A Balanced Approach

While rivals place their focus solely on luxury, often overlooking the sporty side of things, the INFINITI Q50 takes a more balanced approach, and carries with it a legacy of refinement and outright performance. Thoroughly refreshed for the current model year, the 2016 Q50 sports a high-quality interior, exceptional handling, and powerful engines, making it easier to recommend than ever before.

Performance

They say good things come in threes, so it comes as no surprise then that the 2016 INFINITI Q50 is available with one of three choice engine options, all of which are paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard on all models; however, all-wheel drive is available across the engine lineup.  

Let’s start with the Q50’s base engine (2.0T). It’s a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

Next up is the 3.0T trim’s (we’ll get to trims shortly) engine. It employs a 3.0-liter V6 to push its wheels, and is capable of serving up 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

EPA estimated fuel economy is 26 mpg combined (23 city/31 highway) for the rear-wheel-drive 2.0T.* The 3.0T gets 22 mpg combined (20 city/26 highway).*Meanwhile, all-wheel-drive versions earn slightly less.

The most powerful Q50 gasoline engine is found in the Q50 Red Sport 400. It features a modified version of the 3.0T’s engine, and churns out 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.

There’s also a Q50 hybrid. It’s designed to satisfy the needs of eco-conscious drivers who desire both thrilling ride and good fuel economy. The Q50 Hybrid sports a 3.5-liter V6 that is paired with an electric motor fed by a lithium-ion battery pack. Combined power output of 360 hp, while EPA-estimated fuel economy is 30 mpg combined (28 city/34 highway) for rear-wheel drive models.*

Features

The 2016 INFINITI Q50 seats up to five passengers and is offered in six trims: 2.0T, 2.0T Premium, 3.0T Premium, Sport, Red Sport 400, and Hybrid Premium. Prices start at $33,950.**

We’ll begin with 2.0T. Despite its position at the foot of the Q50 ladder, the 2.0T comes with a wide array of standard features. Highlights include 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, and dual chrome exhaust tips. Interior highlights include dual-zone automatic climate control, premium vinyl upholstery, and cruise control.

The 2016 Q50 also incorporates the latest in-demand technologies. Standard features include a rearview camera, twin touchscreen displays, INFINITI’s InTouch infotainment system, voice controls, Bluetooth®, a six-speaker sound system, and much, much more.

The 2.0T Premium and 3.0T Premium are virtually identical, with the 3.0T powered by a V6 engine rather than the 2.0T's four-cylinder. They both come with the 2.0T's features (where applicable) as well as a sunroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a 14-speaker Bose® surround-sound audio system.

The Q50 sport gets all of the 3.0T Premium’s equipment as well as its own unique features. It adds 19-inch wheels, a unique front fascia, adjustable suspension dampers, bigger brakes, and leather upholstery.

Step up to the Red Sport 400 and you an even more powerful engine, along with brushed exhaust tips and more aggressive summer tires (RWD models only).

In terms of features, the Hybrid Premium steals the spotlight. It includes all the features from the Premium models and adds content found in the Q50’s various packages, including the Premium Plus package, the Driver Assistance package, and the Technology package.

Design

Make no mistake, the Q50 was designed to stand out, and is instantly recognizable among the many luxury sedans littering the marketplace. Its exaggerated curves and surfaces, as well as its sharp double-arch grille, all-LED lighting details, and striking silhouette make it one of the most visually appealing models in the segment.

The Q50's interior is equally impressive, and incorporates a number of unique design elements that help it stand out. Chief among them is sweeping accent line that runs down the console and cordons off the controls to the driver. Not only is it visually appealing, but the design brings to mind the cockpit of a jet more so than the cabin of sports car.

Another unique but welcome design element is INFINITI InTouch and its twin-screen system. It replaces most vehicle controls with menus on capacitive-touch displays, with a handful of redundant hard keys as well. A large touchscreen displays frequently used functions from atop the dash, while a second runs infotainment and other systems on a separate pane below, effectively serving as dual monitors.

The Q50 is more than just flashy design and tech, though; it’s also supremely comfortable, thanks to standard eight-way power front seats and leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Opting for the sport seats adds even more comfort, thanks to additional bolstering and adjustment options.

Safety

The 2016 INFINITI Q50 is proof-positive that sportiness does not beget a lack of safety. Standard safety features include antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, and a rearview camera. The Q50 also comes with the INFINITI Connection telematics service, which includes roadside assistance, automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle reporting, and remote door unlocking.

Verdict

Style, power, and a wealth of luxurious features help make the 2016 INFINITI Q50 the smart choice among luxury shoppers.

Contact us online or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516 to schedule your test drive.

* 2016 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions – use for comparison only.

** Price is Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). MSRP excluding destination charge, tax, title, license and options. Dealer sets actual price.

Image Credit: INFINITI