2023 Infiniti Q50 Sedan

The 2023 Infiniti Q50 is the latest version of the brand’s old reliable. But don’t let our characterization detract from the model’s abilities. It’s all in for whatever you want to do. In the case of your trusty Napleton News scribe, we still love it as it is. But we are not opposed to an update in any shape or form. Read on to see our report.

What is the Infiniti Q50 about?

The Infiniti Q50 is a four-door, five-passenger sedan that is a front-engine/rear-wheel drive vehicle available with a choice of twin-turbocharged V6 engines. At the top of the hill is the 3.0-liter turbo V6, as found in the high-performance Q50 Red Sport 400. That mill delivers 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque in either two or four-wheel drive configurations.

Our chariot, though, had the almost as powerful Q50 model with the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. It brings 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Drive configuration is the same. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with AWD an available option. Both models use a seven-speed automatic transmission to deliver the power to the pavement.

What’s interesting about these two engine choices is that while many of the Q50’s rivals will have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in its base and mid-level models, Infiniti dispenses with that nonsense and instead delivers a pair of V6 engines. And powerful ones at that! It’s just what the doctor ordered!

How does the Infiniti Q50 look?

Its layout is typical of most sedans today. Start with a longish nose, a short rear deck and a sweptback roofline. That’s the current state-of-the-art in four-door “three-box” sedan styles. Add in the by-now familiar barrel grille and the slitty cat eyes for a distinctive look that you’ll see on few other vehicles. Chrome trim winds its way around the greenhouse to the D-pillar, where it offers a squiggle reminiscent of the road ahead.

Here’s the reality, though: The design has been around for a while now. You could even call it long in the tooth, but that wouldn’t be totally fair. Sure, the look is not as fresh as it would be just rolling out of the factory yesterday, but the truth is the Q50 remains current when placed alongside most of its competitors.

The Infiniti Q50 is available in three trims ranging from base Q50, the mid-range Q50 Sensory and the high-performance Q50 Red Sport 400. All models include three years of scheduled maintenance. AWD will add $2,000 to the bottom line, while the Red Sport 400’s Black Opal treatment tacks on another $2,200.

What about inside the Q50?

Seats in the business row of the Q50 are comfortable enough for a cross-town excursion or a cross-state road trip. We can’t say the same for the second row once a nearly six-footer is seated up front. Still, the accommodations are decent, considering the age of the vehicle’s design.

The audio system is a bit dated by current standards but still sounds decently loud, thanks to the Bose speakers throughout the cabin. The controls are a bit convoluted and could be improved if Infiniti designers got to work.

Four of us were planning on taking a trip south to the Florida Keys for the weekend in the Q50. Carrying one standard size suitcase and two roll-aboard bags were too much for the 13.5 cubic foot trunk. As a result, we transferred our gear to the family SUV to complete the trip. We see why SUVs now hold sway with the motoring public.

Behind the wheel of the Q50.

The Infiniti Q50 is a surprising vehicle. On one hand, it’s a perfectly docile vehicle with all the luxury feel one could ever want. On the other, it is a near muscle, and with the Red Sport 400 model, an actual muscle car. The Red Sport 400 is so stout it can sprint from 0-to-60 mph in a mere 4.5 seconds.

In the case of our Sensory model, its 300 horses are available quickly. The torque comes on at a barely breathing 1,500 rpm. In both states of tune, the steering is a touch vague, but it provides a little feedback, communicating its road response to the driver. We would actually like more, though.

We were surprised at the amount of sound transmitting into the cabin. It was probably a result of the Q50’s run-flat tires, which solves a problem in one instance but creates one in another.

Like Mick and the boys sing, “you can’t always get what you want…but if you try sometimes, you get what you need…”

Infiniti Q50 Specifications:

	2023 Infiniti Q50 Specifications
Popular Powertrains
Engine Type	3.0-liter twin turbocharged V6
Horsepower	300 hp @ 6,400 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm
Transmission	7-speed automatic transmission
Fuel Economy	23 mpg (20 city/29 hwy)
Suspension F/R	Double Wishbone /Multilink
Turning Circle	37.4 ft.
Also Available	Red Sport 400 high-performance model
Specs
Warranty	4 years/60,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	6 years/70,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	5-star
Max Seating Capacity	5
Wheelbase	112.2 inches
Overall Length	189.6 inches
Width	71.8 inches
Height	56.8 inches
Headroom, Front	39.5 inches
Legroom, Front	35.1 inches
Headroom, Rear	36.8 inches
Legroom, Rear	35.1 inches
Shoulder, Front	56.7 inches
Shoulder, Rear	56.1 inches
Cargo Space	13.5 cubic feet