Nissan’s premium brand – Infiniti – has seen a steady rise over the last decade and popularity hit a major spike with the 2014 Q50. Designed to be a competitor to the 3-Series, the C-Class and the likes, the Q50 brought Infiniti into one of the most competitive segments on the market.
Designing a midsize sedan is one thing, but building one which emphasizes both luxury and performance is a completely different challenge altogether. The world of premium midsize sedans is almost entirely dominated by the already established trio of German offerings, but the Q50 was the first Japanese car to really challenge those predetermined notions. Since the Q50 is a relatively new model having been launched in 2014, a new generation hasn’t been released, but instead a facelift for the current 2018 Infiniti Q50 will have to suffice.
SPORTY EXTERIOR
The 2018 Infiniti Q50 is a really great looking car from every angle. It utilizes Infiniti’s design language to bring out the best in this midsize sedan. The front end features an elongated hood with aggressive headlights and a really striking grille. The lower air opening stretches the entire width of the bumper, extending to the unique looking foglights nestled within the air dams. All in all, an aggressive and sporty looking front end with just the right amount of curves and accent lines.
The side of the 2018 Q50 gives off an appearance of the car being longer than it actually is. The overall shape and sculpting is truly a delight, with a beautifully sculpted sloping roofline and a well proportioned front to rear size ratio. The accent curves at the bottom of the doors just above the side skirting adds character and breaks apart the large piece of metal visually. The rear wheel arches get a nice extension and provide just enough flare to give the car a sporty stance.
The rear end of the 2018 Infiniti Q50 showcases a more conservative design compared to the front end. The slim taillight design, curved trunk and dual exhaust all help to add some flash, but overall the design is timeless and refined.
LUXURIOUS INTERIOR
Here’s where the Germans usually have the upper hand as vehicles made in Germany are often known for great materials and second-to-none fit and finish. However, one glance at the interior of the 2018 Q50 and you’ll see for yourself the premium materials and luxurious, yet sporty feel. While the styling may not be as elegant as a Mercedes, the 2018 Q50 airs more on the sporty side like a BMW.
Infiniti has stepped up their game when it comes to interior, and the 2018 Q50 is a prime example. The materials are superb, even the little plastic trims scattered throughout the cabin, and the dash showcases a wonderful leather-like double stitched soft touch material. There’s a choice of wood grain or aluminum finishes depending on your preference. The dashboard remains relatively unchanged showcasing dual displays and a minimalistic approach to controls.
The most important aspect of a sporty sedan, interior-wise, is how it caters to the driver’s needs. In that regard, the 2018 Infiniti Q50 really is a masterpiece that’s built for drivers. They completely nailed the driving position. You sit nice and low in the car, so you feel connected to the car and get more feedback from the road. The seats are superb. They’re comfortable but offer a ton of lateral bolstering so you don’t slide about even under heavy cornering. The steering wheel is a joy to handle as well – it was copied over from the sporty Q60 coupe, and it feels magnificent in the hands.
There’s plenty of headroom and legroom in both rows, with more than enough cargo storage too. The premium 16-speaker Bose audio system completely redefines quality audio systems. It’s hard to go back to anything less than Infiniti quality after testing the 2018 Q50.
ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE
While the 2018 Infiniti Q50 offers a pretty solid little 2.0L four cylinder engine on the base model, you really need to experience the sporty performance one step up with the 3.0T model. Powered by a 3.0L twin turbo V6 engine, outputting 300hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, there’s no lacking when it comes to power. For the even more daring, you can step up to the Red Sport 400 models, cranking out 400hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. However, 95% of the time, the 3.0T feels just as quick and delivers all the performance a driver could need.
The 2018 Q50 3.0T sends power to the rear wheels as with any great sports sedan, but Infiniti also offers an all wheel drive variant, pairing it with a seven speed automatic transmission. While it’s not a dual clutch, it is adaptive and comes with a manual mode, complete with downshift rev matching. For daily driving, it performs better than a clunkier DCT and since it’s a full automatic, you can just leave it and it will do its own thing, while still providing the option of manual shifting if your mood requires some spirited driving.
The 2018 Q50’s revised electronic and adaptive dampers now work in conjunction with the Direct Adaptive Steering System, giving amazing road feedback and superb handling and control. The Q50 yields virtually no body roll and is very neutral through the corners leading to an overall smooth and pleasant ride when cruising or a spirited sport performance when pushing the limits.
Q50 SIGNATURE EDITION
The 2018 Infiniti Q50 Signature Edition offers a top of the line experience blending luxury with sportiness. The bold athletic exterior meets the premium leather interior in a perfect balance of performance luxury.
The exterior front end of the Q50 Signature Edition showcases a mesh bumper matching the dual angled grille. Chrome highlights emphasize the diamond pattern and help accent the overall sporty look.
The rear end also sees a sportier bumper that showcases some mesh and dark metal coloured strip that encases the dual exhaust. The signature badging is also prominently displayed below the aerodynamic decklid spoiler, helping to reduce drag. The Signature Edition also comes equipped with some unique split five spoke 19 inch wheels.
The sports-inspired interior of the 2018 Q50 Signature Edition adds attention to detail with aluminum accents throughout the dash, center console and doors and the supportive leather sports seating.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The 2018 Infiniti Q50 is actually more than just a sum of its parts. Looking at the spec sheet you might think it’s just a recipe they’ve copied from the Germans, but once you experience the drive and cabin for yourself, you’ll see that it’s so much more. One drive in the 2018 Q50 completely redefines what you want from a luxury sports sedan, so it might be wise to start your search here!
