2020 Infiniti Q50 Luxe: The Premium Brand’s Midsize Sedan

Highlight: This Q50 is equipped with a standard CD.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $46,780 (Base Model: $37,625)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; an electronic stability control system; a traction control system; forward emergency braking; predictive forward collision warning; a rearview camera; a hill start assist system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (Pure): 17-inch wheels; a 7-speed automatic transmission; a 4-wheel independent suspension; a push-button ignition starter system; all season run flat tires; power front seats; a dual zone automatic temperature control; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; automatic dimming rearview mirror; leather-like black seats; and a leather wrapped steering wheel

Standard Equipment (Luxe): 18-inch wheels; a textured aluminum interior with leather like seats; Siri; Google voice; chrome front fascia finishers; and a power moonroof

Optional Features On Test Vehicle: a navigation system; automatic collision notification; WiFi hotspot; SiriusXM traffic and travel link; heated front seats; a heated steering wheel; driver’s power lumbar seats; a remote engine start system; an electronic blind spot warning system; a 360-degree camera; front and rear audible parking sensors; premium exterior paint color; splash guards; all-season floor mats and trunk protection; illuminated kick plates; a rear spoiler; rear USB charging ports; interior ambient lighting; and welcome lighting

Other Trims:

Pure

Sport

Edition

Red Sport

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

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Connectivity: Yes

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 6 years or 70,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.0-liter twin-turbo, 6-cylinder/300-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 20-city/29-hwy

What’s New: Although the Q50 is literally a carryover for the 2020 model year, a new Pure trim has been added to the portfolio. The Pure trim now serves as the entry level trim for the brand’s midsize sedan.

Infiniti’s midsize sedan also receives an updated infotainment system this model year.

Why: The five-seater Infiniti is available in a rear-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration. For the 2020 model year, the four-door sedan is available in five trims: Pure, Luxe, Sport, Edition and Red Sport.

Depending upon the trim, a standard 300-horsepower engine is outfitted in the Q50 or a power packed 400-horsepower engine, which is exclusive to the Infiniti’s Red Sport trim. The four

The traditional styled luxury sedan is available with an array of features, ranging from leather seats to memory driver’s seats to a 360-degree camera.

Also new this year is a redesign stacked touchscreen infotainment system. The clean design makes the system user friendly. The system is compatible with both Apple and android smartphones.

The Q50 is also available with the latest driving safety aids too, ranging from an electronic blind spot monitor to automatic high beam headlights.

And the all-new entry level Pure trim is outfitted with a 6-cylinder engine. Infiniti decided to go down a different path from a number of its competitors, which offers 4-cylinder engines in their base trims. 

But: With this being a midsize luxury vehicle, we found the rear seats to be somewhat cramped for occupants with long legs. Also, the vehicle lacked such features as digital guages, a power pull down trunk, a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, an automatic brake hold feature and a panoramic rood.

Moreover, a number of high-tech features have escaped the Q50. There is no automatic parking system or a wireless smartphone charger.

The vehicle is more pitted toward being a entry-level luxury vehicle, as opposed to the midsize luxury class.

Verdict: The Q50 arrived on the scene in 2014. Despite this year’s user friendly updated infotainment screen and making the 6-cylinder engine standard, the vehicle is getting a little long on the tooth, when compared to its competitors. Its seems to fit better in the entry-level premium segment as opposed to the midsize luxury segment. Its a great vehicle, but the sedan is in a competitive segment.

Competition:  Acura TLX; Audi A4; BMW 3-Series; Cadillac CT4; Genesis G70; Lexus IS; Mercedes-Benz C-Class; and Volvo S60