2024 INFINITI Q50 RED SPORT 400

　　

2024 INFINITI Q50 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.

　　, rating written byDan FrioSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　The Q50 is Infiniti's last sedan stand. The company's only other passenger car is the Q60 coupe — essentially the two-door version of the Q50 — while SUVs make up the rest of the lineup. And while most competitors have had one, or even two, fresh looks since the most recent Q50 launched 10 years ago, the Q50 is largely the same car as when it debuted. The exterior design has aged well but everything else is showing its age, especially the interior.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 INFINITI Q50 RED SPORT 400 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 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 N/A undefined in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　Not Available  for Q50 RED SPORT 400

　　Q50 RED SPORT 400

　　RED SPORT 400 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7A) (Most Popular) - $56,900 MSRPRED SPORT 400 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7A) - $58,900 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　That's not about to change for 2024, when we expect to see only the smallest of changes. Infiniti appears to have lost interest in the Q50, or at least until it's potentially redesigned or just put out to pasture completely. That might happen for 2025. In the meantime, the Q50's strength remains its potent turbocharged V6 engine. The base version makes 300 horsepower, which is more than what most other base versions of entry-level luxury sedans provide. Infiniti also offers the Red Sport 400 version with, you guessed it, 400 hp. While the rest of the Q50 has grown a bit dull, the thrill of stepping on its accelerator hasn't faded.

　　Most other luxury sedans provide a more up-to-date driving experience. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class was completely redesigned two years ago and is superior in almost every way. The Acura TLX, Audi A4 and Lexus IS also have more appealing technology features. If you're open to an SUV, Infiniti's own QX50 is more modern and has a lower starting price. Be sure to read our test team's Expert Rating below and see if the Q50 might still be right for you. 

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Please note that this rating is based on a prior year and may change slightly once complete information about the 2024 Q50 becomes available.

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Below Average

　　6.4

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Q50 drive? There's still some life left in the Q50, and that's mostly thanks to its standard turbocharged V6 engine. It revs smoothly and makes ample power. The Q50 also is quicker than the average small luxury sedan. In our testing, it needed only 5.4 seconds to get to 60 mph. Merging into traffic is a breeze. The Q50's brake pedal makes it easy to stop smoothly in typical driving, though actual braking performance isn't as good. Our test car needed 123 feet to stop from 60 mph in our emergency-braking test. Most competitors stop about 10 feet shorter.

　　Handling capability and steering feel are disappointing. The Q50's fully electric system bypasses the usual mechanical connection to the front wheels and all but eliminates feedback and accuracy. There might be a proper sport sedan hiding in here somewhere, but the Q50's meddling electronic systems make it hard to drive this car smoothly or enjoyably.

　　

Comfort

6.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Q50? The front seats are comfortable even on long drives. Rear passengers will be pretty comfortable. But the Q50's ride comfort, or lack thereof, takes its toll. The Q50 feels almost constantly busy on anything but a perfectly smooth road. Driving over even moderately sized imperfections is noticeably jarring.

　　Interior noise is dominated by road noise from other vehicles, especially at highway speeds. Thin windows and minimal door insulation are the likely culprits. Thankfully, the engine omits a pleasant, quiet whir, even under full throttle. The climate control system works pretty well for keeping a set temperature, but the controls aren't logically arranged.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below