjustments.

　　The Red Sport 400 picks up where the 3.0t leaves off and adds a more powerful V6 (400 hp, 350 lb-ft of torque), unique 19-inch wheels (slightly wider in the rear), adjustable suspension settings, transmission paddle shifters, quilted leather upholstery, dark chrome and red stitching interior accents, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, remote engine start, a 60/40-split folding rear seat and a navigation system. The Red Sport 400 also offers a host of driver aids, including a top-down parking camera system, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

　　The Q50 Hybrid Luxe comes in one trim level similarly equipped to the 3.0t Luxe, but it also borrows from the Sport and Red Sport 400 features. Some extra features, including adaptive cruise control and a premium Bose audio system, are also standard on the Hybrid.

　　Many of the extra features found on the Red Sport are available as options on the lower trims. Depending on the trim level, other key options an adjustable suspension, additional driver aids and a premium audio system.

　　

2018 Q50 Highlights

Type: SedanRED SPORT 400HybridSedan

　　Trim: 2.0t PURE2.0t LUXE3.0t LUXE3.0t SPORTHybrid LUXERED SPORT 4002.0t PURE

　　

Base MSRP	$35,200
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$181/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 60,000 miles