2016 Infiniti Q50

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.

The Facts
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

Infiniti Q50 400 Sport
2016 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400
Share this: