2015 Infiniti Q50

For 2015, the Infiniti Q50 is available in three trim options – Base, Premium, and Sport. All three variants are available with an optional AWD drivetrain and come with a long list of features. The price of the Q50 Base starts from $37,650 for the RWD variant, while the AWD trim is available at a starting price of $38,950. Prices go up to $45,450 for the Sport model with an all-wheel drive.

We Recommend

The Premium variant of the Q50 is the most value for money and comes with almost all the modern bells and whistles. There is no dearth of safety features and equipment in this trim, and the cabin too comes with several luxuries and amenities. With a starting price of $40,000, the Q50 Premium is definitely a great choice for the buyers of this segment.

The 2015 Infiniti Q50 gets the same 3.7L V6 engine which has impressed us with its performance, power delivery, and refinement in the past. On paper, the engine produces 328 hp of peak power, while the peak torque output stands at 269 lb-ft. This engine comes mated to a 7-speed automatic gearbox that channels power to the rear wheels as standard. An optional all-wheel-drive system is also on offer for those who need more capabilities and performance.

The gearbox is not only fast with the shifts but is fine-tuned to complement the power delivery of the engine. This helps the powertrain deliver a great driving experience. The low-end lag is well masked, and the engine starts coming to life once the tachometer crosses the 3,000 RPM mark. There are no harsh vibrations felt on the pedals or the steering wheels. In all, driving this car in urban traffic as well as on the highways is an effortless and blissful experience.

Despite being one of the most powerful cars in the segment, the Q50 is not the fastest during the 0-60 mph performance runs. However, in day-to-day driving scenarios, it's a great car and offers decent performance. The BMW 3 Series is only a little down in terms of power on paper but manages to be further ahead in real-world performance. When comparing the price tag, BMW is also the most expensive option in the competition.

The Infiniti Q50 is definitely not the most fuel-efficient car in the segment and offers average fuel economy figures. To start with, the car gets a claimed fuel economy of 20 MPG for city usage, while the highway economy stands at 30 MPG. The combined fuel economy figure is claimed to be 23 MPG. However, the fuel tank is quite generous and offers a 20-gallon capacity, resulting in a combined range of 460 miles.

The Q50 gets one of the biggest fuel tanks and thus offers one of the highest ranges on a single tank full of fuel. The fuel economy figures of the vehicle, however, are not the best in the segment. The Mercedes-Benz manages to perform the best in terms of economy, while the BMW comes close to it. The Infiniti is not made to look bad as the Lexus is even less fuel-efficient.

The interior of the 2015 Infiniti Q50 is well laid out and feels very premium and luxurious in addition to the sheer levels of comfort that it offers. The dashboard is ergonomically sorted, and all the buttons and controls are placed within the driver’s reach. In addition to this, there are a lot of storage spaces inside the cabin, and the front seats are spacious and comfortable. Both the front seats get an electric adjustment feature, while the driver’s seat also gets manual lumbar support adjustment. The front seats are also available with a heated function.

The rear seat bench is spacious, and the seats offer great support. The cushioning is well-balanced, hence making the vehicle suitable for long-distance travel. On the features front, the car comes with features like dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, an illuminated and lockable glove box, and several other features that also include keyless entry, push-button start, and auto headlamps. The build quality of the cabin is great, and the occupants enjoy a premium experience inside the cabin. 

The cabin of the Q50 is spacious and comfortable, hence giving stiff competition to the rivals. It has the most spacious rear seats out of any car here along with adequate cargo capacity. In terms of this aspect, the Lexus suffers a bit. The BMW sets the benchmarks again in terms of interior space but offers less cargo capacity than the Infiniti. When comparing the cargo capacity, Merc offers the least at 12.6 cubic feet. Standout interior features include: 

• 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with manual lumbar support
• 8-way power-adjustable passenger seat
• Heated front seats
• Tilt and telescopic adjustment for steering wheel
• Proximity key for doors and push-button start
• Dual-zone automatic air conditioning
• Illuminated locking glove box
• Day-Night IRVM
• Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
• Remote Trunk Release

How intuitive is the 2015 Infiniti Q50’sinfotainment unit?

A dual LCD touchscreen setup is available with the Infiniti Q50. This system may be a little too difficult to understand initially, but with time, you will start to like the system as it shows a lot of information and controls a large number of features. The audio system comprises a standard 6 speaker setup, while the higher trims get an Infiniti Studio on wheels by Bose that features a 14-speaker audio system. Standout infotainment features include:

• Infiniti Studio on wheels by Bose 14-speaker audio system
• Radio Data System
• Speed-Sensitive Volume Control
• 2 USB ports
• iPod interface
• Auxiliary audio controls
• SiriusXM satellite radio 
• High definition radio
• Voice Activation
• Bluetooth Connectivity

The design of the Q50 definitely looks great and gives the vehicle a strong road presence. The subtle design language gives the vehicle an elegant look that can be appreciated by the buyers. The higher trims get 19-inch alloy wheels that not only look nice but look extremely sporty and premium. The rear, however, feels a little too busy where the LED taillights grab all the attention. On the features front, the car gets projector LED headlights that also offer automatic functionality. Other features include the availability of DRLs, tinted glasses, and chrome trim.

The Q50 is not only one of the longest vehicles in the segment but also comes with a large boot and spacious interiors, which make it a highly practical vehicle for everyday usage. It is also quite heavy, with only the Lexus being a little heavier. The Infiniti is also wider than its rivals by half an inch. The ground clearance is only available for Lexus, which is decent at 5.3 inches. Standout exterior features include:

• 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
• Chrome side windows trims
• Light tinted glass
• LED brake lights
• Fully automatic LED projector headlamps
• DRLs

The 2015 Infiniti Q50 scored a perfect five-star rating in the crash tests conducted by NHTSA, while it also received the Top Safety Pick + Award from IIHS. This clearly gives us an idea about the safety levels offered by the Q50. The car not only gets impressive build quality but also offers a long list of safety features and other advanced electronic safety equipment. Standout safety features include:

• Front and rear anti-roll bars
• 4 wheel disc brakes with ventilated discs
• Brake Assist
• Electronic Stability control
• Traction control
• Tire Specific low tire pressure warning
• Rear View monitor backup camera

The Infiniti Q50 has always been appreciated for the package that it has to offer, and the 2015 model is no different. The car comes with a spacious, comfortable, and feature-rich cabin. The build quality is great, and the parts and components of the vehicle feel extremely premium. The exterior looks great, and the vehicle does rival the toughest of the competitors when it comes to exterior styling. In all, the 2015 Infiniti Q50 offers a great combination of driving dynamics, performance, and comfort. However, for those who appreciate sporty driving dynamics, cars like the BMW 3 Series may be a better choice.