2022 Infiniti Q50

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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.

"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.

"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. 

*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.

"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. 

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.

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. 

*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.

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.

*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
• Dual Chrome exhaust finishers
• Rear window defroster with indicator light

"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

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 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 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. 

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.