Compact luxury sedans present many options for buyers, particularly that feel of opulence and quality mixed with engaging performance for a more reasonable price.
The 2024 Lexus IS and the 2024 Infiniti Q50 may embody those qualities better than most in this class. Both offer sporty exterior styling with a bit of zip from under the hood. Each also has the engaging driving manners that come with a rear-wheel-drive car — though both also offer the option of all-wheel drive.
Let’s take a closer look at these two competitors in the small luxury sedan class.
2024 Lexus IS
While the Lexus IS in its current form may be a decade old now, its classic styling keeps it relevant, which is important since there is new competition from the Genesis G70 as well as the old guard — BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Lexus’ entry-level sedan has also benefited from regular updates in the interim.
Lexus continues to tweak the IS, such as making the F Sport package available on the entry-level IS 300, and that’s served it well. There are a dozen different trim levels to allow you to get the IS that you want. It comes standard with a peppy 241 horsepower turbo 4-cylinder; however, you can move up to a 260-hp or 311-hp V6 and get all-wheel drive as well. If you want a rocket car, move all the way up to the 472-hp 5.0-liter V8 stuffed into the Lexus IS 500.
Like its larger siblings the Lexus ES and Lexus LS, the materials in the cabin of the IS are high quality, and the interior is well designed, although a bit small in the back seat. Pricing starts at $41,235, including destination fees.
Lexus IS Highlights
Safety tech: All Lexus models come with a comprehensive suite of active safety features that include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and more. Adding the Panoramic View Monitors for $1,365 gives you a 360-degree camera system bundled with parking sensors plus emergency rear braking.
Awesome audio: The outstanding optional Mark Levinson audio system delivers 1,800 watts through 17 speakers.
Performance: The V8-powered IS 500 is a wonderful anomaly in today’s world. Lexus enhances its power with upgraded hardware like suspension parts, stronger brakes, and a limited-slip differential.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the IS models near you.
2024 Infiniti Q50
The Infiniti Q50 boasts an athletic exterior that makes it look like it’s a performance machine. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 under the hood as standard equipment. To ensure it not only looks the part, the base version of that engine puts out 300 hp. However, an optional variant of the same V6 is tuned up to 400 hp. It doesn’t quite match the performance of the Lexus IS F, but it’s no slouch.
The Q50 comes in just three trim levels: Luxe, Sensory, and Red Sport 400. All are rear-wheel drive, but AWD is an option. The Red Sport 400 offers the Black Opal Edition, now in its second year. It comes with Black Opal Metallic paint, which shimmers and shifts between blue, green, and purple hues depending on lighting and viewing angle. The sedan also gets a black front grille with an illuminated Infiniti logo, black rear Infiniti, Q50S, and AWD (on AWD-equipped vehicles) emblems, plus a carbon fiber rear spoiler.
The cabin of the Q50 offers plenty of space, plus high-quality materials such as leather-appointed seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum trim, and more. The Red Sport models also get aluminum pedals and black carbon fiber trim. Those are matched with a slew of convenience and safety technologies. Pricing starts at $44,200, including destination fees.
Infiniti Q50 Highlights
Driver tech: All three trim levels feature standard dual, high-definition displays with wireless Apple CarPlay and USB-based Android Auto compatibility, as well as Infiniti’s InTouch Services.
Big performance: There’s power and more power: a twin-turbo 3.0-liter turbo V6 putting out 300 hp or the same engine tuned to develop 400 hp. Plus Infiniti’s Intelligent AWD is available on all three trims.
Top audio: The Q50 enjoys a Bose Performance Series 16-speaker audio system that provides an immersive experience for passengers. It’s comparable to the available Mark Levinson system in the Lexus IS.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Q50 models near you.
Similarities
The Lexus IS and Infiniti Q50 boast athletic exteriors, making them look like strong performers. Each offers sporty driving manners, lots of safety tech, and modern technology.
Conclusion
The Infiniti Q50 has a few advantages on paper, notably a stronger base engine. However, it’s overdue for a redesign and feels a bit dated. The Lexus IS has kept up with the times a bit better while retaining a strong reputation for reliability and resale value. It also has a lower starting price. You can’t go wrong with either luxury sedan, so the right one for you may come down to personal preference in regards to these two.
| 2024 Lexus IS | 2024 Infiniti Q50 | |
| Starting Price | $41,235 | $44,200 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 3.0-liter turbo V6 |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5,200 rpm | 300 hp @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 7-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 21 city/31 highway/21 combined mpg | 20 city/29 highway/23 combined mpg |
| Also Available | AWD; 3.5-liter V6; 5.0-liter V8 | AWD; higher-out put turbo V6 |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 6 years/70,000 miles | 6 years/70,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Star | N/R |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 110.2 inches | 112.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 185.4 inches | 189.6 inches |
| Width | 72.4 inches | 71.8 inches |
| Height | 56.5 inches | 57.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 34.2 feet | 36.7 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 38.2 inches | 39.5 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 36.9 inches | 36.8 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 44.8 inches | 44.5 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 32.2 inches | 35.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 55.9 inches | 56.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 53.4 inches | 56.1 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 10.8 cubic feet | 13.5 cubic feet |
