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: Infiniti Q50 gains a new 2.0t Sport model for 2017. The 2.0t Sport adds leather upholstery, sport suspension, and other features to the 2.0t Premium. Previously, the Sport model was only available with a 3.0-liter V6 in the 3.0t series. Q50 is a premium midsize sedan with standard rear-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. (Infiniti also offers a bigger Q70 premium midsize sedan.) 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 has a 3.5-liter V6/electric-motor powertrain that develops 360 hp. A 7-speed automatic is the lone transmission choice for all engines. 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 2017 Infiniti 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: $38,400 AWD 2.0t Premium: $40,400 2.0t Sport: $42,300 AWD 2.0t Sport: $44,300 3.0t Premium: $40,650 AWD 3.0t Premium: $42,650 Sport: $44,650 AWD Sport: $46,650 Red Sport 400: $48,700 AWD Red Sport 400: $50,700 Hybrid Premium: $47,800 AWD Hybrid Premium: $49,800 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (2.0t) |
| 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 (3.0t, Red Sport) |
| Horsepower 300 (400 in Red Sport 400) |
| Std. Transmission 7-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 19-20 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 26-29 |
| Optional Engine 3.5-liter V6/electric (Hybrid) |
| Horsepower 360 |
| Std. Transmission 7-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 26-27 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 30-32 |
