Silky styling; much improved interior quality; Hybrid model offers gutsy 360-horsepower powerplant; techy features ease the stress of driving in traffic; hard buttons and dual touchscreens make multimedia navigation easier
Steer-by-wire feature feels disconcerting during hard cornering; sophisticated driver-assist systems aren't for everyone, can feel intrusive; differing resolutions make dual touchscreens feel mismatched
The Q50 is completely redesigned for 2014.
Infiniti's 2014 Q50 proves the Japanese carmaker is serious about innovation. While we were lukewarm about the adaptive steering system under performance-oriented driving conditions like twisty roads, we found it to otherwise operate smoothly without drawing too much attention to itself. Overall, the Q50's blend of brawn and beauty make it a fresh, attractively priced alternative to its competitors.
The 2014 Infiniti Q50 is available in six nonhybrid and four hybrid trim levels.
The Q50 3.7 model ($36,700) comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, dual zone climate control, dual multimedia displays, Bluetooth and LED headlights.
Stepping up to the Q50 3.7 AWD model ($38,500) adds all-wheel drive.
The next level up is the Q50 3.7 Premium ($39,550), which includes a 14-speaker Bose sound system, a moonroof, heated front seats and a HomeLink universal garage door opener, while the Q50 3.7 AWD Premium ($41,350) tops that list off with all-wheel drive.
Driving enthusiasts might be drawn to the Q50S 3.7 ($43,200), which features 19-in alloy wheels, more aggressive brakes, sports seats with 10-way power adjustable driver settings, firmer suspension, a sportier front bumper and magnesium paddle shifters. The Q50S 3.7 AWD ($45,000) adds all-wheel drive and a heated steering wheel.
A la carte options include a moonroof ($1,000 on Q50 3.7 and Q50 3.7 AWD models), navigation ($1,400 on Q50 3.7 Premium and Q50S 3.7 and Hybrid models) and leather seats ($1,000 for the Q50 3.7 Premium model). A Deluxe Touring Package is available on Q50 3.7 Premium and Q50S 3.7 models for $3,100 and adds direct adaptive steering, a power tilting and telescoping steering wheel, wood trim, 60/40 fold down rear seats, an around-view monitor and rain-sensing wipers. A $3,200 Technology Package for Q50 3.7 Premium and Q50S 3.7 models includes predictive forward collision warning, intelligent cruise control, lane departure warning and backup collision intervention, among other features.
Hybrid lovers will find a wide range of Q50 options, starting with the Q50 Hybrid Premium ($43,950), which comes with heated front seats, a moonroof, a rearview monitor and a 14-speaker Bose sound system.
Opt for the Q50 Hybrid AWD Premium ($45,750) and you'll get all-wheel drive and a heated steering wheel on top of those items.
The Q50S Hybrid ($46,350) includes 19-in alloy wheels, sport brakes, a more aggressive front bumper, aluminum-trimmed pedals, magnesium paddle shifters and sports seats with 8-way driver seat adjustability.
The top-of-the-line Q50S Hybrid AWD ($48,150) includes all-wheel drive and a heated steering wheel.
A Deluxe Technology Package can be ordered on Q50 Hybrid Premium and Q50S Hybrid models for $5,000. It combines Deluxe Touring and Technology packages for $5,000 but does not include fold-down rear seats.
| Sedan | Original MSRP / Price | Engine | Horsepower | City MPG / Hwy MPG | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q50 4dr Sdn AWD | $38,950 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 328 | 19 / 27 | 7-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Q50 4dr Sdn Hybrid Premium AWD | $46,200 / N/A | 6 Cylinder / Hybrid | 354 | 28 / 35 | 7-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Q50 4dr Sdn Hybrid Premium RWD | $44,400 / N/A | 6 Cylinder / Hybrid | 354 | 29 / 36 | 7-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Q50 4dr Sdn Hybrid Sport AWD | $48,600 / N/A | 6 Cylinder / Hybrid | 354 | 27 / 31 | 7-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Q50 4dr Sdn Hybrid Sport RWD | $46,800 / N/A | 6 Cylinder / Hybrid | 354 | 28 / 34 | 7-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Q50 4dr Sdn Premium AWD | $41,800 / N/A | 6 Cylinder / Hybrid | 328 | 19 / 27 | 7-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Q50 4dr Sdn Premium RWD | $40,000 / N/A | 6 Cylinder / Hybrid | 328 | 20 / 29 | 7-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Q50 4dr Sdn RWD | $37,150 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 328 | 20 / 29 | 7-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Q50 4dr Sdn Sport AWD | $45,450 / N/A | 6 Cylinder / Hybrid | 328 | 19 / 27 | 7-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Q50 4dr Sdn Sport RWD | $43,650 / N/A | 6 Cylinder / Hybrid | 328 | 20 / 29 | 7-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
The Infiniti Q50 has yet to be crash-test rated by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, but we expect it to perform competitively thanks to its standard advanced airbag system with supplemental rear curtain side-impact airbags. Also aiding the Q50's safety cause are features such as an optional predictive system that gauges the speed of the vehicle two cars ahead and an available lane departure warning system with active lane control.
| Basic | 4 Years/60,000 Miles |
| Drivetrain | 6 Years/70,000 Miles |
| Corrosion | 7 Years/Unlimited Miles |
| Hybrid/Electric Components | 8 Years/100,000 Miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 Years/Unlimited Miles |
Audi A4 -- Starting at $32,500, Audi's A4 delivers a more restrained package that nonetheless manages to attract a strong share of car shoppers in this segment.
BMW 3 Series -- The addition of the $32,550 BMW 320i sedan opens up the Bavarian brand to more buyers, but pile on the options and this German sports sedan can easily top $50,000.
Lexus IS -- The other Japanese offering in this hotly contested category, the Lexus IS250, starts at $35,950 and delivers solid styling and creature comforts.
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