2024 Infiniti Q50

We made it to another Cars in Review post and for this week’s feature we will be exploring the 2024 Infiniti Q50. Interestingly enough 2023 was the last production year for this vehicle (producing the 2024 models) but this is nothing new for Infiniti. That’s right, a similar thing happened over a decade ago with the G37 coupe which was ultimately replaced by the Q50. Oh what a circle of life!  

Now there are currently no talks underway surrounding the replacement for this car but give Infiniti a couple of years and something is bound to be announced. So why did Infiniti make this decision? Well for a couple of reasons actually with the main reason being a shift in the market trends. The Q50 is considered to be a Sedan rather than an SUV and this is unfortunate because consumers are now more interested in SUV’s than Sedan’s. Sales were starting to decline for this model and it just couldn’t keep up with the demands of the market. Plus this discontinuation is a little more special than any of the others simply because the Q50 was Infiniti’s last remaining Sedan in their line up. Ultimately, the company decided to focus on producing more SUV’s to put on the market rather than selling a range of vehicles.

New for 2024

Infiniti released the Q50 with no significant changes and this should have been your first clue that they had something planned for the future of this car. Plus let’s not forget the habitual history they have built into their reputation – discontinuing their older cars every few years and replacing them with the newest and latest version they have on the market at the time. 

Only difference this time? There is nothing to replace this vehicle and Infiniti seems pretty contended with this if you ask me. I guess they got tired of toying with their car fans hearts! 

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 2024 Infiniti Q50 comes with a price tag starting at $44,200 and goes all the way up to $58,050. It does come available in 3 different trim levels with the Luxe being the recommended trim to go with. When compared to the next in line trim level (Sensory) it does lack a few features like the paddle shifters and a cabin air purifier but interestingly enough both cars share the same powertrain. The Luxe version does come with luxury frills though (so not to worry you won’t be missing out on anything) that includes leather seating, heated steering wheel, and a 16 speaker Bose audio. 

All wheel drive is an option that is available but honestly driving this car in the winter (especially with the snow Ontario got in the past 2 weeks) is not highly recommended. It might be better to invest in winter tires if you have to use this car in the winter, but that’s just my opinion. If you do decide to stick with rear wheel drive it might be a smart option just because this is where the driver will really feel the capabilities the Q50 has to offer. 

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Every Q50 comes equipped with a twin turbocharged 3.0 litre V6 under the hood. The engines in the Luxe and Sensory are able to produce 300 horsepower whereas the Red Sport 400 has capabilities of 400 horsepower (as indicated in the name). All three trims are available with a 7 speed automatic transmission and either rear or all four wheels when equipped with AWD. 18 inch wheels are also a standard feature for this car with 19 inch coming optional. 

The shifts on this car are quick and barely detectable but it’s the steering that experiences the lag – although light its not quick and lacks feedback. Infiniti does have a feature called Direct Adaptive Steering which is their optional drive-by-wire steering setup (sounds futuristic I know!) but even this is experiencing issues – none of its many available modes offers the feedback or the progressive effort when taking on the corners that better conventional helms provide.  

0-60 MPH

In Car and Driver’s test, the all wheel drive model made it in 5 seconds flat whereas the sportier looking Q50 Red Sport made it slightly faster clocking in at 4.5 seconds.

Fuel Economy and Real World MPG

No matter the drivetrain or engine output, the 2024 Q50 is not one to sip fuel. This rear wheel drive vehicle is estimated to make 20 MPG city and 29 MPG highway. Of all three models in the lineup, choosing the Red Sport 400 or even AWD decreases those figures from anywhere between 1-3 MPG highway. 

The AWD Red Sport 400 was also tested by Car and Driver and put through a very extensive test on their 75 MPH highway route. It was able to produce a better single mile per gallon EPA rating with a 27 MPG result. However, its turbocharged six cylinder rivals – the M340i and G70 produced better and more efficient numbers at highway speeds. For more information about the Q50’s fuel economy, please visit the EPA’s website linked here. 

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

It’s one thing to stay on the market for more than a decade and another to continuously add little by little to the formula which is a recipe for disaster. Let’s take a look at the Red Sport 400 (a very relevant example through this post) – the starting price is $1000 below a 2024 BMW M340i and it doesn’t match the material, features, and even packaging that is expected from the brand and price. It does showcase quilted leather but it doesn’t blend well with the rest of the textures and features in the cabin, not to mention it doesn’t scream luxury, which is the whole brand image of Infiniti to the market. 

The analogue panel cluster and split infotainment screens make this car look like it belongs in a whole other era. It does have above average front legroom however, but this comes at the expense of room in the back seats. And now although the Q50 is the same size as it’s competitors its cargo space is below average and the interior is lacking useful cubbies or even just spaces to put things. 

It may look pretty on the outside but this is one case where it’s far from nice, especially if we consider taking this car on long road trips. It is nice to cruise on the highway but definitely not designed to be taken far. Plus its 13 cubic feet of trunk space falls short of the 3-Series and the Stinger for sure. 

Infotainment and Connectivity

The main standout feature on the Q50 has to be the dual screen infotainment system which allows for various apps to be displayed on either the upper or lower screen. The touch response time is quick and up to 7 devices can be paired to the wifi hotspot. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included standard for this vehicle. 

Other than this, the infotainment system has the potential to be highly criticized due to the lack of modernization (among other things). It could also use higher resolution and a brightness feature added to the system. Interestingly enough, it was actually thanks to the confusing controls on the 1 screen touchscreen that exists in previous model cars that a second screen was introduced. Now the upper screen can be controlled via touch or through the center console control knob whereas the lower screen is touch only. 

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Infiniti equipped every Q50 with a very wide range of driver assistance technology that included features such as adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams. Other features included: 

• Standard forward collision warning and automated emergency braking 
• Standard blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert 
• Standard lane departure warning and lane keeping assist 

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Infiniti does a good job of standing by their cars and offers a warranty coverage period that is actually longer than most in this class with the added benefit of a three year (or 30,000 mile) complimentary maintenance plan as standard. It also offers: 

• Limited warranty which is covered for 4 years or 60,000 miles 
• Powertrain warranty which is covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles 

Final Thoughts

Since you made it this far, why not check out one of the posts we released in the very beginning about the 2018 Subaru WRX STI vs. the Subaru BRZ linked here.