It’s hard to believe this is a powertrain shared with the smooth, quick, enjoyable C300. Then there’s the sound the engine makes – a coarse, unrefined clatter that feels inadequately insulated.
As in the Benz, the Infiniti’s turbo-four is mated to a standard seven-speed automatic transmission that’s smooth but not quick to downshift, even in Sport mode. The four-cylinder is the same engine that’s found in the Mercedes-Benz C300, which weighs roughly 200 pounds less and is tuned to make more power and torque. I wouldn’t describe it as quick and I certainly wouldn’t call it assertive or sporty. The result is a sedan that’s only adequately powered. The Q50 matches the Lexus IS 200t’s 258 pounds-feet of torque but comes up short of the Mercedes-Benz C300, at 273 pounds-feet, and the Cadillac ATS, at 295 pounds-feet. The engine’s torque figures aren’t much better. The Cadillac also boasts the lightest curb weight of the four competitors listed, while the Q50 is the heaviest. Nearly every other car in the class makes at least 30 more horsepower, and the Cadillac ATS smacks down the Infiniti with a 64-hp advantage with its own turbo engine. My test car came with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder and that engine’s problem was evident immediately: It’s underpowered. There are now three powertrains available in the Q50: a basic 208-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder a 300-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 and a 400-hp version of that same 3.0-liter. The Q50 may not have the classic lines of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but it’s still a very appealing design – especially with the optional larger wheels to fill out the wells. The spindle grille and cat’s-eye headlights are more tasteful than anything found on a Lexus these days, and they’re starting to finally help develop an Infiniti design theme that’s spread across the brand (the Q60 coupe version of this line is especially pretty). But the car’s look has transformed over the years from a simple, clean design to one that’s more passionate, curvaceous and animalistic. It finally graduated to the Q50 when Infiniti went to its current (and still confusing) naming structure. It started life many moons ago as the Infiniti G35, then became the G37 when its engine got bigger. The Q50 is an attractive car and always has been. Key competitors include the Cadillac ATS, Lexus IS and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It’s also one of the most competitive segments on the market, with lots of distinct offerings. The compact luxury sedan class is the entry point for any premium brand, where automakers draw in new buyers they hope will be lifelong customers. There’s also a two-door version, the Q60, covered separately. It’s more modestly priced but still well-equipped and more accessible to the masses. My week with a new 2016 Q50 was in the lower-end model. At the top end, there’s a fire-breathing, 400-hp twin-turbo V-6 and all-wheel drive. Compare the 20 models here.Īt entry level, there’s a new 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder from Mercedes-Benz.
RIGHTFONT REVIEW 2017 UPDATE
Infiniti has updated its Q50 sedan for 2016 with a mild refresh, including some new powertrains, a light styling update and a revamped interior with a fresh multimedia system. To see what’s new, click here, or to see a side-by-side comparison of the two model years, click here. While it has attractive attributes, including electronic safety features and affordable pricing, the Q50 is simply outclassed among compact luxury sedans.Įditor’s note: This review for the 2016 Infiniti Q50 was written in June 2016, but little has changed for 2017. The 2016 Infiniti Q50 2.0T has a surprisingly coarse powertrain, unexceptional interior and tight cabin despite updates for this model year.
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