LONGSTANDING Q50 SURVIVES
AS LONE SEDAN IN INFINITI LINEUP
The Q50 sedan was an all-new model when it was introduced as a replacement for the G37 in Infiniti’s lineup, but despite its double-digit age, it has gone through no major modifications and remains part of the vehicle’s first generation, a rare shelf-life in the automotive world.
Despite its age, the 2024 Infiniti Q50 is holding its own with a slight increase of 2.4 percent in sales for the first quarter of this year after a jump of nearly 30 percent for 2023.
That’s the good news. The bad news is the sales numbers of 6,201 for 2023 are quite a fall from the historical high of over 25,000 in sales in 2018 and a significant dip from the over 19,100 sold in 2,021.
More good news: Several sources are reporting a redesign for the Q50 is in the works for 2025 with the possibility of an electrified version or a hybrid model.
If you want to get in with gasoline power, you’re not likely to regret going with the 2024 Infiniti Q50. It still has a sexy exterior and though reviewers are prone to criticize it as dated, the roomy interior has a sophisticated aura about it.
The 2024 Infiniti Q50 comes in three trim levels with the Luxe serving as the base model. Both the Luxe and upgraded Sensory editions come with a turbocharged V6 engine that produces 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
The top-of-the-line Red Sport that this review is based on ups those figures to 400 hp and 350 lb.-ft. All trims are rear-wheel drive with all-wheel configurations available. A 7-speed automatic transmission is common to the lineup.
Car & Driver reports zero-to-60 mph times of 5.0 seconds for the AWD Luxe and Sensory models and a slightly quicker 4.5 seconds for the AWD Red Sport.
Both engined like premium grade fuel with the 2024 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport AWD slightly thirstier than the less powerful engines. Figures for the Red Sport AWD version are 19 miles-per-gallon city, 26 highway and 22 combined. Luxe and Sensory models with RWD earn figures of 20/29/23.
Though the feature seems to be a bit polarizing with some reviewers knocking it, I like the dual screen setup that Infiniti has retained for the 2024 Q50. It lets you perform multiple infotainment functions like surfing the radio dial without having to switch screens from the navigation maps.
Infiniti’s InTough infotainment system with navigation is among standard features for the 2024 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport and though those critics I mentioned the previous paragraph often complain about how confusing it can be to operate with the dual screens, I didn’t find it what way and I’m no tech geek.
A Bose 16-speaker sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay, a wi-fi hotspot and Siri Eyes Free system for operating infotainment functions by voice also are standard.
Comfort and convenience features include rain-sensing windshield wipers, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, semi-Aniline leather seating surfaces, and a power moonroof.
Safety systems include adaptive cruise control, front and rear sonar system, high beam assist, forward collision warning, blind-spot and lane-departure warning, and backup collision intervention.
A surround-view camera system is covered by the starting MSRP of $58,900.
My test 2024 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport AWD added options like a carbon fiber package that included a deck-lid spoiler, welcome lighting, a cargo package, and premium paint that ran the total to $64,375 including the $1,150 destination fee.
Luxe and Sensory models start at $43,050 and $48,750, respectively.
What I liked about the 2024 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport: The interior has an upscale aura befitting its luxury status and the exterior is sleek as well. Some critics don’t like the dual screen but I do. The V6 in the Red Sport trim provides extra punch.
What I didn’t like about the 2024 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport: More trunk room would be nice. Android Auto requires wired hookup.
Would I buy the 2024 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport? Though the segment is shrinking, competition is still pretty vibrant among midsize luxury sedans. The Q50 isn’t the “latest thing” in the market, but it is still worth a look. It would be high on my list of sedans to consider.
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