Used 2015 INFINITI Q50

Available in gasoline or gasoline/electric hybrid models, the 2015 Infiniti Q50 aims to seduce BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4 fans to an Infiniti dealership instead. With striking good looks and the horsepower to back it up, the Infiniti Q50 carries over virtually unchanged, save for a new lightweight wheel package from RAYS. Inside, the comfortable interior offers up a host of advanced electronics, including a fully electronic steering system, with no physical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels. While some may be turned off by the overly-complex touch-screen controls and electronic driver assists, the Infiniti Q50 offers a starting price well under $40,000. If you want to go old-school, the last-generation G37 is still available as the Infiniti Q40.

We love how the V6 under the Infiniti Q50’s hood pours out plenty of power and torque, even if it does get a bit raspy at higher revs. The Q50 Hybrid offers even more power, and most Q50 models can be equipped with all-wheel drive. Out on the road, there’s little need for any extra power, and the Q50’s suspension is equally good at tackling day-to-day commutes as it is at bringing a more aggressive mountain road to its knees. Despite the technological prowess of the drive-by-wire Direct Adaptive Steering system (DAS), we prefer the standard steering system’s more linear feedback. DAS is optional on the non-hybrid Q50, but if you want the extra power of the 360-horsepower Q50 Hybrid, you’re getting DAS whether you want it or not. If you’re looking for extra driving fun, Sport models feature unique seats with manual thigh extenders and adjustable side bolsters for the driver.

The 2015 Infiniti Q50 takes touch-screen input to a new extreme by using two separate screens. They work in tandem – for example, the upper screen will show your map, while the lower screen allows you to input a destination. It’s an eye-catching high-tech solution, but not everyone is a fan. However, the rest of the interior is comfortable and luxurious, with the kind of high-quality materials throughout that are expected in a modern luxury car. The rear seat is a bit tighter, but even though sedans like this can seat five, they rarely do.

While both Lexus and Infiniti have been stretching their styling envelope lately, Infiniti may have the better idea with the 2015 Q50. This sedan’s styling is bold, with a double-arch front grille that definitely makes a statement. However, it’s conservative enough that we won’t grow tired of it in a few years, which is a danger for the over-the-top aggressive grilles that Lexus has used lately. Other touches in the Infiniti Q50 include LED headlights, daytime running lights and taillights, plus a variety of wheels, including an available 19-inch set from Japanese aftermarket company RAYS.

ACTIVE LANE CONTROL
Using cameras, the Infiniti Q50 helps keep you in your lane, as do a lot of systems these days. However, the system also looks farther ahead for possible unintended lane drift, and helps compensate for different road surfaces and crosswinds.

STUDIO ON WHEELS BY BOSE AUDIO
When you’re cruising to work or listening to your go-fast playlist, it’s critical to have it play through a great audio system. The Q50 sedan’s 14-speaker Studio on Wheels by Bose system delivers, with USB inputs and standard HD radio to further expand the listening experience.

Base-model 2015 Infiniti Q50 models get leatherette seating surfaces, power-adjustable driver and front-passenger seats, the dual touch-screen display, passive entry and push-button start, 6-speaker audio with HD radio and CD player, two USB and one auxiliary input, dual-zone automatic climate control, a backup camera, Bluetooth with voice recognition, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and the center-console-mounted Infiniti controller. In addition to the more powerful drivetrain and Direct Adaptive Steering, Infiniti Q50 Hybrid models also come with the Premium package. That adds leather upholstery, a moonroof, a 14-speaker Bose audio system, and other high-end creature comforts.

There’s seemingly no end to the available options on the 2015 Q50 and Q50 Hybrid. Leather seats and a moonroof are available, and a Technology Package adds in adaptive front lighting, Intelligent Cruise Control, Around View 360-degree monitor, blind-spot warning, lane departure warning and prevention, an Advanced Climate Control with Plasmacluster air purifier, and an Eco pedal that pushes back against you to help save fuel. Other options include navigation, Direct Adaptive Steering, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, and maple wood accents in the Deluxe Touring Package. Note that the hybrid model’s battery location deletes the pass-through to the trunk.

Two drivetrains are available for the 2015 Infiniti Q50. Standard is a 328-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, which features sophisticated technology designed to help increase power without hurting fuel economy. If you’re looking to save more fuel and increase your power at the same time – once an impossible task – the Q50 Hybrid uses combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine with an electric motor for a total of 360 horsepower. Both models are available with all-wheel drive, and both send power to their wheels through a 7-speed automatic transmission that features rev matching and manual shift mode.

3.7-liter V6 (Q50)
328 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
269 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/29 mpg (rear-wheel drive), 20/30 mpg (base model); 19/27 mpg (all-wheel drive)

3.5-liter V6 + electric motor (Q50 Hybrid)
360 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 29/36 mpg (rear-wheel drive), 28/34 mpg (Sport model); 28/35 mpg (all-wheel drive), 27/31 mpg (Sport model)