The 2022 Infiniti Q50 is bold enough to challenge the sedan market dominated by the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the Genesis G70, Alfa Romeo Giulia, and the BMW 3 Series. The compact luxury sedan, Infiniti Q50 replaced the previously available Infiniti G lineup of sedans. The sedan occupies a sporting character with its fluidic design, but is it capable enough to take on the German’s wheels?
The Japanese carmaker Infiniti has not made any considerable changes to the Infiniti Q50 that was first launched in 2014. The 2022 model also remains a carryover model with some additional features compared to the previous outgoing model. Though Infiniti Q50 keeps adding various updates to make the car relevant in terms of modern safety features and modern technology on the inside. It features four trims and a single powertrain option for the 2022 Model year, this comes with two drivetrain options.
The 2022 Infiniti Q50 is offered in a lineup that includes 5 trims, all trims are offered with the options of two drivetrains. The entire range is priced from $42,100-$57,950. However, it gets a single-engine option across its entire lineup, a 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo engine. The 2022 Q50 flaunts its 300 hp power output by going from 0-60 MPH in just 4.5 seconds. With regard to fuel efficiency, unfortunately, the 2022 Infiniti Q50 ranks last amongst its competition but compensates with the largest fuel tank measuring 20 gallons.
This helps it get a decent range, a combined 460 miles. In terms of exterior dimensions, it is the largest with regard to length and wheelbase, it is also the heaviest vehicle, measuring 3781 lbs. This further reflects in the interior room offered, the 2022 Infiniti Q50 is clearly the most spacious offering on the inside, it also has the largest cargo space that measures 13.5 cubic feet. Thus giving tough competition to rivals such as the 2022 Genesis G70, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-class C300, and the 2022 BMW 3 series.
2022 Infiniti Q50 Sedan front view
2022 Infiniti Q50 Sedan rear view
Buying Advice
We recommend:
Amongst the trims offered, we would suggest you go in for the Luxe trim, being the mid-range trim it offers a fine mix of features and economic pricing. The Luxe trim just like any other is offered in two drivetrain options, an RWD and an AWD, priced at $47,800 and $49,800. It flaunts an electric power steering, Power Sliding Tinted Glass Moonroof, and more.
Features
"Sinewy bodywork and sporty stance, stout twin-turbo V-6 is standard, decent value versus other sports sedans." - Car and Driver
The three trims offered with the past Q50's will also remain the same. Thus, starting with the base level trim followed by Luxe, Sensory and lastly the sportiest of them all, the Red Sport 400 trim that is a different vehicle at all will be reviewed separately. The interior is loaded with features, even if you look at the base trim it brings the luxury features like dual-zone automatic climate control and Remote keyless entry to the table. The given prices are estimates and may be subject to change as per the release.
Model
Pure
Luxe
Sensory
MSRP (RWD)
$42,100
$47,800
$55,950
MSRP (AWD)
$44,100
$49,800
$57,950
Key Features
17-inch wheels
Adds to Pure
Adds to Luxe
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
18-inch Aluminium-Alloy wheels
Heated cushion and seat back for the front seats
Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control with Air Conditioning
Infiniti radiant welcome lighting and ambient lighting
19-inch sport design wheels
Turn signal mirrors and DRLs
1st-row Sliding and Tilting Sunroof
Leather seats
Rain Sensing Wipers
Power Sliding Tinted Glass Moonroof
Parking Assist with front and rear parking sensors
Remote Keyless Entry
Homelink Transceiver system
Bose 16-speaker Audio system
Pre-collision safety system and Cruise Control
Electric Power steering
Sport design front and rear fascia
Engine and Performance
9.0/10
"All Q50's feature a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6, a seven-speed automatic transmission, and either rear- or all-wheel drive." - Car and Driver
The Q50’s standard engine is what makes it stand out amongst others in this segment. The 3.0 Liter twin-turbo puts out 300 hp which is more than enough for this compact luxury sedan. The engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission which is one of the smoothest in the segment. The shifts are so smooth that they’re hard to detect, especially with the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. And with the Red Sport 400 trim, things get even crazier with the additional 100 hp and upgraded brakes, and an electronic dynamic suspension. Infiniti has no plans to change this engine lineup for the 2022 model year, so expect the same bonkers performance from the 2022 Infiniti Q50.
2022 Infiniti Q50 Sedan in action mode
The engine is so potent that even the base trim will propel to 60 MPH from a dead stop in under 5.0 seconds. This is way ahead of its competition. With the Red Sport, 400 trim expect even better figures. The suspension is capable and more than enough to absorb average suburban potholes. However, with the larger 19-inch, the ride can feel a bit jittery and the standard 18-inch wheels feel way more comfortable. Infiniti also offers Direct Adaptive Steering which is their optional drive-by-wire setup that amplifies the connection with the road that can feel a bit light on the standard setup.
Models
2022 Infiniti Q50
2022 Genesis G70
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300*
2022 BMW 3 Series
MSRP
$42,100
$38,000
$41,600
$42,950
Engine
3.0 L Twin-Turbocharged V6 engine
2.0 L turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine
2.0 L turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine
2.0 L turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine
Drivetrain
RWD
RWD
AWD
AWD
Transmission
7 speed automatic
8-speed automatic
9G-TRONIC 9-speed Automatic
8-speed Sport Automatic
Power
300 hp @ 6,400 RPM
252 hp @ 6,200 RPM
255 hp @ 5,800 RPM
255 hp @ 5,000 RPM
Torque
295 lb-ft @ 1,500 RPM
260 lb-ft @ 1,400 RPM
273 lb-ft. @ 1,800 RPM
295 lb-ft. @ 1,550 RPM
0-60 MPH
4.5 sec
4.7 sec
6.0 sec
5.3 sec
*2021 Model Year used for reference
In terms of raw performance, the Infiniti Q50 stays ahead of the competition with its larger V6 engine. No other compact luxury sedan can match the Infiniti when it comes to pure performance and acceleration. The 7-speed Automatic Transmission on the Q50 is also plenty smooth to deliver all this power to the road. The Infiniti Q50 has you covered in this aspect and it can probably smoke any other compact luxury sedan from red light to red light.
Fuel Economy
8.0/10
"Regardless of drivetrain configuration or engine output, there's little difference between the 2022 Q50's fuel-economy ratings." - Car and Driver
The large and powerful engine of Infiniti is working against it when it comes to fuel economy. Rivals with turbocharged four-cylinder engines return much better fuel economy. The Q50 will return about 23 miles per gallon on combined city and highway driving. Infiniti knows this and that's why the Q50 comes with a best-in-class 20-gallon fuel tank. You can expect about 460 miles of range which is more than enough for your long drives with your family.
Models
2022 Infiniti Q50
2022 Genesis G70
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300*
2022 BMW 3 Series
MPG (City)
20
21
23
26
MPG (Highway)
29
31
35
36
MPG (Combined)
23
24
27
30
Fuel Capacity
20.0 gallons
15.8 gallons
17.4
15.6
Range (City/Highway/Combined)
400/580/460 miles
348/474/395 miles
418/609/487 miles
390/530/437 miles
*2021 Model Year used for reference
The larger engine does not do any favor in terms of fuel economy. Rivals brands, Mercedes and BMW have shifted to turbo fours a long time back to increase fuel economy. However, the largest gas tank in this segment does help Infiniti to provide a larger range than other compact luxury sedans.
Interior
9.0/10
"Infiniti is ostensibly a luxury brand, but the Q50 interior never feels truly luxurious, even on the most expensive models." - Car and Driver
Infiniti is a full-fledged luxury car brand, but the 2022 Q50's interior does not feel up to the mark. It is quite refined and well built, but for a 2022 model year car, it's not even close. The interior design is starting to feel dated. And the 2022 model year is largely a carryover, so don't expect many changes to the interior as well. Higher trims do improve the quality quite a bit, but even this can't mask the aging layout. Overall, the dashboard layout is pretty decent for a car that has not been revised since 2014.
2022 Infiniti Q50 Sedan cockpit area
All trim levels come with a unique dual-screen infotainment system. The upper display is 8-inches diagonally and operates features like navigation, Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. The lower display is 7-inch diagonal and control media as well as climate controls. The setup looks impressive but the screens are outdated and feel laggy compared to the latest systems by Mercedes and BMW. Physical buttons surrounding the 7-inch display do make it easier to use essential features like climate control.
2022 Infiniti Q50 Sedan front seats
When it comes to the interior room, Q50 sits above the average. It offers generous front-seat legroom, but this advantage disappears when you hop in the second row. The seats are comfortable and provide ample bolstering but they are not a match for the comfort levels offered in Genesis and Mercedes. Cargo capacity is decent at 13.2 cubic feet. However, the folding rear seat is only optional and not offered as standard.
Models
2022 Infiniti Q50
2022 Genesis G70
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300*
2022 BMW 3 Series
Seating Capacity
5
5
5
5
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
39.5/56.7/44.5
39.7/56.3/42.6
37.1/55.3/41.7
38.7/56.0/42.0
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
36.8/56.1/35.1
36.9/54.6/34.8
37.1/55.0/35.2
37.6/54.6/35.2
Cargo Capacity (cubic feet)
13.5
10.5
12.6
13.0
*2021 Model Year used for reference
The front row in the Infiniti Q50 is excellent and the best in class when it comes to sheer space. Due to its tall stance, the headroom is also excellent in both front and rear. However, cargo capacity is just average and the new BMW 3 series is far better at packing luggage.
Some notable interior features in the 2022 Infiniti Q50 are:
Power adjustable steering column
Memory settings for driver seat
Leatherette seat upholstery
8-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support
8-way power front passenger’s seat
INFINITI Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition
INFINITI InTouch dual-display system screens (7 and 8 inches)
INFINITI InTuition customizable digital environment
Speed-sensitive volume control
Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control system with microfilter
Sequential welcome lighting with delayed fade-out
6-speaker audio system with high-definition AM/FM radio
"The Q50 isn't as entertaining or luxurious as other sports sedans, putting it at the back of the pack." - Car and Driver
The exterior is one of the plus points when it comes to the 2022 Infiniti Q50. There will be a few cosmetic changes to the 2022 model year like blacked-out accents. But that will be it and there will be no major changes to the fascia or bodywork. The Q50 does look handsome and the curved haunches do give it significant road presence.
2022 Infiniti Q50 Sedan
However, the lights might feel dated when compared to something like the latest laser technology from BMW. The Infiniti further measures a massive 3781 lbs in curb weight, the heaviest in its class. It also records a length of 189.6 inches, the longest of them all.
Models
2022 Infiniti Q50
2022 Genesis G70
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300*
2022 BMW 3 Series
Curb Weight
3,781 lbs
3,516 lbs
3,472 lbs
3,5860lbs
Length
189.6”
184.4
184.5
185.7
Width
(w/0 mirrors)
71.8”
72.8”
71.9
71.9
Height
56.8”
55.1"
56.7
56.8
Ground Clearance
5.1”
5.1"
3.8
5.7
Wheelbase
112.2”
111.6"
111.8
112.2
*2021 Model Year used for reference
In terms of design, others in this segment are relatively newly designed compared to Infiniti. However, this does not mean that the Q50 is an ugly car. Some still prefer its swooping lines and curved haunches over the muted designs of Mercedes or Genesis.
The exterior features on the Infiniti Q50 are:
Automatic LED DRLs
Front LED fog lights
High Mounted rear spotlight
Zero lift front and rear aerodynamics
UV reducing solar glass
Remote keyless entry system
Remote power opening INFINITI Intelligent key
Power adjustable heated outside mirror with integrated LED turn signals
"Infiniti provides every Q50 with a plethora of driver-assistance technology, including adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beams." - Car and Driver
The Infiniti Q50, still in its first generation, uses the old Nissan FM platform. It was a great platform with its "front midship" technology but in 2014. In 2022, it is lagging behind when it comes to optimum safety and the latest technology. Due to this, the Q50 is also quite a bit heftier than its rivals. It does have a perfect 50:50 weight distribution that gives it a planted feel through corners.
Apart from the Federally mandated features, Infiniti only offers Forward collision warning and Automated Emergency Braking with the Q50. Hopefully, the 2022 model year brings in necessary active safety features like Blind-Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Keeping Assist. All of these features are offered as standard on rival brands. The Q50 lineup has not been fully tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for quite some time now. It performed average at the assessments conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Safety features of the 2022 Infiniti Q50:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ABS And Driveline Traction Control
Side Impact Beams
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
Airbag Occupancy Sensor
Rear Child Safety Locks
Competition
8.0/10
2022 Infiniti Q50 vs 2022 Genesis G70
The 2022 Genesis G70 is a new entry to this segment. It offers excellent technology and nifty features like the blind-spot monitoring camera. It is also leagues ahead of the Q50 when it comes to safety technology and standard driving aids. The ride might feel a bit floaty and Q50 does a much better job when it comes to the overall driving experience.
2022 Genesis G70
2022 Infiniti Q50 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The Mercedes C-Class has been the all-time benchmark of luxury in the compact sedan segment. The interior cabin still remains the best in this segment in terms of space and interior quality. The Mercedes might not be as sporty as the Q50, but it does offer a much more plush and serene ride quality. And when it comes to technology and safety, it blows the Q50 out of the water. However, you should consider that the Q50 will be a few grand cheaper than the Merc.
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2022 Infiniti Q50 vs 2022 BMW 3-Series
The BMW 3 series is one of the most sporty and fun-to-drive cars in this segment. It might lack power compared to the Q50 but it offers much sharper handling. The BMW also triumphs when it comes to interior technology and quality. It also retains much better miles per gallon compared to the gas-guzzling V6 in the Infiniti. Lastly, the BMW also offers a much larger cargo capacity. However, you should consider that the 3 series will be a few grand more expensive than the Q50.
2022 BMW 3-Series
Final Verdict
The 2022 Infiniti Q50 will be an excellent sporty compact sedan if it was 2016. The sedan really needs a generational update to boost the slacking sales figures. However, Infiniti seems to have other plans and has decided to carry over the 2021 model year largely untouched into the 2022 model year. They still have not released a detailed report on the changes to the 2022 Q50, so stay tuned for any updates.
