2022 Infiniti Q50

Overview

Compared with more modern sports sedans, the 2022 Infiniti Q50 leaves a lot to be desired. With out-of-date interior styling and an odd dual-touchscreen infotainment arrangement, Infiniti’s entry-luxury car lacks the pizzazz of its contemporaries. At least its gorgeous bodywork will still draw attention and—unlike with the Q50—buyers won’t find a twin-turbo V-6 on a BMW 3-series or Mercedes-Benz C-class for less than $55,000. While the Infiniti’s potent powerplant makes it a solid value play, even the sportiest model (the 400-hp Red Sport 400) doesn’t come close to duplicating the driving verve found behind the wheel of an M340i or even a Genesis G70 Sport, which is the segment’s best bang for the buck. Instead, the 2022 Q50 sedan is largely irrelevant to everyone except those loyal to Infiniti­ or buyers looking to graduate from the more humble Nissan Altima.

What’s New for 2022?

Infiniti streamlines the Q50 lineup for 2022, dropping the previous base-level Pure trim and mid-range Signature Edition to leave only the Luxe, Sensory, and Red Sport 400. The new entry-level Luxe essentially represents a $5500 higher base price, but it comes with more standard luxuries, including a 16-speaker Bose stereo system, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable steering column, and a full suite of active safety features. Similarly, the Sensory trim inherits features from the now-defunct Signature, but its base-price increase is nominal. The new additions include a Saddle Brown leather-upholstery option, open-pore-wood interior trim, and a more advanced HVAC system with an air purifier. All Q50s also add standard wireless CarPlay.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

$43,125

Sensory

$48,825

Red Sport 400

$56,975

Despite being the entry point to the Q50 hierarchy, the Luxe has the same powertrain as the pricier Sensory trim and still boasts a solid roster of popular features and luxury appointments. It has a heated steering wheel and front seats, remote start, and myriad driver assists. Those who want the added security of all-wheel drive can add it for $2000, but we’d stick with the standard rear-wheel drive and invest in a set of winter tires for the colder months.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

All Q50s feature a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6, a seven-speed automatic transmission, and either rear- or all-wheel drive. However, its engine comes in two potencies. The standard mill makes 300 horsepower, and the performance-oriented Red Sport 400 is tuned to make 400 horses. Regardless of engine output, shifts are barely detectable, even when the driver triggers a gearchange with the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The Q50s we’ve driven with 19-inch wheels had a jittery, sometimes harsh ride, but the base model’s standard 18-inch wheels might improve matters. Steering is light but not quick and lacks feedback. Infiniti’s optional drive-by-wire steering setup, called Direct Adaptive Steering, is a much-touted feature, but none of its many available modes offers the feedback or the progressive effort during cornering that the best helms provide. The Q50’s 169-foot stopping distance is not, on its own, an impressive result.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Regardless of drivetrain configuration or engine output, there’s little difference between the 2022 Q50’s fuel-economy ratings. The thriftiest version is estimated to earn 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. We tested an all-wheel-drive Red Sport 400 on our 75-mph highway route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, and it bested its EPA rating by 1 with a 27-mpg result. However, rivals such as the M340i and G70 with the twin-turbo V-6 are even more parsimonious at highway speeds. For more information about the Q50’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Infiniti is ostensibly a luxury brand, but the Q50 interior never feels truly luxurious, even on the most expensive models. The interior packaging is beginning to feel dated, too. The Q50 has above-average front-seat legroom, but that advantage disappears for back-seat passengers, whose accommodations are thoroughly middle of the road. While desirable features including a power-adjustable steering column, memory settings for the driver’s seat, and leather upholstery are standard, other comforts are missing from the options list. The Q50 is about the same size as its competitors, but its cargo capacity is below average, and the interior is short on useful cubbies. It may be a comfortable highway cruiser, but the Infiniti isn’t designed for long family trips. With about 13 cubic feet of trunk volume, the Q50 falls far short of the 3-series sedan and the Kia Stinger hatchback.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

Unfortunately, Infiniti’s dual-screen infotainment system is unnecessarily illogical. The upper screen can be used to display the newly available wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto or as a navigation screen. The system’s configurability permits various apps to be displayed on either screen depending on user preference. The upper screen can be controlled via touch, the control knob, or the steering wheel controls. The system does have prompt response times and—to soothe our nitpicking souls—both screens have matching fonts. Up to seven devices can be paired to the Q50’s Wi-Fi hotspot.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Infiniti provides every Q50 with a plethora of driver-assistance technology, including adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam headlamps. For more information about the Q50’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Infiniti’s warranty coverage periods are longer than most in this class, but there’s no complimentary scheduled maintenance, a feature that is relatively common among luxury brands.

Limited warranty covers four years or 60,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

PRICE AS TESTED: $52,410 (base price: $41,945)

ENGINE TYPE: twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 183 cu in, 2997 cc
Power: 300 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 7-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 112.2 in
Length: 189.6 in
Width: 71.8 in Height: 57.2 in
Passenger volume: 100 cu ft
Trunk volume: 14 cu ft
Curb weight: 4126 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:

Zero to 60 mph: 5.0 sec

Zero to 100 mph: 12.7 sec

Zero to 130 mph: 23.2 sec

Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 5.4 sec

Top gear, 30-50 mph: 3.3 sec

Top gear, 50-70 mph: 3.8 sec

Standing ¼-mile: 13.6 sec @ 103 mph

Top speed (governor limited,C/D est): 150 mph

Braking, 70-0 mph: 169 ft

Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.88 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY:

Observed: 20 mpg

75-mph highway driving: 27 mpg

Highway range: 540 miles

EPA FUEL ECONOMY:

Combined/city/highway: 22/19/27 mpg

More Features and Specs