2018 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: Infiniti Q50 has refreshed exterior and interior styling for 2018. Infiniti also revised its model names. The range now is comprised of base PURE, luxury LUXE, sporty SPORT, and high-performance RED SPORT 400. SPORT models are no longer offered with the 2.0-liter 4-cylnder engine. 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. Other available features include LED headlights, autonomous emergency braking, and surround-view camera. 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.