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Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
Pros
Many standard high-tech electronics and safety features
Available turbocharged V6 engines deliver strong performance
Roomy trunk for the small luxury sedan class
Cons
Infotainment system isn't as intuitive as rivals
Interior design is showing its age
What’s new
For 2017, the Infiniti Q50 2.0t gains new Sport and Sport AWD trim levels. There is also a minor shuffling of some features between trim levels and option packages.
Vehicle overview
The 2017 Infiniti Q50 is up against some very accomplished competitors in the luxury sport sedan class. But for those looking to buck the trend, the Q50 represents a viable alternative, delivering strong performance, plenty of features and a competitive price.
The 2017 Q50's interior design is showing its age — it is very similar to the G37 sedan that it replaced a few years ago — but the use of quality materials and sturdy construction keep it in favorable territory. That said, the competing Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class have all undergone more recent and significant redesigns, pushing them to the front of the class and perhaps taking the Q50 down a few notches. As a result, we suggest checking out all of the offerings in this competitive class.
As with many of its rivals, the Q50 is offered in more luxurious or sporty trims and with a choice of engines. There's also a hybrid model, but we need to evaluate it ourselves to see if it's been improved enough to escape the disappointment we experienced with a previous version.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
The 2017 Infiniti Q50 is up against some very accomplished competitors in the luxury sport sedan class. But for those looking to buck the trend, the Q50 represents a viable alternative, delivering strong performance, plenty of features and a competitive price.
Trim tested
2014 Infiniti Q50 Sport Sedan (3.7L V6; 7-speed automatic)
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Infiniti Q50 has received some revisions to its engines, transmission, suspension and steering. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Q50, however.
Scorecard
Overall
Comfort
4.0
Interior
4.0
Utility
4.0
Technology
3.0
Driving
The Q50 is a highly competent luxury sedan that's enjoyable to drive. It drives like a smaller car, and that's a compliment. The Q50 Sport trim, in particular, is able to demonstrate its true capability thanks to sharper handling.
Acceleration
The older 328-horsepower V6 we tested back in 2014 provided strong acceleration, and the seven-speed automatic shifts were quick and the cabin remained quiet. We considered it a standout powertrain in its class. Both of the 2017's available turbo V6 engines are similarly powerful.
Braking
The brakes have a good feel and are easy to modulate, delivering consistent distances at the track. Panic-stopping distances are about average for summer-tire-equipped cars in this class.
Steering
The steering feels quick and precise and builds effort well, though it's a bit light for our tastes. Q50s with the adaptive steering option are less impressive.
Handling
The Q50 Sport's summer tires and firmer suspension tuning help turn the Q50 into a formidable sport sedan. It's sharp and capable and inspires confidence with high levels of grip and composure.
Drivability
The 2014 Q50 we tested was a very pleasant and intuitive car with a willing and capable powertrain. It exhibited good manners in typical driving circumstances and a natural demeanor. We expect similar qualities for the 2017 Q50.
Comfort
4.0
This older Sport variant rode better and was equipped with better seats than other trims. It was comfortable and generally quiet, though road noise was still noticeable.
Seat comfort
5.0
The seats in the Q50 Sport were more comfortable and more supportive than the base seats thanks to more prominent, but not obtrusive, side bolstering.
Ride comfort
The ride in the older Q50 (before the suspension changes in 2016) was more compliant than in the base Q50 equipped with run-flat tires. The ride was calmer, absorbing pavement imperfections more adeptly. We characterize it as firm yet compliant.
Noise & vibration
3.5
There was good isolation from wind noise, but road noise was still noticeable. Engine noise was better muted than in previous G37 iterations.
Interior
4.0
The Q50's cabin makes use of admirable materials and sturdy construction, but the design hasn't changed much from the G37 in over eight years. Conventional controls fall easily to hand, but the touchscreen has some drawbacks. Still, it remains a pleasant and spacious place in which to spend time.
Ease of use
3.0
Most systems are controlled via the split touchscreens, which can sometimes be confusing. Input reactions are quick and menus are intuitive, but the displays are often obscured by glare and fingerprints.
Getting in/getting out
4.0
The Q50's low step-in height and wide seats facilitate easy entrances and exits. As an added bonus, the doors swing open with surprising ease.
Roominess
4.0
The airy cabin and the contoured dashboard provide a usefully large space. Six-footers can occupy the backseat with headroom to spare.
Visibility
3.0
The forward view is expansive through the windshield, but the higher beltline and relatively high rear decklid reduce the view over your shoulder and out the rear window. The optional surround-view monitor eliminates any guesswork in tight spaces.
Quality
3.5
Even though it's showing its age, the Q50 maintains high standards for materials and craftsmanship. Compared to newer luxury sport sedans, the Infiniti looks and feels about average for the class.
Utility
4.0
The Q50's cargo capacity is decent for the class, but interior storage for your personal items is somewhat lacking by contemporary standards.
Small-item storage
3.0
Interior pockets, bins and cupholders are adequately sized to stow your personal effects, but they're not as generous as those of a few rivals.
Cargo space
4.0
Cargo volume is ample at 13.5 cubic feet, and the wide opening makes for easier loading. It's important to point out that the option to add a conventional spare tire reduces cargo volume somewhat.
Technology
3.0
It takes a little time to get used to the dual touchscreens, but most users will find the menus intuitive. Reactions to inputs are quick, and the Infiniti InTouch system updates have kept it relevant.
Which Q50 does Edmunds recommend?
The 2017 Infiniti Q50 with the 3.0t engine delivers strong performance and comes with more luxurious features. Its price is reasonable, too. Choosing between the Premium or Sport trim will depend on your driving style, but many of the Sport's features can be added as options. If nothing else, going with the Premium gives you a little more flexibility. The options aren't exorbitantly priced, but they are bundled in large packages. We were rather unimpressed with the last Q50 Hybrid we evaluated, but recent changes may have addressed some of the issues we encountered.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
2017 INFINITI Q50 models
The Infiniti Q50 is a luxury sport sedan with seating for five. It is available in four main trim levels: the 2.0t with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (208 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque); the 3.0t with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (300 hp, 295 lb-ft); the more powerful Red Sport 400 that uses the same V6 engine (400 hp, 350 lb-ft); and the Q50Hybrid model that uses a 3.5-liter V6 paired with a 50-kW electric engine (combined 360 hp). A seven-speed automatic is the only transmission available, but buyers can choose between rear- and all-wheel drive.
In addition to the main trim choices, there are further variants. The main two are Sport and Premium, but there's also a base model for the 2.0t.
The 2.0t base model's feature highlights include 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and foglights, automatic wipers, selectable drive modes, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, twin touchscreen displays (8-inch upper and 7-inch lower), and a six-speaker CD player with two USB ports and satellite radio.
The 2.0t Premium and 3.0t Premium trims add a sunroof, a 16-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system and an advanced air filtration system. On top of these items, the 2.0t Sport and 2.0t Sport AWD trims include wider 19-inch wheels with summer performance tires, auto-dimming outside mirrors, upgraded brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, magnesium paddle shifters mounted to the steering column, leather upholstery, manual thigh extensions for the front seats, power lumbar and side bolster adjustments for the driver, driver-seat memory functions, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and 60/40-split folding rear seats. The 3.0t Sport trim is similarly equipped and adds an adaptive suspension. The Red Sport 400 also gets the suspension upgrade as well as wider rear tires (but not for AWD models) and, of course, red brake calipers.
The Hybrid Premium includes most of the Premium trim features and adds 19-inch wheels, the auto-dimming mirrors, an adaptive steering system, remote ignition, the sport-tuned suspension, a power-adjustable and heated tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, heated front seats, driver-seat lumbar adjustments, a navigation system, Infiniti InTouch emergency telematics and wood interior trim. Also included are advanced safety features such as a forward collision warning system with automatic braking, a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, and a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. The folding rear seats are not available.
Most features are available on supporting models in bundled option packages. Other add-ons include adaptive cruise control, adaptive steering, a lane departure warning and prevention system, adaptive headlights, automatic high beams, and interior upgrades such as premium leather upholstery and wood accents.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 INFINITI Q50 2.0t 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.91 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the INFINITI Q50 from 2008-2022.
$589/yr
vs. $607/yr for Average Luxury Midsize Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).
0.9x/yr
vs. 1.36x/yr for Average Luxury Midsize Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).
8.7%
vs. 10.5% for Average Luxury Midsize Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
2017 INFINITI Q50 Red Sport 400 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7A)
I have almost 10,000 miles on my 2017 Q50 Red Sport so I figured it was about time to write a review. I have had it for 10 months and driven in snow, rain and dry conditions. Mountains and flat ground. The thing has been great in all conditions, even in a mini blizzard! You have to watch the throttle in bad weather, or use the economy or snow modes but otherwise it handles great. I … find myself going over the limit a bit more often when accelerating on an on-ramp, it just gets to speed so quickly if you aren't paying attention, even faster if you have it in sport or sport+ mode. I typically drive around in standard mode. I initially used the economy mode but realized it didn't seem to make a big difference in fuel economy. Speaking of, I average 22-24 MPG with a good mix of city and highway. I play with the speed a bit but I'm not racing every car I pull up next to at a stop light either. I have had it back to the dealer three times. First was for the Bluetooth system. It would not connect properly to my old LG G4 even though they advertised it would. They went through the Bluetooth system and couldn't find anything and finally told me to go away that there wasn't anything they could do for me. Now with my new (Samsung S8) there haven't been any issues. Second trip was for the first oil change. Third trip was due to a notice I got in the mail about a computer re-programming (no big deal). Otherwise I haven't had any issues. I was a littler nervous about the run flat tires and no spare. I got a nail in one of the tires and saw that it was $465/tire for the OEM tires. Luckily the nail didn't puncture the air chamber and I didn't have to replace the tire. There are cheaper run flats but I have been impressed with the tires, not sure I want to spend that for replacement tires when that time comes. Overall for being a fairly large car, it handles well and has a stupid amount of acceleration, even at highway speeds. I love the flat torque curve. I was a little worried about having some buyers remorse but so far I have been super happy with the car!
October 2002 Update: Have around 55,000 miles on the car now. Nothing has really changed from my initial thoughts. Few sets of tires (Bridgestone Driveguard seem to work well on it and get good mileage). Have take a couple trips and driven in a lot of snow/ice with no issues. It does take a little getting used to the handling in the snow but once you get the feel for it there aren't really any issues. Still very happy with the purchase.
This is a great car. I've been an owner for about 2 months and I absolutely love the car. Great acceleration, minimal shift shock and dynamic breaking without the dramatic nose dive. When you start the engine it doesn't sound so luxurious, but levels out after the fluids start mixing. Not a problem, but something that you notice. Not much head room unless you lower the seats and a small … trunk that's "about" the same as its competitors. I love the Infiniti InTouch system and the ability to utilize your cell phone for many out of car features. There's power in the pedal. You may want to be a little easy when you use the Sport Mode as it will give you what you asked for. Comes with Run Flat tires and no spare just so you know. Still a great car.
Recently turned in a 2014 Q50 AWD 3.7 v6 premium for a 2017 Q50 AWD premium 3.0 twin turbo. I was worried about the power of the 3.0 vs the 3.7. I loved the 3.7 v6 power and top end speed but this twin turbo 3.0 really surprised me. The power and smoothness is great. No turbo lag and the power is felt even at low rpm's. My 2014 had a very slow info system. It took for ever for the app's … and radio to boot up. This 2017 must have a new and much faster processor in it because everything comes on in a couple of seconds. Although the two cars look the same, they drive differently. Smoother ride and power response from the 2017. Infiniti added two more speakers for a total of 16 but I don't notice any difference. The sound was great already in the 2014 model. Only disappointment is that the 2014 came standard with heated seats and steering and now you have to get the navigation package to get them. All in all I'm very happy with this 2017!!
I saw a review from a person that said if you're over 6'0 that this vehicle is not comfortable. I am 6'7 and almost 300lbs..I find it more spacious than most SUVs I have been in. Super comfortable in my opinion
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Scorecard
