Used 2020 INFINITI Q50

#6 in Best Small Luxury Cars of 2020

The 2020 Infiniti Q50 plays in the same segment as the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Lexus ES. Although it rides on an aging platform, the 2020 Q50’s styling remains a strong point, and it comes with an impressive standard-equipment list expected of a premium-compact-performance sedan.

However, the Q50’s greatest attribute is its performance-per-dollar ratio. With a standard 300-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 under the hood, the Q50 out-muscles most of its entry-level rivals, and does so at a price costing thousands less. For those seeking the ultimate in performance, the Q50 Red Sport 400 delivers with a 400-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6. All-wheel drive is available on all trims.

Even though the Red Sport 400 version is exceptionally quick, it’s on the costly side. The 3.0t version strikes a full, lush chord with low notes from the subtly growling 300-horsepower V6, a pleasant mid-range of luxury tempered with a smattering of road feel, and some high frequencies from the accelerative energy. In other words, it’s great to drive, especially at the price.

Steering assist is on the lighter side, and it’s not as responsive as in a BMW 3 Series. A BMW 330i with 255 horsepower is around $41,000, whereas the 300-horsepower 3.0t Luxe is priced under $40,000. The Q50 is significantly heavier, though, which dulls the driver’s edge somewhat. For many people, perhaps that’s a deal worth taking.

Then again, if the premium name means less than the thrill of driving, a nicely equipped Kia Stinger GT offers more horsepower, better handling and a more modern interior for a lot less money than a Q50 3.0t Sport.

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Terrific seats and soft-touch points contribute to the general feeling of luxury in the 2020 Infiniti Q50. A driver sinks into the seat, just enough to enhance the feelings of comfort and control alike. Rear-passenger space is among the more generous in this class. There aren’t many stowage options up front, although the cubby under the center armrest is useful.

A performance-themed gauge cluster and a digitally enhanced, dual-screen center stack look impressive, but not so user-friendly in practice. While the Q50 is fairly strong in overall technology, the infotainment system is definitely showing its age. Trunk space of 13.2 cubic feet is about average.

Despite wearing the same skin as the 2014 model, the Infiniti’s Q50 for 2020 still looks remarkably modern. From its bold front grille to its pleasing curves and creases, the Q50 has a look that is simultaneously elegant and athletic. Even the base models come with sporty 17-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers and front-door-handle courtesy lights. Up front, LED headlights and fog lights illuminate the night, while around back, LED taillights join dual chrome exhaust finishers. Sport and Red Sport models get 19-inch wheels with a few more flourishes. About the only thing missing on this bold design is a bold color palate to match.

DYNAMIC DIGITAL SUSPENSION
Standard on the 3.0t Sport and Red Sport 400, the Q50’s Dynamic Digital Suspension has the ability to modify damper settings, returning a more comfortable ride on straight pavement and more aggressive handling when the road begins to twist.

V6 POWER
While almost every competitor now features a turbocharged 4-cylinder as its base engine, the 2020 Infiniti Q50 offers a potent twin-turbocharged V6. With 300 horsepower, the Q50’s V6 handily out-muscles the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Infiniti’s 2020 Q50 performance sedan in 3.0t Pure form comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, heated outside mirrors, liquid-filled front engine mounts (contributing to overall refinement), rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry/ignition, simulated leather upholstery, 8-way power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, dual-display infotainment system with 8-inch (upper) and 7-inch (lower) touch screens, two USB ports, HD/satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and forward-collision mitigation. The 3.0t Luxe adds 18-inch alloy wheels and a power moonroof.

Apart from all-wheel drive, the 2020 Q50 3.0t Pure is not eligible for many options. Higher up the Q50 totem are extras like leather upholstery, heated steering wheel/front seats, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, 360-degree camera system, and a 16-speaker Bose audio upgrade.

There’s also a drive-by-wire option called Direct Adaptive Steering, but its numbness precludes us from recommending it. It would have been great if Infiniti had decided to make parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot intervention and active lane-departure prevention standard, but they can only be had in the Sport and Red Sport 400 models as part of the ProActive Package.

With the loss of last year’s 2.0-liter turbo engine, the standard engine in all 2020 Q50 models is a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6. In the Pure, Luxe and Sport trims, this engine makes 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. In the Red Sport 400, the same engine is tuned to produce 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The standard 7-speed automatic transmission includes Sport modes and rev-matched downshifting.

Zero-to-60-mph times for the 3.0t models are around five seconds, while the Red Sport 400 knocks that figure down to about 4.5 seconds. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is the default setup, but all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional on all trims.

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6
300 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/29 mpg (RWD), 19/27 mpg (AWD)

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6
400 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
350 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/26 mpg (RWD), 19/26 mpg (AWD)