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Overall Rating
The Infiniti Q50 makes for a great alternative to the boring looking German sedans that rule the segment at present. There are very cars in the segment that blend in luxury and sportiness as well as the Q50 does. Sure, it is no sports car but it captures the essence of one very efficiently.
The midsize luxury sedans have always been the hottest segment of cars. Most of the segment is dominated by well-established German auto giants like Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW, to name a few. But, the relatively younger player in town, Infiniti also has an ace up its sleeve to challenge the Germans, and it is called the Infiniti Q50.
Powering the Q50 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that spits 208 ponies and 258 pound-feet of torque. The sporty models get the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that makes 300 ponies and 295 pound-feet of torque. This is the most sporty engine ever created by Nissan.
The base 2.0t model is short on all the essential safety and convenience features. Hence, we recommend you buy the 3.0t Premium trim. It adds all the essential interior features like leather seats, leather steering wheel, heated front seats, power driver’s and passenger’s seat, etc. Most importantly, the bigger and powerful engine becomes available for the driver to enjoy.
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The Infiniti Q50 makes for a great alternative to the boring looking German sedans that rule the segment at present. There are very cars in the segment that blend in luxury and sportiness as well as the Q50 does. Sure, it is no sports car but it captures the essence of one very efficiently.
The midsize luxury sedans have always been the hottest segment of cars. Most of the segment is dominated by well-established German auto giants like Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW, to name a few. But, the relatively younger player in town, Infiniti also has an ace up its sleeve to challenge the Germans, and it is called the Infiniti Q50.
Powering the Q50 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that spits 208 ponies and 258 pound-feet of torque. The sporty models get the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that makes 300 ponies and 295 pound-feet of torque. This is the most sporty engine ever created by Nissan.
The 2017 Infiniti Q50 is available in a total of 7 trims. There are 2 engine configurations, 2.0L 4-cylinder and a 3.0 L V6 on offer. A seven-speed auto gearbox is standard throughout the trim line. All trims except the 3.0t Sport are available with both AWD and RWD powertrains. The trims featuring the 2.0L motor are available in 3 guises, 2.0t, 2.0t Sport, and 2.0t Premium. The base trim carries a price tag of $33,950 and the standard list of features include auto LED headlamps and 6 speakers music system.
The 2.0t Sport carries a price tag of $42,300 with standard features that include a premium Bose audio system and an advanced climate control system. Then, there is the 2.0t Premium with a price tag of $38,300 and features include auto volume control and 8-way adjustable seats. Then there are trims carrying the 3.0L motor namely 3.0t Sort, 3.0t Premium, and 3.0t Signature Edition. The feature list remains more or less the same as their smaller-engined counterparts and the price range starts at $44,650 onwards. The Red Sport is a performance package that adds a sport suspension, performance tires, paddle shifters and upgraded brakes. The engine is also tuned to breathe 400 horses of power. Technically, this car howls under hard acceleration.
Trim |
2.0t |
2.0t Sport |
2.0t Premium |
3.0t Signature Edition |
3.0t Premium |
3.0t Sport |
3.0t Red Sport |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP (RWD) |
$33,950 |
$42,300 |
$38,400 |
$38,700 |
$40,650 |
$44,650 |
$48,700 |
MSRP (AWD) |
$35,950 |
$44,300 |
$40,400 |
$40,700 |
$42,650 |
N/A |
- |
Key Features |
Automatic on/off LED headlights |
Adds to 2.0t trim features |
Adds to 2.ot Sport trim features |
Adds to 2.0t Premium trim features |
Adds to 3.0t Signature Edition trim features |
Adds to 3.0t Premium trim features |
Adds to 3.0t Sport trim features |
|
Daytime Running Lights |
LED fog lights |
Maple wood interior trim |
Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with auto-recirculation, |
18-inch alloy wheels |
19-inch sport wheels |
Infiniti Touch Navigation |
|
Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control |
Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) |
Chrome bumper finishers |
Aluminum-accented pedals and footrest |
Rack electronic power steering |
Silver ‘S’ badging on the trunk |
Backup Collision Intervention |
|
8-way power driver's and passenger’s seat |
SiriusXM Travel Link |
Home-Link Universal Transceiver |
Radio Data System (RDS) |
All-season run-flat tires |
Sport fascias in the front and rear |
19-inch sport wheels |
|
Dual-touchscreen infotainment system |
Plasmacluster air purifier |
Bose Performance Series Audio System |
|
Speed-sensitive volume control |
Leather seats |
Paddle shifters |
|
6-speaker audio system |
18-inch alloys |
AudioPilot 2.0 Noise Compensation |
|
3.0t fender badge |
|
Adaptive suspension |
|
CD with MP3 playback capability |
Aluminum-accented pedals and footrest |
Bose Performance Series Audio System |
|
Heated steering wheel |
|
Upgraded brakes |
|
Radio Data System (RDS) |
Remote keyless entry |
Power-sliding moonroof |
|
|
|
|
Buying Advice
The base 2.0t model is short on all the essential safety and convenience features. Hence, we recommend you buy the 3.0t Premium trim. It adds all the essential interior features like leather seats, leather steering wheel, heated front seats, power driver’s and passenger’s seat, etc. Most importantly, the bigger and powerful engine becomes available for the driver to enjoy.
The standard engine on duty on the Infiniti Q50 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that churns out a max of 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The engine surely takes its own sweet time to reach highway speeds and can feel a little lethargic at times. The next step-up is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine and it is available in two different tunes.
The 3.0t trim produces 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while in the Red Sport trim, the engine adds some performance goodies, which takes the power up to 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Every Q50 is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual shift ability and downshift rev-matching. The gearbox, however, does a sweet job of changing the gears at the exact time required.
Models |
Infiniti Q50 |
Volvo S60 T5 Dynamic |
Mercedes-Benz C300 |
BMW 320i |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$35,950 |
$33,950 |
$39,500 |
$33,450 |
Engine |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 |
Drivetrain |
RWD |
FWD |
RWD |
RWD |
Transmission |
7-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
7-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
Horsepower |
208 hp @ 5500 rpm |
240 hp @ 5600 rpm |
241 hp @ 5550 rpm |
180 hp @ 5000 rpm |
Torque |
258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
273 lb-ft @ 1300 rpm |
200 lb-ft @ 1250 rpm |
Although all the rivals are powered by the same engine, the Mercedes-Benz C300 produces the most power and torque in this competition, while the Volvo S60 slips behind it. The Infiniti Q50 grabs the third spot on the table, whereas the BMW 320i generates the lowest engine outputs. When it comes to torque output, again Mercedes leads the race with 273 lb-ft of torque.
Acceleration on the 2.0L variants feels rather dull at times. The car pulls up to 60 mph from a standstill in under 6.6 seconds and goes to a complete quarter of a mile in 15.9 seconds. The stats are decent for a car in its segment but a little bit of theatrics like an improved exhaust note would have certainly improved the experience.
The V6 burns the streets with its incredible acceleration. The 0-60 mph sprint is covered in 5.7 seconds, while the quarter-mile test is finished in 14.5 seconds.
Models |
Infiniti Q50 |
Volvo S60 T5 Dynamic |
Mercedes-Benz C300 |
BMW 320i |
---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH (sec) |
6.6 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
7.1 |
Quarter mile (sec) |
15.9 |
15.1 |
14.9 |
15.2 |
Engine |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 |
Top Speed (mph) |
155 |
150 |
130 |
142 |
In comparison, the Volvo S60 and the Mercedes-Benz C300 are actually the fastest sedans to reach the 60 mph landmark but the latter gains its agility in the latter half to complete the quarter-mile in 14.9 seconds. The Q50 and the 320i give a tough challenge to each other in the tests.
Infiniti has had a reputation for producing excellent handling vehicles in the past. However, there has been some controversy with the Q50 because of the direct adaptive steering. Not all Q50 models get this system, but there are some plus points too as it reduces driver fatigue on long winding roads.
The ride and handling on the Infiniti Q50 come as a surprise since the car handles like a much smaller car than it actually is in reality. This allows the car to approach corners at a fairly high speed. The positive feedback from the steering and ample amounts of grip inspire great confidence and allow the driver to push the car to its limit safely.
The brakes on the Infiniti Q50 feature a 12.6-inch rotor on the front and a 12.1-inch rotor on the rear. The brake pedals provide nimbly and almost immediate feedback, which allows the driver to brake efficiently. In the brake test, it takes 120 feet to stop completely. On the Red Sport trim, the brakes are upgraded, which results in a short braking distance of 109 feet.
Model |
Infiniti Q50 |
Volvo S60 T5 Dynamic |
Mercedes-Benz C300 |
BMW 320i |
---|---|---|---|---|
Brake Front (in.) |
12.6 |
11.8 |
13.0 |
12.3 |
Brake Rear (in.) |
12.1 |
11.9 |
11.8 |
11.8 |
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
3671 |
3619 |
3417 |
3295 |
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
120 |
120 |
118 |
116 |
On paper with rivals, the BMW 320i takes the top spot as it requires the least amount of distance to stop from 60 mph. The second spot is taken up by the Mercedes-Benz C300 with 118 feet. The Volvo S60 and the Q50 both take the bottom spots. When comparing the curb weight of the sedans in the competition, Q50 is the heaviest of the lot at 3,671 lbs.
The fuel economy has become a deciding factor for buyers of the present due to the rising fuel costs. The Infiniti Q50 is able to return a modest mileage of 23 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined. But, in comparison with rivals, it acquires the bottom spot. The powerful V6 burns more fuel to give 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Model |
Infiniti Q50 |
Volvo S60 T5 Dynamic |
Mercedes-Benz C300 |
BMW 320i |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
23 |
25 |
24 |
23 |
MPG (Highway) |
30 |
39 |
34 |
35 |
MPG (Combined) |
25 |
29 |
28 |
28 |
Fuel Capacity |
20 |
17.8 |
17.4 |
15.8 |
Range (City/Highway/Combined) |
460/620/540 |
445/641/543 |
418/592/505 |
363/553/458 |
The BMW 320i shines in this field with outstanding fuel estimated despite housing a small fuel tank. Meanwhile, the Volvo S60 and the Mercedes-Benz C300 share similar fuel estimates, while the Infiniti Q50 displays poor fuel economy in this competition. Despite poor fuel economy numbers, the Q50 manages to secure the second spot in the combined range, thanks to its bigger fuel tank capacity.
The door trim is one of the nicest pieces of the interior. It is beautifully crafted with stitched leather on the armrests. The maple wood trim is gorgeous but you have to fork over $400 to get it. The seating and comfort levels on the Infiniti Q50 allow it to give tough competition to its rivals. The car features seating for up to five occupants. The seats are draped in leather and offer an optimum amount of thigh support and padding.
The colored stitching on the seats further adds to the overall appeal of the car. An 8-way power driver’s seat is standard, but the Sport and Red Sport trims gave power lumbar support. The Sport trim also gets power torso adjustment, which inflates side bolsters. The fit and finish of the materials are exceptional. The Q50 is probably the most spacious car in the class. That extra is definitely appreciated when it comes to head and legroom.
Model |
Infiniti Q50 |
Volvo S60 T5 Dynamic |
Mercedes-Benz C300 |
BMW 320i |
---|---|---|---|---|
Passenger Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
40.2/56.7/44.5 |
38.6/57/41.9 |
37.1/54.7/41.7 |
40.3/55.1/42 |
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
37.5/56.1/35.1 |
37.6/55.2/33.5 |
36.9/55/33.4 |
37.7/55.1/35.1 |
The front and rear row space available on the Q50 allows it to capture the top spot. The second spot is taken up by the BMW 320i. Both, the Volvo S60 and the Mercedes-Benz C300 feature similar amounts of space and jointly take the third spot. Some of the main highlights of the Q50’s cabin are:
The infotainment setup on the 2017 Infiniti Q50 features a dual-screen setup. The screens are mounted one on top of the other on the dash top. The upper screen is 8-inch in size while the lower one is 7-inch in size. The overall setup feels a little dated when compared with rivals.
The response times are modest, to say the least. The system does require a little getting used to in order to be used efficiently. Unfortunately, the infotainment system does not support both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Some of the other features include:
The Infiniti Q50 features a cargo capacity of 13.2 cubic feet. The loading bay is placed at an optimum height to allow cargo to be loaded easily. The overall configuration makes the boot smaller than it actually is. Airport runs and long-distance journeys shouldn't be a cause of concern on this vehicle.
Model |
Infiniti Q50 |
Volvo S60 T5 Dynamic |
Mercedes-Benz C300 |
BMW 320i |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cargo Volume (cu.ft.) |
13.2 |
12.0 |
12.6 |
13.0 |
The Infiniti Q50 features the biggest boot in the segment. The second spot is taken up by the BMW 320i, offering a cargo space of 13.0 cubic feet. Sitting in third place with 12.6 cubic feet is the Mercedes-Benz C300, which puts the Volvo S60 at the bottom spot, which comes with a space of 12.0 cubic feet..
The 2017 Infiniti Q50 didn’t see any styling adjustments. The overall exterior styling of the Infiniti Q50 makes it one of the most good looking sedans in the segment. Every model gets a mesh front grille with a nice chrome surround. That aggressive look continues over to the LED headlights with LED daytime running lights. The Sport and the Red Sport trims benefit from LED turn signals and LED fog lamps. The Infiniti Q50 features a total of 3 different wheel sizes according to the selected trim. The base variants feature a set of 17-inch alloy wheels, the mid-table variants feature a set of 18-inch alloy wheels, and the top-end trim features a set of 19-inch alloy wheels.
The curb weight of 3,671 pounds makes it the heaviest car. With a length of 189.6 inches, it is also the longest car in the segment. Due to the sloping roofline, the height of 57.2 inches cramps up the headroom to an extent. The rear of the Q50 also has a fairly aggressive look. In the center, you get two distinct pieces of chrome accents, and above that, an integrated lid spoiler. Every model gets chrome exhaust pipes but the Red Sport model gets an exclusive brush satin finish.
Model |
Infiniti Q50 |
Volvo S60 T5 Dynamic |
Mercedes-Benz C300 |
BMW 320i |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
3671 |
3619 |
3417 |
3295 |
Length(in) |
189.6 |
182.5 |
184.5 |
182.5 |
Width(in) |
71.8 |
73.4 |
71.3 |
71.3 |
Height(in) |
57.2 |
58.4 |
56.8 |
56.3 |
Ground Clearance (in) |
5.0 |
5.4 |
4.8 |
6.0 |
Wheelbase (in) |
112.2 |
109.3 |
111.8 |
110.6 |
Track width (in) F/R |
60.8/61.6 |
62.1/62.0 |
61.5/60.9 |
60.3/61.9 |
The wheelbase of 112.2 inches on the Q50 gives it the top spot in the segment. This wide wheelbase mirrors the interior room of the Q50. The BMW 320i gets the highest ground clearance of 6 inches. It shares the same length as the Volvo S60. Some of the exterior features of the Infiniti Q50 include-
The Infiniti Q50 has already been crash-tested by major agencies, and it has passed all the tests with flying colors achieving a 5-star rating in most of the segments. It also secured ‘Good’ ratings on almost all the tests from IIHS. The structural integrity of the vehicle is as good as it gets in the segment. The car also features advanced safety features such as the advanced airbags system which includes dual-stage airbags. There is also room to set up compatible child restraint seats. Some of the safety features include:
The Volvo S60 is a formidable competitor in the midsize sedan segment. The car, coming from the Volvo stable, is one of the safest pre-tensioners in the segment. The 240-hp engine is a gem of a motor. It may not be as powerful as it is on paper but the amount of refinement certainly deserves some accolades.
In terms of luxury, the Infiniti Q50 is always ahead. Also, when it comes to utility and interior space, the Infiniti Q50 takes a considerable lead. Hence, the Q50 is a better overall vehicle.
The Mercedes-Benz C300 has long been part of the luxury sedan segment and enjoys a modest fan following and heritage. The interiors are neat and low-pressure. The build of the car is rock solid and so is the engine. However, the C300 retails for a price much higher than the Infiniti Q50, and for good reason as well. Hence, if money is not a problem, the Mercedes-Benz C300 appears to be a better car.
The BMW 320i is the entry-level offering from BMW. The 320i, just like Mercedes, benefits from being around for a long time and the fan following as well. The car follows the suit of German automakers and features a straightforward and in your face approach to both the exterior and interior styling. The BMW 320i is neither as powerful nor as utilitarian as the Infiniti Q50 and therefore falls short while competing with it.
The Infiniti Q50 makes for a great alternative to the boring-looking German sedans that rule the segment at present. There are very few cars in the segment that blend in luxury and sportiness as well as the Q50 does. Sure, it is no sports car, but it captures the essence of one very efficiently. The interior of the vehicle might be a little dated but there are certainly no compromises on the quality front. If you want a vehicle that is different from the ordinary sedans and handles well, the Infiniti Q50 makes for a great option.