2018 Infiniti Q50S 3.0: The Brand’s Midlevel Luxury Sedan

Highlight: The Q50 is available with a hybrid powertrain and a 400-horsepower V6 engine.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $ 50,410 (Base model $35,195)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: air bags; rear view camera; automatic dimming rearview mirror; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment 2.0 liter Engine: 17-inch tires; a rear-wheel drive configuration; a –speed transmission; a start-stop ignition system; a variety of driving modes: snow, eco, standard, sport and personal; a hydraulic power steering system; power heated outside mirrors; dual chrome exhaust finishers; leather-like interior; a leather covered steering wheel; lunar black interior trim; power front seats; a push button keyless ignition starter system; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a dual zone automatic temperature control system; an automatic rearview mirror; and an 8-inch infotainment touch screen

Standard Equipment S Model: 19-inch tires; 3.0-liter engine; sports front fascia; air to water intercoolers; electronic power steering; sport type
leather seats; aluminum interior trim; and a manual thigh extension (front seats)

Optional Features On Test Vehicle: a navigation and a voice recognition system; heated front seats; a heated steering wheel; 60/40 split rear seats; a remote engine start system; a dynamic digital suspension system; paddle shifters; sport brakes with a silver painted brake calipers; kick plates; a 16-speaker BOSE system with a surround sound system; a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel; a dual operated memory for the driver’s seat; an advanced climate control system; an enhanced interior ambient lighting system; and auto dimming outside mirrors

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM/HD/CD with Sirius

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Connectivity: Available on most models
                                                                                                        
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 6 years or 70,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder/208-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage:
23-city/30-hwy

What’s New:  After a name change and a significant makeover a few years ago, the Q50 features an updated interior and exterior updates.

The Sport models now include a more pronounced and bolder looking fascia, as a result of the wider, lower air intakes and a more angular front bumper.

Why: The Infiniti Q50 is available in a variety of trims and price points. The midsize premium sedan is powered by a rear wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration. The Q50 can be outfitted with one of four powertrains: a hybrid, a 4-cylinder; a six cylinder; and a six-cylinder capable of putting out a whopping 400–plus horsepower.

The Q50 Sport, with the 300-horsepower engine, we reviewed continues the Infiniti heritage, by being an engaging performance-oriented, midsize luxury sedan. We found that the powertrain in our Q50S offers a strong performance and great road manners. Added to that, we welcomed the manual thigh front seat extensions. It aid in the overall comfort of the Japanese luxury sedan.

Besides that, all Q50s offer a range of driving settings to sort through based on road conditions and driving habits. Each of those settings allows the driver to control both the steering and the suspension system.

And each Q50 offers huge gauges and duplicate controls to operate some of the features contained within the infotainment system. For the most part, occupants will find that the infotainment system is quite intuitive.

Furthermore, the Q50 can be outfitted with the latest advance safety driving aids. Those safety applications range from a brake-operated pre-crash seat belts to a full-speed, radar activated cruise control system to a pedestrian forward collision braking system.

But: While the vehicle is larger than the snug-fitting G-series sedan it replaced, the rear seating area still isn’t suitable for those in need of extra legroom. And, unlike many of its competitors, the Q50 excludes such posh features in the rear seating area as heated seats. Ironically, this feature has made its ways in many of today’s non premium compacts and midsize sedans.

Lastly, why aren’t USB inputs and a navigation system standard on all models? This is a midsize luxury sedan, Right?

Verdict: Overall, the slightly larger Q50S still maintained many of the qualities that we found in the G-series, which made the luxury vehicle an engaging sports sedan to drive. From the stylish exterior to the peppy powertrain to the ride and handling capabilities, the Q50, along with the Q50S we reviewed, is a worthy competitor to consider. The vehicle is up against some new heavy hitters from both BMW and Genesis.

Competition: Acura TLX; Audi A4; BMW 5-Series; Genesis G80 Sport; Lexus GS 350; and Volvo S60