2015 Infiniti Q50 – Test Drive, Ratings, Review, Specs, Price

A Feast for Modern Appetite

As the successor of the well acclaimed performance-inspired Infiniti G37 sedan, the Q50 really does not disappoint. With that being said, Infiniti has done a great job in deciding on what stays and what goes during the migration process.

In terms of performance, the Infiniti Q50’s got the credentials to make it into the luxury sports sedan territory with its mighty 3.7L V6 producing 328 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. While numbers mean a lot, it is ultimately the freshened design of its outer shell that makes the Q50 so appealing.

High expectations also translates to stiff competition. At a base price of $39,950, there are plenty of options out there that will satisfy big demands in both the performance and looks department in both sides of the ocean. The BMW 3, Lexus IS, and Acura TLX are a few to name that closely stack up to the Q50.

Captivating Looks

The sum of modern sophistication and aggressive capability equates to sex appeal. Speaking in terms of looks, the Infiniti Q50’s got that formula down. Its front hood houses Infiniti’s curvaceous front grille followed by sharp-staring LED headlamps and lower horizontal LED fog lights. Its hood is heavily sculpted with its front portion converging towards the front – giving off a visual enticement of performance capability.

Its side can be said the same with sharp lines flowing seamlessly from front to back. The large 19″ alloy rims also helps give the Q50 a bold stance as well.
Out in the rear retains smooth contours with a subtle oval-shaped spoiler, a bubbly bumper decorated with chrome emblems and twin exhaust pipes.

Its inside is warm, welcoming and spacious. Side panels have a soft diamond shaped leather stitching, the leather wrapped steering is of a nice sized diameter, and the center console is a 2 story LCD screen construction. While tech-inspired, I can’t say I’m a big fan of it as its user interface was a bit sluggish, and its mesmerizing menus difficult to navigate.

Choice of leather hide for seating material could be a bit better, but still offered a good balance for its bucket-seat like feel and comfort.

Power Factory

Under the hood lies Infiniti’s VQ37VHR DOHC 24-valve engine producing 328 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. While its got a lot of number of horses, the torque output doesn’t quite stack up – the punch off the red light shows. Engine of choice is also standard on all 3 models (Standard 3.7, 3.7 AWD, and 3.7 Sport) with the Sport model configurable with either RWD or AWD.

Spec scrutiny reveals sequential multi-port fuel injection system used as opposed to the more modern and sophisticated direct fuel-injection system that has proven itself to be more precise in fuel injection control with the ability to run at a higher compression ratio. This translates into both enhanced performance and fuel economy missed by the Q50.

Speaking of fuel economy, it’s decent considering the its large capacity 3.7L engine. Our tests scoring in at 20 MPG in city and up to 30 MPG on the highway with conservative efforts made on the gas pedal.

Genetic Engineering

Don’t get me wrong, the Q50 drives well, but I think it could do better. A recollection of last year’s review notes, we found that the Q50’s ride was too harsh for everyday practicality. In its latest, the Q50’s driver selection mode comes in 3 modes – Eco, Normal, and Performance. Under Normal mode, its adaptive steering is dessensitized and accelerator pedal mapping relaxed which eases concentration level behind the wheel. Performance mode sharpens both steering and accelerator pedal.

But driving characteristic was almost too sharp to handle. Steering control felt overly sensitive and even unconfident at times. Acceleration is also there with engine revs latching at higher numbers in performance mode; but felt busy. It’s simply the shear amount of black magic placed in between the steering and front wheels, the gas pedal and the engine that makes the overall feel of the Q50 unorganic.

All in all

The 2015 Infiniti Q50 was groomed to be luxury sedan that offers both performance and luxury. It’s also important to note that it’s a married relationship between the two. A trait that signifies a target to the younger crowd, the Infiniti Q50 excels in delivering a thrilling driving experience with its meaty 3.7 liter V6 engine and ultra stiff suspensions. It’s a great looking car for sure with definitive measures of performance.

But its performance seemed to be more heavily measured on paper rather than by a driver. The raw mechanical feel of its less-coated G35 and even G37 series felt missed in favor of higher tech in its newer generation. Nevertheless, no car is perfect, and none will ever be. And in the case of the Infiniti Q50, I believe it’s the striking beauty and its strong visual apperance that will ultimately win one’s heart.