Is The Infiniti Q50 The Answer To The German Juggernaughts?

The Infiniti Q50 has a big following in the USA, where it trades blows in the sales charts with the BMW 3-series and Mercedes C-class. Over here in the UK, however, the four-door saloon has essentially sunk without a trace in the four years since making its debut.

So in an effort to give its compact executive a second chance, Infiniti has treated the Q50 a mid-life refresh. Crucially, this extends to the flagship Sport model, which goes toe-to-toe with talented machines such as the Audi S4 and Mercedes-AMG C 43.

On paper, the Q50 has these models comfortably covered, thanks to a twin turbo V6 that pumps out 399bhp and 350 lb ft of torque.

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TheSteve - 6/6/2017 12:15:57 PM

+2 Boost

No. Unit sales suggest that Infiniti is rarely the answer, for anything. With Mazda-like styling, they're having a hard go in the luxury car market.

carsnyc - 6/6/2017 3:25:15 PM

0 Boost

Sorry Steve but Infiniti can be a solid option to BMW specially lately vis-a-vis the 3-series. And although more subjectively, I don't think there's anything wrong with the Mazda styling.

Firewombat - 6/7/2017 3:05:50 AM

+2 Boost

I also like Mazda's styling direction

cidflekken - 6/6/2017 3:53:27 PM

+3 Boost

Based on my own test drive of the Q50, no, it's not a viable option to any car in its segment. I test drove everything, IS350, TLX 4-and6-cylinder, 3 and 4 Series, C-Class, and already had an S5 at the time. The Q50 was, easily, the worst driving experience of any of them. It sounded like a sick Honda VTEC. It strayed from its center path constantly. The steering sucked wonkies. Body roll was atrocious, almost SUV-like. The interior looks very dated. The instrument cluster was tacky. Now, understand, that I also drove a 350Z and absolutely loved it, so I had high expectations for the Q50. This was no 4-door Z, not even close.

dpalmo - 6/6/2017 4:59:47 PM

-5 Boost

Yes, Infiniti is always the answer if you want cheap German imitation with faux performance parts and convoluted design.

With Infiniti's completely inept steer-by-wiring, what's the difference between driving a Q50 and playing Gran Turismo 5 with a Logitech steering wheel? What a hilarious attempt at German reverse engineering!

MDarringer - 6/6/2017 5:38:43 PM

-1 Boost

What total BS: "The Infiniti Q50 has a big following in the USA, where it trades blows in the sales charts with the BMW 3-series and Mercedes C-class."

The Q50 would have to almost DOUBLE its sales to get to the level of the 3 Series and the C Class.

The Q50 is an especially TERRIBLE drive. The steering feels disconnected from the car.

Firewombat - 6/7/2017 3:10:13 AM

+3 Boost

It's going to be a long time before the brand gains traction in Europe, Lexus is still trying but with some success. I think what they should focus on is a new QX50, it needs to be replaced... it needed to be replaced a loooooong time ago and it competes in one og the most important sectors globally where buyers care less about dynamics etc, they all mostly handle like small boats. If they bring in something that looks like a smaller version of the CX80 concept I think they'll reap the benefits.

abqhudson - 6/7/2017 9:04:28 PM

+3 Boost

$5500 to get leather seats??? I don't think so.
Ridiculous.