2018 INFINITI Q50 Review

Name: 2018 INFINITI Q50
Brand: INFINITI
Price: 22499 USD
Rating: 4.3 (41 reviews)

(41)

2018 INFINITI Q50 2.0t LUXE Sedan Exterior

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List Price Range:	$22,499 - $37,998

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byDan Frio^{Reviews Editor
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show).}

Pros

Turbocharged V6 engines pack plenty of power and excitement
Many high-tech entertainment and safety features come standard
For a small luxury sedan, offers a pretty roomy trunk

Cons

Infotainment system isn't as user-friendly as many others
Interior design is showing its age in the face of more modern rivals

What’s new

For 2018, Infiniti has simplified the Q50's trim level names and shuffled some features and options. The front and rear ends also receive subtle exterior styling and interior trim changes.

Vehicle overview

Strong performance, plenty of premium features and a competitive price give the 2018 Infiniti Q50 a well-earned seat at the table with other refined and accomplished luxury sport sedans.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 INFINITI Q50 3.0t LUXE 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 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 $4.00 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$208/mo

Q50 3.0t LUXE

$188/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

The Q50's interior design continues to age gracefully, but age it does. It's the same basic design used since 2014, and it feels a bit behind the more modern, elegant environments in Audi and Mercedes rivals. But don't let that end your consideration. The Q50 is still a joy to drive. If you're looking for power, consider one of the Q50's turbocharged V6 engines. They deliver a jolt of pony car-esque thrill each time you dig into the pedal, especially in the Red Sport top trim. Infiniti also packs in plenty of standard features for you money.

Overall, the 2018 Infiniti Q50 isn't quite as polished as some rival sedans, but it stands as a desirable and stylish alternative to the status quo.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Strong performance, plenty of premium features and a competitive price give the 2018 Infiniti Q50 a well-earned seat at the table with other refined and accomplished luxury sport sedans. Though better in some ways and inferior in others, the Q50 nonetheless is a desirable alternative.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our first drive of the 2018 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 Sedan (turbo 3.0L V6 | 7-speed automatic | RWD).

Driving

The Q50 is a highly competent luxury sedan that's enjoyable to drive. It drives like a smaller, sportier car. The Q50 Sport trim demonstrates its true capability thanks to additional grip, while the Red Sport 400 is nothing short of a refined road hooligan.

Acceleration

The turbocharged four-cylinder engine's 208-hp output is subpar for the class, but real-world acceleration is certainly adequate. Both of the Q50's turbocharged V6 engines offer strong and satisfying power.

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. The adaptive steering option on some Q50s is less impressive.

Handling

The Q50 3.0t Sport is a capable sport sedan. It inspires confidence with high levels of grip and composure. The Red Sport 400 amplifies these qualities considerably.

Drivability

The Q50 is a very pleasant sedan to drive. It exhibits good manners in typical driving and a natural sporting demeanor.

Comfort

The Q50 is comfortable and generally quiet, though road noise is still noticeable. The 2018 Red Sport 400 is a superbly comfortable touring car with excellent seats.

Interior

The Q50's cabin makes use of high-quality materials and sturdy construction, but the design hasn't changed much in nearly a decade. Conventional controls are within easy reach, but the touchscreen has some drawbacks. Still, it remains a pleasant and spacious place for driver or passenger.

Ease of use

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, especially with the newer protective glass.

Getting in/getting out

The Q50's low step-in height and wide seats facilitate easy entry and exit. As an added bonus, the doors swing open with surprising ease.

Roominess

The airy cabin and the contoured dashboard provide plenty of room up front. Six-footers can occupy the back seat with headroom to spare.

Visibility

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

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

The Q50's cargo capacity is decent for the class, but interior storage for your personal items is somewhat lacking by contemporary standards. The trunk space is adequate, though the wide opening makes for easier loading.

Technology

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 updates to the Infiniti InTouch system have kept it relevant.

2018 INFINITI Q50 models

The Infiniti Q50 luxury sport sedan is available in five main trim levels: 2.0t, 3.0t, Red Sport 400 and Q50 Hybrid trim levels. Infiniti also offers three subtrims, Luxe, Pure and Sport.

The Q50 2.0t starts with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (208 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque) paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional. From there, the 2.0t Pure come with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and foglights, automatic wipers, selectable drive modes, keyless entry and ignition, power-adjustable front seats, simulated leather upholstery, automatic dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, dual 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 Luxe variant adds 18-inch wheels, a sunroof and maple wood interior accents.

Moving up to the 3.0t brings a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (300 hp, 295 lb-ft of torque). all-wheel drive is again optional. The 3.0t Luxe is equipped similarly to the 2.0t Luxe trim while the 3.0t Sport adds 19-inch wheels, performance tires, leather upholstery and additional front seat adjustments.

The Red Sport 400 picks up where the 3.0t leaves off and adds a more powerful V6 (400 hp, 350 lb-ft of torque), unique 19-inch wheels (slightly wider in the rear), adjustable suspension settings, transmission paddle shifters, quilted leather upholstery, dark chrome and red stitching interior accents, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, remote engine start, a 60/40-split folding rear seat and a navigation system. The Red Sport 400 also offers a host of driver aids, including a top-down parking camera system, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

The Q50 Hybrid Luxe comes in one trim level similarly equipped to the 3.0t Luxe, but it also borrows from the Sport and Red Sport 400 features. Some extra features, including adaptive cruise control and a premium Bose audio system, are also standard on the Hybrid.

Many of the extra features found on the Red Sport are available as options on the lower trims. Depending on the trim level, other key options an adjustable suspension, additional driver aids and a premium audio system.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 INFINITI Q50.

5 (63%)

4 (14%)

3 (16%)

2 (5%)

1 (2%)

4.3

41 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

great car with best overall value in its class

Jon,02/25/2018

2018 INFINITI Q50 3.0t LUXE 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7A)

My original lease for the 2014 Infiniti Q50 is reaching the end. Based on my past 3+ years experience driving the Q50 on a daily basis, I have decided Q50 is worthwhile to own for the long term. After reviewing the Q50 2014 vs 2018 model, I decided to purchase the 2018 Q50 due to a newer engine, improved onscreen response time, updated SOS communication module, etc.). For someone that …

Fun to drive

JOHN,05/20/2018

2018 INFINITI Q50 RED SPORT 400 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7A)

Coming from a 2015 gs350 fsport. This ride is definitely louder but feels much sportier. You can hear the tires on the road. That being said I love everything else about the car. The technology and the dual screens i actually love. The steering with 1 button adjustment feels just as good as any car I have owned. It is fast I haven't even needed to cross 3000 RPMs yet to get to 80. I …

Rocket ship

Bob D,02/02/2017

2017 INFINITI Q50 3.0t Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7A)

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 …

Reasonable luxury sport sedan

Hisham Taher,12/30/2017

2018 INFINITI Q50 3.0t LUXE 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7A)

I was in the market for a luxury sedan. I need this for my personal use, as I do own a minivan used for kids and errands. I wanted to keep my expenses within a reasonable range, and hence eliminated the German cars from my search. From the Japanese luxury sedans, the Infiniti was more fun to drive and engaging. Infiniti then gave me a good deal, which settled the matter for me. There is …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 INFINITI Q50, so we've included reviews for other years of the Q50 since its last redesign.

See all 41 reviews of the INFINITI Q50

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2018 INFINITI Q50 Sedan Features & Specs

Trim

Base MSRP: $35,200

MPG & Fuel: 23 City / 30 Hwy / 25 Combined; Fuel Tank Capacity: 20.0 gal. capacity

Seating: 5 seats

Drivetrain: Type: rear wheel drive; Transmission: 7-speed shiftable automatic

Engine: Inline 4 cylinder; Horsepower: 208 hp @ 5500 rpm; Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm

Basic Warranty: 4 yr./ 60000 mi.

Dimensions: Length: 189.6 in. / Height: 57.2 in.; Overall Width without Mirrors: 71.8 in.; Curb Weight: 3671 lbs.; Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 13.2 cu.ft.

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Q50 models:

Backup Collision Intervention: Automatically hits the brakes if an object enters the path or if an approaching car is detected when the vehicle is backing up.
Around View Monitor: Takes the guesswork out of maneuvering in tight spaces by giving you a view of the car from above.
Forward Emergency Braking: Warns if traffic ahead is slowing, even two cars ahead, and will apply the brakes if you don't act in time.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover9.7%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test
Good
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test
Good

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More about the 2018 INFINITI Q50

Used 2018 INFINITI Q50 Overview

The Used 2018 INFINITI Q50 is offered in the following submodels: Q50 Sedan, Q50 RED SPORT 400, Q50 Hybrid. Available styles include 3.0t LUXE 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7A), 3.0t LUXE 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7A), 3.0t SPORT 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7A), 3.0t SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7A), RED SPORT 400 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7A), RED SPORT 400 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7A), 2.0t PURE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7A), 2.0t LUXE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7A), 2.0t LUXE 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7A), Hybrid LUXE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 7A), 2.0t PURE 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7A), and Hybrid LUXE 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 7A). Pre-owned INFINITI Q50 models are available with a 3.0 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 300 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2018 INFINITI Q50 comes with rear wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 7-speed shiftable automatic. The Used 2018 INFINITI Q50 comes with a 4 yr./ 60000 mi. basic warranty, a 4 yr./ 60000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 6 yr./ 70000 mi. powertrain warranty.

What's a good price on a Used 2018 INFINITI Q50?

Price comparisons for Used 2018 INFINITI Q50 trim styles:

The Used 2018 INFINITI Q50 3.0t LUXE is priced between $22,499 and$30,998 with odometer readings between 19571 and99965 miles.
The Used 2018 INFINITI Q50 2.0t PURE is priced between $22,998 and$26,990 with odometer readings between 26948 and84152 miles.
The Used 2018 INFINITI Q50 RED SPORT 400 is priced between $31,975 and$37,998 with odometer readings between 31458 and64230 miles.
The Used 2018 INFINITI Q50 3.0t SPORT is priced between $29,998 and$31,590 with odometer readings between 17976 and45866 miles.
The Used 2018 INFINITI Q50 2.0t LUXE is priced between $27,998 and$27,998 with odometer readings between 44171 and44171 miles.

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Which used 2018 INFINITI Q50S are available in my area?

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 INFINITI Q50 for sale near. There are currently 27 used and CPO 2018 Q50S listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $22,499 and mileage as low as 17976 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2018 INFINITI Q50.

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Should I lease or buy a 2018 INFINITI Q50?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

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