2018 Infiniti Q50 Review

The midsize sports sedan from the Infiniti brand sits in the same segment as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4, and with various powertrain and pricing options remains a strong contender in the market. Although some refreshed styling is present on the new model, upgrades are mostly minor aesthetic changes. A host of standard features and extensive personalization through additional packages is available for the Q50. There are two main engine options, a 2.0-liter V6 and 3.0-liter V6 in two states of tune, with the Red Sport 400 the popular choice for performance-driven buyers looking for an unusual alternative to a BMW M3. Although not leading the class in any key aspect, the Q50 has a good range of potent engines and a pleasant driving experience to appeal to those looking for a leftfield choice.

What's the Price of the 2018 Infiniti Q50?

The base trim 2.0t Pure rear-wheel drive is the cheapest available model in the Q50 line-up with a base MSRP of $35,200 without the addition of any packages. The mid-range 3.0t Sport model costs $40,650, whereas the most expensive, fully loaded Red Sport 400 is marked at $51,000. Upgrading any of the trims to all-wheel drive adds $2,000 to the price, and destination charges of $995 apply for all of the above, as do tax, registration, and licensing fees.

2018 Q50 Exterior

Dimensions

2018 Q50 Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

On the base end of the spectrum, the Q50 provides stable, consistent braking, smooth acceleration and a capable sense of road handling. However, they aren't overly involving nor overtly comfort-biased. The Sport models offer more enjoyment and engagement whilst driving, with a firmer suspension that attests to the athletic nature of the trim. It may help that the Sport and Red Sport trims have potent V6 engines with which to exploit the chassis, but the upgraded suspension, despite being firm, is far more engaging and makes for a more confident driving experience.

The steering on base models is light but responsive and precise in its reactions, and while adaptive steering might be an optional extra - luring some into thinking it superior - it's best avoided where you can. It provides an unnatural feeling and inputs are difficult to judge with the continually varying weight based on speed rather than the load on the front tires.

The most impressive of the lot from a handling perspective is the range-topping Q50 Red Sport 400. Judging it on power alone, it should compete in the same realm as BMW's M3 and the Mercedes-AMG C63. But while that may be the impression it creates, the drive fails to match, with the suspension and steering feeling lukewarm at best. You feel more body roll, less responsiveness, and a general sense of disconnect, leaving the Red Sport 400 trailing well behind bona fide performance models like the M3 and C63.

2018 Q50 Interior

2018 Q50 Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is the 2018 Infiniti Q50 A Good car?

With rivals like the Audi A4 and venerable BMW 3 Series, the Q50 has to be exceptional if it's to truly succeed. While a broad catalog of available engines seems attractive, particularly with the Red Sport 400 at the center of attention, they prove to be lukewarm in most aspects. The 3.0t Luxe and Sport models represent the best value in this regard as they provide a decent V6 soundtrack paired with impressive lag-free performance with the option of rear- or all-wheel drive.

The Q50 offers generous interior volumes and impressive trunk volume for the segment but is let down by a confusing infotainment system and an interior that feels dated compared to rivals, even if the materials and build quality seem decently high. However, rivals Audi A4 and the Mercedes-Benz C-class have more to offer in terms of refinement and luxury features.

In its favor, the entry-level Q50 has the benefit of a cheaper base price than many rivals, but it's a bland alternative lacking standard features and basic functionality - all items that must be equipped at some cost. On the higher end of the spectrum, however, rivals all offer comfort, convenience, and driver assistance features not available on the Q50, even optionally.

While the Q50 does nothing severely wrong, it just doesn't do enough brilliantly to recommend it above its rivals, all of whom offer more and feel more contemporary in numerous aspects.

What Infiniti Q50 Model Should I Buy?

With a fairly hit-and-miss mix of models in the line-up, buyers should choose a trim carefully. We'd recommend the 3.0t Sport, which strikes the best balance between cost, performance, and standard equipment, but can also be upgraded with a number of packages like the ProASSIST package and Sensory package. The V6 engine is potent and responsive, while the suspension is capable without disappointing in any particular way.

2018 Infiniti Q50 Comparisons

2018 Infiniti Q50 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan

In comparison with the entry-level Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, the base model Infiniti Q50 undercuts the C-Class in terms of price by $5,000. The C-Class offers a broader range of engine when considering the more powerful AMG line-up. It also scores better gas mileage estimates in general than the Q50 and boasts more safety and convenience features. The Q50 offers more interior space for passengers and has the bigger trunk space, but the C-Class feels more luxurious and premium inside with a superior infotainment system. In terms of ride comfort and drive, the C-Class has a more refined driving experience with greater levels of comfort and less road noise, while both vehicles handle rather adeptly. The Q50 is a good car, but the C-Class feels more luxurious and premium overall, and matches the Q50 for a great range of engines, while AMG derivatives offer true sports sedan performance compared to the Q50 Red Sport's lukewarm mentality towards performance.

2018 Infiniti Q50 vs Audi A4 Sedan

The Audi A4 is the strongest competitor to the Q50, boasting superior safety ratings across the board. Priced at only $800 more at the entry point of the range than the Q50, the A4 also has better gas mileage estimates and higher trims are exclusively available with all-wheel drive as standard - an option on the Q50. The Q50 range gives buyers greater performance potential, too, as the Audi RS4 isn't yet on sale Stateside, giving Infiniti the upper hand. But the Audi range rides more comfortably, with greater composure, and greater depth, yet neither are the sportiest offerings in the segment. The Audi furthers its lead with a classier interior, easier to use infotainment, and a greater variety of available features. It might not quite be as large as the Q50, particularly in its trunk volume, but it's a small price to pay for a vehicle that in most aspects is better than what the Infiniti Q50 offers.