The Infiniti Q50 is a midsize premium sedan that was sold new between 2013 and 2024. Introduced as a replacement for the Infiniti Q40, the Q50’s USP is its blend of powerful engines, generous equipment levels and decent value. One look at it is all you need to figure out that—as with its predecessor—the BMW 3 Series is its most natural rival. The side profile of the two cars is very similar, whether you’re looking at the previous or current BMW 3 Series model. The Infiniti Q50 is almost identical in size, too, albeit a fraction longer. While the Q50’s blend of sportiness and luxury is a close match for the BMW, you might also consider it alongside cars such as the Acura TLX, the Audi A4, the Lexus IS, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Like the BMW, Lexus, and the Mercedes-Benz, the Q50 offers a choice of rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
The Q50’s engine options are lesser than those of most other midsize sedans, though. At launch, it was available with two: a version of the Q40’s 3.7-liter V6 or a new hybrid powertrain, combining a 3.5-liter V6 with an electric motor, both with a seven-speed automatic transmission as standard. In time, a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 in two states of tune replaced the 3.7 V6, while an entry-level turbocharged four-cylinder engine came and went and the Q50 Hybrid was phased out. Fuel economy has never been a strong point for Infiniti sedans and the Q5 is no different—most have an EPA combined mpg figure in the mid-20s, with the hybrid giving about 30 mpg, depending on specs.
One of the positive differentiators for Infiniti’s cars has always been the level of standard features, and the Q50 is a case in point. Standard, Q50S (later Q50 Sport), and Premium trim levels were available, while the Q50 Hybrid came in its own bespoke trim level. Even the earliest entry-level models (and remember, this was back in 2014) came with automatic LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, remote keyless entry, eight-way power driver's seat adjustment, SiriusXM satellite radio, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, voice recognition, and a rear-view camera as standard. Premium trim level and above included heated front seats, a Bose premium audio system, and Infiniti InTouch, which integrates certain apps into the infotainment system. A number of driver assistance safety features were available from the start, but these were initially optional for all models.
Updates over the years brought different trim levels and improved equipment, but after a 11-year production run, largely unchanged, the Q50 was starting to look and feel outdated. In August 2024, Infiniti confirmed that the Q50 would be phased out for the 2025 model year with no direct replacement.
Our buying guide to the Infiniti Q50 looks at which models are available, any issues to look out for, and how much you can expect to pay.
Infiniti Q50 Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Infiniti Q50 Pros and Cons
- Infiniti Q50 Generations
- First Generation (2013-2024)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Infiniti Q50 years are the best?
There’s a strong argument that the first couple of years of the Infiniti Q50 are the best in terms of value for money, but post-2019 models are a more rational choice, as they offer more equipment and some of the problems that afflicted earlier cars had been ironed out by then.
What are the worst Infiniti Q50 years?
The 2014 and 2015 model year Q50s seem to be the worst for problems, with warped brakes the most common issue, although premature turbo failure is an issue that can affect the post-2015 3.0t versions.
Is a used Infiniti Q50 a good deal?
A used Infiniti Q50 is worth considering if you’re looking for a midsize luxury sedan that’s powerful and well-equipped. Towards the end of its long production run, the Q50 was starting to look and feel out of touch with newer rivals, but it could be a good deal if you can get one at the right price.
Infiniti Q50 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very well equipped
- Powerful V6 engines
- Good value for money
Cons:
- Even the hybrid gives below-average mpg
- Dated compared with most rivals by the end of its run
- Limited model range
Infiniti Q50 Generations
First Generation (2013-2024)
There’s just one generation of Infiniti Q50 but it’s been around a long time, with a production run spanning from 2013 to 2024. Some of its rivals underwent major changes and different model generations in the same period, while the Q50 stayed more or less the same. Introduced as a straightforward replacement for the Infiniti Q40 (itself a renamed version of the G37) the Q50 has very similar qualities, although it’s perhaps less of a sports sedan and more of a luxury sedan. It’s also fairly similar mechanically, to the extent that the Q50 initially retained the Q40’s 3.7-liter V6, with the same 328 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. The Q50 Hybrid was new, though, and its powertrain combined a 3.5-liter V6 with a 50 kW electric motor for a total system output of 360 horsepower. Both had a seven-speed automatic transmission as standard and were available with either RWD or AWD.
That venerable 3.7-litre V6 engine didn’t last long. From the 2016 model year, it was replaced by a new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (badged 3.0t) developing 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. At the same time, a higher-powered version of this engine—with 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque—was reserved for a sporty new Q50 Red Sport 400 model that had a makeover to match its prodigious performance, including bespoke front and rear fascias, front sport seats and aluminum pedals.
Initial Q50 trim levels were standard, Q50S, and Premium, with Sport (replacing S) and Red Sport 400 added for the 2016 model year. An update for the 2018 model year brought the mildest of styling updates, with minor changes to the design of the grille, bumpers, and taillights, plus an upgraded infotainment system and new steering wheel designs. The trim levels were renamed Pure, Luxe Sport, and Red Sport 400. The engine lineup slimmed down midway through the Q50’s run, when the Q50 Hybrid was discontinued for the 2019 model year and the 2.0t was dropped in 2020. A number of option packs were available, including Essential, Sensory, Performance, ProAssist, and ProActive.
Towards the end of its time, Infiniti crammed the Q50 full of features in an attempt to compete with newer rivals. Forward Emergency Braking and Predictive Forward Collision Warning became standard across the range from the 2019 model year onwards and, by the 2021 model year, the entry-level Q50 Pure trim included leatherette seat trim, a wi-fi hotspot and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Specs for the mid-level Q50 Luxe were upgraded to include a power moonroof, a lane departure warning system, adaptive cruise control, and a blind-spot warning system. Additional equipment for Q50 Luxe models by the 2024 model year included a Bose premium audio system, full leather seating, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, while Q50 Red Sport 400 models were by this time sporting matte black carbon fiber interior trim accents.
In general, the Infiniti Q50 has a solid reputation for reliability, although the earliest examples are now more than a decade old, so an individual car’s condition is likely to depend largely on how many miles it covered and how well it’s been maintained. Warped brakes are a common issue, while 3.0t models have been known to suffer from turbo failures.
The MSRP for the Infiniti Q50 has always been competitive, considering the power and equipment it offers, ranging from about $37,000 to nearly $60,000 for the latest Q50 Red Sport 400 AWD model. Nowadays, you can pick up an early sub-100k mileage entry-level car from about $12,000. The starting point for Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 models with the same mileage is about $16,000.
