The Infiniti Q50 was intended to replace the G37 in the brand's lineup. But, unfortunately, it has taken a step back from its excellent predecessor.
The Q50 is quick and relatively roomy, but its underwhelming driving experience strips the car of much of its sporty legacy. The Q is fairly nimble, with good turn-in response and well-contained body lean. But it's let down by vague steering. Overall, the Q50 has lost the fun-to-drive agility that was a G37 hallmark. We also tried the much hyped direct active steering option, but we found that it feels artificial and non-linear.
The potent 328-hp, 3.7-liter V6 engine delivers very quick acceleration, but it lacks the refinement of the V6s in some competitive models. Like our test car, most Q50s sold in snow country come with all-wheel drive, which provides added traction over the standard rear-wheel drive. Thus equipped, we recorded 21 mpg overall. That's nothing special for this class, but a more fuel-efficient hybrid version of the Q50 is also available.
With the redesign, Infiniti intended to steer the Q50 more toward the luxury end of the sports-sedan equation. But that result isn't very convincing, either. The ride is a bit unsettled and stiff, due partly to the car's run-flat tires, with their rigid sidewalls. The front seats aren't particularly supportive or as comfortable as we expect in a luxury sedan. In addition, cabin quietness and interior fit and finish fall short for this category. The rear seat is relatively hospitable in this typically cramped class, but the trunk is too shallow and has a small opening.
Infiniti's new dual-screen InTouch control system also misses the mark. The touchscreen responses are agonizingly slow and can be unintuitive to use. After starting the car, for example, you can't change radio stations until the system slowly loads. Early buyers should expect frequent software updates as Infiniti works to debug this system.
Most Q50s sold in areas where it snows will have all-wheel drive.
We'd suggest getting a Q50 Premium with AWD. Most cars will likely have the navigation and leather packages
As far as options, the base Q50 3.7 seems well equipped, including Bluetooth and a backup camera. But it's missing some such common features such as leather/heated seats, and Homelink compatibility for your garage door opener. Those require upgrading to the Premium model, which also adds a Bose stereo and a moonroof.
Beyond that, expected features in this class, like seat memory, folding rear seats, or blind-spot warning aren't offered individually. Getting a car with these packages can dramatically increase the price.
The Deluxe Touring package adds Infiniti's hyped Direct Adaptive Steering, wood trim, driver's seat memory, folding rear seats, rain-sensing wipers, and a clever Around View monitor system that simulates a 360-degree view of the car and surrounding area to ease parking.
The Technology Package adds a lot of active safety gear, including forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems, autonomous braking, adaptive headlights, and active cruise control. That's the only way to get blind-spot warning, which forces you to buy a lot of high-tech features, just to get that desirable convenience. Making matters worse, you need to buy the leather, navigation, and Deluxe Touring packages to get the Technology Package.
You can also get the Q50S; this sports package adds deeply bolstered sports seats, and standard leather, along with different suspension tuning, wheels, and tires.