Pros: Gutsy acceleration; high-tech infotainment and safety features; cabin quality; availability of all-wheel drive
Cons: Option packages are pricey; manual transmission isn’t available; so-so rear-seat space
CG Says: The 2016 Infiniti Q50 debuts mid-year with three new engines. The base engine is a 208-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. Next up is a 300-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. The high-performance engine is a version of turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 tuned to put out 400 horsepower in the Red Sport 400 model. The Hybrid model retains its 3.5-liter V6/electric-motor powertrain that develops 360 hp. A 7-speed automatic is the lone transmission choice for all engines. The available Direct Adaptive Steering has been updated this year. Q50’s Technology highlights include dual touchscreens; Active Lane Assist, which uses cameras to detect if the vehicle is drifting out of its lane and automatically makes fine adjustments accordingly; and Direct Adaptive Steering, a multi-mode all-electric steering system that Infiniti says is quicker than other systems. The Q50 is an athletic premium midsize car that delivers class-competitive performance and luxury accommodations, along with available all-wheel drive in every variant. Not all of our testers are sold on the benefits of the Q50 Hybrid; our favorite Q50s are the non-hybrid Sport models.
| Class | Premium Midsize Car |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Infiniti |
| Nation of Manufacture | Japan |
| Base Prices | 2.0t: $33,950 AWD 2.0t: $35,950 2.0t Premium: $37,650 AWD 2.0t Premium: $39,650 3.0t Premium: $39,900 AWD 3.0t Premium: $41,900 Sport: $43,900 AWD Sport: $45,900 Red Sport 400: $47,950 AWD Red Sport 400: $49,950 Hybrid Premium: $47,050 AWD Hybrid Premium: $49,050 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 208 |
| Std. Transmission 7-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 22-23 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 28-31 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 300 (400 in Red Sport 400) |
| Std. Transmission 7-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 18-20 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 26-30 |
| Optional Engine 3.5-liter V6/electric |
| Horsepower 360 |
| Std. Transmission 7-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 27-28 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 31-34 |
