New for 2015

The 2014 model year was the first for the Q50, which returns for 2015 with the same great power, performance, and penchant for technology that has made it such an instant hit.

Style, Smarts, and Speed

The stereotypical image of a future car is of something sleek, efficient, and loaded with technology. With the 2015 Q50, it seems like Infiniti engineers took that science-fiction view of the automobile to heart. This is a luxury sedan designed to wow technophiles, but beneath the software there’s still plenty of substance to impress anyone looking for a sporty, comfortable car to cruise around in.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2015 Infiniti Q50 offers two powertrain options that offer all of the performance one would expect of a luxury sports sedan. The first is a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 328 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque to make the morning commute entertaining.

Some cars emphasize power, and some emphasize economy, but why can’t you have both? The 2015 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid combines a 3.5-liter V6 with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack for a combined 360 horsepower.

Both powertrains are paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting capability. Rear-wheel drive is standard on both models, but Infiniti also offers all-wheel drive as an option. There’s also an available Sport package that adds bigger brakes and sport-tuned suspension.

Fuel economy for the base rear-wheel drive, non-hybrid Q50 is rated at 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway),* or 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway)* with all-wheel drive. With rear-wheel drive, the Sport model loses one mpg in the combined category.

Not surprisingly, the hybrid improves on those figures. It’s rated at 31 mpg combined (29 mpg city, 36 mpg highway)* with rear-wheel drive, and 30 mpg combined (28 mpg city, 35 mpg highway)* with all-wheel drive. The Sport versions get a slight downgrade, to 30 mpg combined (28 mpg city, 34 mpg highway)* and 28 mpg combined (27 mpg city, 31 mpg highway).*

Features and Trims

The 2015 Infiniti Q50 is only available as a four-door, five-seat sedan. Pricing starts at $37,150** for the 2015 Q50 3.7 and $44,400** for the 2015 Q50 Hybrid.

That base price buys plenty of standard equipment, including an eight-way power driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and the Infiniti InTouch connectivity interface with dual touchscreens.

Optional equipment is grouped into different packages depending on the model, and includes everything from rain-sensing wipers and auto-dimming outside mirrors to a 14-speaker Bose® audio system, navigation, and 19-inch sport alloy wheels. With so many options, it’s easy to customize the Q50 to fit your exact needs.

Exterior/Interior

The 2015 Infiniti Q50 may be packed with technology, but its exterior and interior styling add a bit of art to all the science.

The curvaceous flanks, bold grille, and scowling LED headlights make the Q50 one of the most dynamic-looking cars in a market segment known for stylish entries. The hunkered-down stance befits a sporty car like this, while details like the crescent-shaped c-pillar help the Q50 stand out from everything else on the road.

The sporty look continues through the interior. The driver is greeted by a leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel and an aluminum-accented shift knob. Magnesium paddle shifters for the seven-speed automatic are also available, and the entire cabin is trimmed in Kacchu aluminum as standard. For a more traditional look, wood is optional.

Safety

Just as the 2015 Infiniti Q50 emphasizing technology in its powertrain and luxury features, it also emphasizes technology when it comes to safety. Few cars can rival the advancement of the Q50’s safety features, and those that can tend to be much more expensive.

Standard features include dual-stage front, front-side impact, and roof-mounted curtain airbags;anti-lock brakes; stability and traction control; and Infiniti’s RearView Monitor. The latter can be expanded into an AroundView Monitor that offers a 360-degree view around the car with moving-object detection.

Infiniti also offers Direct Adaptive Steering, a system that’s unique to the Q50. This drive-by-wire system eliminates the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the road, allowing the car’s sensors to help keep the Q50 centered in its lane, or even tug it back into place if the driver lets it wander.

The Q50 can also brake itself with the optional Forward Emergency Braking feature, or predict when cars ahead will brake with Predictive Forward Collision Warning. Other notable tech includes adaptive cruise control and blind-spot assist.

Bottom Line

The 2015 Infiniti Q50 is one of the most modern luxury cars available. From its sophisticated information displays to its optional drive-by-wire steering, this luxury sedan uses technology to enhance the driving experience.

However, there’s more to the Q50 than just tech. An artfully designed exterior and interior, powerful V6 engine, and available hybrid powertrain make it more than a one-trick pony.

Find out what makes the Q50 tick first-hand by contacting or stopping by 3Birds Template today.

*2015 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions. Use for comparison only.

**All prices are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, tax, title, license, and options.

Image: Infiniti