2020 Infiniti Q50

There are plenty of reasons to consider the Q50. The comfort is segment leading, interior space is generous, and offers buyers plenty of trims to choose from, along with multiple engines to pick from. However, what it lacked and it still does, is the polishness of the competition. Its surprising to see a car from this segment without Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A feature that is now familiar even in entry level sub-compact cars. Having that said, it has the premium touch expected from the class, but it certainly lacks the refined and updated manner in which the very same premium interior is laid out in some of its competitors.

The 2020 Infiniti Q50, still follows the same path. the small revisions around trims and standard feautures are an attempt to present a more balanced and pleasing deal to the consumers, rather than creating a wave of fresh buzz.

Where the Japanese excel, is the wholesome premium package and a modest pricing. Just like other preium Japanese products, the 2020 Q50 can be picked from the available four trims, with prices kicking at $35,650 for the base and stretching upto $48,350 for the 3.0t Sport. There is also the bonkers Red Sport trim, which we have reviewed separately. The base Pure comes standard with a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine, while the others are equipped with a 3.0 liter V6. All the trims of the 2020 Q50 can be bundles with the optional all wheel drive system.

We Recommend

We recommend going with the 3.0t Signature trim priced at $41,650. At the price point, you get a fun to drive 3.0 liter V6 along with substantial creature comfort and equipment list that one would seek from it.

The star of the show is the potent 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, which is urgent yet docile. You'll never tire of exercising it.-Edmunds

Engine and Transmission

Infiniti comes with a conservative price tag of 35,550 for the 2-liter, rear wheel drive version. With 208 horses under the hood, it doesn’t set any performance standards for its segment. The turbocharged inline-4 is very gentle in its power delivery, with plenty of poke low down. It however runs out of steam once you put your foot down.

The power reaches the wheels via 7-speed automatic gearbox. Both Rear wheel and All wheel drive options are available. The gearbox isn’t a dual clutch though, but that hardly is a problem. You get electronic shift assist, which reduces stress while negotiating traffic.

All the cars in this segment currently offer more power than the Q50. Maybe once the A4 is introduced for 2020, there could be a sub 200 Hp engine in here. Alfa Romeo sports the most powerful engine here, which does proud to its racing heritage.

Acceleration

The Infiniti is a comfortable car. As such, performance takes the back seat here, much like the target customers. Quarter mile comes up in a little over 15 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph takes exactly 7 seconds. These aren’t impressive figures, but they’ll get you to your destination.

While the Q50 is still at the start line, Giulia and C-class have already crossed the finish line. Both these cars take 14 seconds to run a standing quarter mile. 0 to 60 comes up in a blinding 5 and a half second. Rest of the cars here take 6 seconds or over.

Ride and Handling

The V6 powered models are great handlers. Power band is flat with plenty of oomph everywhere. Put your foot down and the turbo powers you across the tarmac. The little 2-liter is a bit underpowered though, not only compared to the 3-liter V6, but other 2 liters in the segment.

All variants can be had with either a Rear-wheel drive or an All-wheel drive. The latter is extremely smooth and has sharp handling characteristics. Higher trims (3.0t Sport and Red Sport) get adaptive dampers, but the standard suspension offers a great ride quality as well. There is an optional steer-by-wire system, which is a lighter electronic steering system. Although the system sounds good in theory, it robs the driver of any feel and feedback, which makes it a feature you should opt out of.

Braking

Braking statistics for the 2020 Q50 Infiniti haven’t been declared yet, but it gets a decent braking system that should perform well under panic braking situations. The front and rear discs are average for this class, 12.6 and 12.1 inches in the front and rear respectively. It isn’t particularly light, heavier than all others in the segment.

It would be unfair to talk about braking performance when braking figures aren’t available for a majority of this chunk. What we do have are brake disc sizes and curb weights. The Jag has the lightest body here, and so does the Merc (expected). Genesis offers the largest disc in the G70 (front), which should see it shed speed with urgency.

The tiny 2-liter engine truly shines in the fuel efficiency department. It can run for 23 miles on a single gallon of fuel in the city. The same amount of fuel can stretch to 30 miles on the highway. These figures are indeed quite impressive, and the car wouldn’t burn a hole in your pocket every time you go for a spin.

Alfa Giulia is the best engine in this segment, offering the best power output with great efficiency figures. The little turbocharged mill was made by a race of advanced aliens who are clearly superior to humans, and then infused with some dark magic we shouldn’t ask about. While this isn’t true, sadly, it could very well be. The engines would happily run for 33 miles on the freeway while sipping on a gallon of gasoline. Jaguar’s less powerful engine can stretch the gallon a mile more.

The Q50's interior features quality materials like available maple wood trim and standard leatherette upholstery, but its cabin doesn't match the opulence of some competitors.-Cars.usnews

Seating and Comfort

The Q50 can comfortably seat 4 adults, and 5 too if the need arose. The gently sloping roof restricts headroom a little, but shorter passengers wouldn’t even notice. Higher trims get even better interiors with soft leather. The front seats are great too, and the large glass area makes the cabin feel airy and roomy. The low hood frees up viewing area up front, improving road visibility.

For 2020, the Stinger has the second-best cabin space here, right after the Q50. The front headroom isn’t as good as the others though. The interior space for the C class and XE isn’t known, which makes this comparo a little unfair.

Infotainment System

The infotainment system on the Infiniti comes with dual display system screens, (8-inch upper and 7-inch lower). It supports voice commands too. Other standard features on offer are:

• 6-speaker audio system with high-definition AM/FM radio
• CD with MP3 playback capability
• Radio Data System
• Speed-sensitive volume control
• USB Connectivity with 2 ports
• Bluetooth Audio Streaming

Apart form these, you get SiriusXM services for a limited time, like SiriusXM radio for 3 months, and SiriusXM Travel Link services for 4-years with trial access to weather, news, sports, etc.

Cargo volume

The trunk space in the Q50 is a moderate 13 cubic feet, quite average for the segment. The space is plenty for groceries and similar cargo. Anything more than two briefcases, and the rear passengers will have to scoot over to make space.

Kia Stinger decimates the competition with its class leading figure of 23 cubic feet. None of the cars in this segment come close in terms of trunk space. If you frequent the airport with considerable luggage, then all others would be a compromise.

The exterior of the Q50 is punctuated by a sharply creased hood up front and exaggerated haunches in back. A revised front bumper opens wide at the bottom, swallowing up road and spitting out wonderful exhaust notes from the dual tailpipes.-The Car Connection

Seating and Comfort

The 2020 Infiniti Q50 weighs the same as the 2018 model, 2671 pounds. It is also moderately long, just a smidge under 190 inches. The wheelbase is a generous 112 inches, freeing up precious legroom in the rear. 5 inches of ground clearance allows for back roads driving, and most of the speed bumps fail to upset the car. Off-roading is discouraged though.

Kia Stinger is the longest car here, at just over 190 inches. It also has the longest wheelbase, at 114 inches. Consequently, it is the hardest to squeeze into a tight parking spot. The nimble Giulia is the smallest, at 182 inches. In typical Italian fashion, it is also one of the prettiest here, alongside the handsome British Jaguar.

Design and styling

The engine resides under a very long and low hood. This lends to this already muscular car a visually striking front quarter. The headlights and taillights are uniquely shaped, and complement each other. The roofline slopes gently, and the C-pillar increases in thickness around the shoulder line. The front grille is unique too, and quite large with honeycomb mesh. It isn’t Overall, the car feels more premium than it actually is.

Standard safety features on the 2020 Q50 Infinity are as follows:

• INFINITI Advanced Air Bag System includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with an occupant-classification sensor. Air bag inflation rate is adjusted depending on crash severity. If the front-passenger’s seat is empty, a sensor will deactivate the air bag
• Driver's and front-passenger's side-impact supplemental air bags 
• Roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant's head protection
• Front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, driver’s and passenger's seat Emergency Locking Retractor and passenger’s seat ELR and Automatic Locking Retractor
• Second-row 3-point seat belts with Emergency Locking Retractor and Automatic Locking Retractor
• Zone Body construction with reinforced passenger compartment and front and rear crumple zones
• LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) helps simplify proper installation of compatible child restraint seats
• Slide-away brake pedal assembly
• Emergency inside trunk release
• Predictive Forward Collision Warning 
• Forward Emergency Braking

Infiniti Q50 vs Kia Stinger

Kia Stinger is the new kid on the block. Introduced to the US shores in 2018, it ticks almost all the correct boxes a premium compact sedan should. Power and performance figures are great, looks are, well, striking to say the least. Cargo volume is excellent, nearly double the segment average.

Sales figures though, tell a different story. The Stinger hasn’t caught the fancy of the youth as Kia hoped it would. With excitement as its USP, the Stinger would be a great gift for your adrenaline powered teen. If you are looking for one yourself, then better stick to the comfy Infiniti.

Infiniti Q50 vs Lexus IS 300

Lexus has been the segment benchmark since forever. The 2020 IS300 model is a great allrounder even today. It isn’t the most exciting, or the best handler, and even with your foot down you wouldn’t feel the power surge. But it is a handsome car with a very comfortable ride. In essence, both the Q50 and IS 300 have the same strengths and weaknesses. The Infinity offers a little more cabin space though.

Infiniti Q50 vs Alfa Romeo Giulia

Alfa excels where the Infiniti doesn’t set foot. With the highest power rating, quickest acceleration and Italian suave, it is the exact opposite of the slow and comfy. Giulia’s steering and pedal responses are urgent, and the car loves to be ridden hard. Practicality takes a big hit, with small passenger space and trunk. It is the perfect car for enthusiasts who love to hang around the track during their day off. Consequently, it is not the car for people who are primarily looking for a commuter.
 

If you are thinking of buying this car, you are making a good decision. It is extremely comfortable, even segment leading, and offers a generous amount of space on the inside. The efficiency is great as well in the base engine, the 2-liter inline-4. If you can buy the performance variant, the Red Sport, then it is a practical yet exciting car, a winning combination.