Check out our review of the 2022 Infiniti Q50 to see what we think about the twin-turbo V6, interior amenities and tech features of this luxury sedan.
Though the 2022 Infiniti Q50 is still within the first generation, it traces roots to the G20 and G35 sedans that the Japanese automaker produced starting in 1990. The Q50 nameplate arrived in 2014 and is now the sole sedan offered across the Infiniti lineup. For 2022, entry-level Pure trim goes away making it tough for the 2022 Q50 to be included in this list of affordable luxury vehicles. Wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity and a 16-speaker Bose audio system are newly standard as is leather upholstery.
2022 INFINITI Q50 – usa.infinitinews.com | Shop 2022 Infiniti Q50 on Carsforsale.com
Keeping the sedan torch alive
Standard twin-turbo V6 is nice
Red Sport 400 has real performance upgrades
Lacks high-end amenities
Oddball infotainment setup
Why no wireless Android connection?
The Q50 is overdue for a new generation
Infiniti fits all 2022 Q50s with a twin-turbo V6 and 7-speed automatic powering the rear wheels. On Luxe and Sensory trim, this DOHC motor with continuously variable valve timing is rated for 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Opting for the Red Sport 400 nets, you guessed it, 400 horses and 350 torques. Infiniti accomplishes this with a second water pump for increased cooling and running the turbos as fast as 240,000 rpm, which they claim is the highest ever for a V6 engine. Per period testing, it launches the Red Sport 400 to 60 mph from a standstill in 4.5 seconds.
For an extra $2000, you can add AWD to any of the three models, all of which are equipped with four corner independent suspension and a driving mode selector. The transmission features downshift rev matching and a driver-adaptive algorithm that adjusts shifting based on driving style. On the Red Sport 400, you’ll also find upgraded brakes with red-finished calipers and Dynamic Digital Suspension. This electronic system monitors vehicle roll, pitch, and bounce rate and adjusts the dampers for optimal handling.
Performance at the pump is relatively good with the Q50, though it does require premium-grade octane. Base models are rated for 20 mpg in city driving and 29 on the highway, while the Red Sport 400 drops that highway figure to 26 mpg. Compare that to the Genesis G70 – which we discuss on this list of best sedans – with the twin-turbo V6 that is rated for 18/27 mpg in city/highway driving.
With the reduction in trim levels, the 2022 Infiniti Q50 now boasts leather upholstery across the lineup. Mid-range Sensory trim offers a pretty Saddle Brown color and the Red Sport 400 gets wild, offering white leather and red contrast stitching. The automaker makes note of what they call “zero-gravity spinal support seats” that provide a consistent level of support to minimize pressure on lower and upper back muscles.
This five-seater sedan offers nearly three-feet of rear legroom and 13.5 cubic feet of storage in the trunk, a smidge more than BMW’s 3-series sedans. Additional standard amenities like dual-zone automatic climate control, driver’s lumbar support and a heated steering wheel help put the Q50 on this list of best entry-level cars by brand. Higher-end options include genuine carbon fiber inlays, air purification and a moonroof.
Even though this is the last year for this fourth-generation Grand Cherokee, the dash looks as up to date as any new model would. The infotainment screen is a similar behemoth found in the Ram pickup, but it’s still HD and the user-interface works really well. Nothing is confusing, and you can easily play with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Although not in every Jeep, the available Harmon Kardon sound system will sound nice and adds to the luxury interior’s ambiance. Wi-Fi and Amazon Alexa skills are available on Jeep models if you wish to use them. Jeep’s connected car system also allows you to perform functions like car location, remote vehicle start, and more through their app.
Every 2022 Q50 is fitted with the same long list of advanced driver-assistance aids, so you do not need to pony up for an expensive model to access the best systems. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Full-Speed Range, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic alert, Surround View Monitor and Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keeping Assist. There are additional passive systems like automatic collision notification, six airbags and an emergency SOS call button.
Infiniti makes a case for including the 2022 Q50 on this comparison of low-trim luxury versus high-trim mass-market cars by stacking base Luxe models with all manner of features and amenities. LED headlights, daytime-running lamps, fog lamps and taillights look sharp, as do the 18-inch alloy wheels. The intelligent key system remembers seat position and climate settings so you don’t have to and the side mirrors are heated and power-adjustable.
Sequential welcome lighting greets you upon entry into the heated and power-adjustable front seats. Textured aluminum interior trim adds some snazz and a moonroof is standard fare. Apple and Android smartphone mirroring is on hand, with wireless connection for iPhones. There are no packages but you can add a black front grille for $400 and an exposed carbon fiber rear spoiler for $785.
Sensory models add sporting flair via 19-inch rims and more aggressive fascias front and rear with functional airfoils up front for improved aerodynamics. The side mirrors add auto-dimming and reverse tilt-down functionality with speed- and rain-sensing windshield wipers as well. Open-pore wood trim and the option for a handsome Saddle Brown leather dress up the cabin and an upgraded climate control system brings a Plasmacluster Air Purifier. Tech upgrades include integrated navigation with lane guidance and 3-D building graphics.
Along with the punched up V6, Red Sport 400 trim has a host of exclusive features. Staggered-width 19-inch wheels measure 9 inches wide up front, 9.5 inches out back and sport a unique design. They ride on summer performance tires, the exhaust outlets have a brushed satin finish and the slate gray finish is only found on this model. Quilted semi-aniline leather is another Red Sport-only amenity that looks killer in white with the red contrast stitching. Real carbon fiber trims out the cabin and for about $500, you can option an illuminated Infiniti grille badge. Fairly tricked out, the Red Sport 400 is a future candidate for this list of best luxury cars under $20,000.
Infiniti has a competitive basic vehicle warranty period of 4 years or 60,000 miles and powertrain period of 6 years or 70,000 miles. However, there is no complimentary maintenance or roadside assistance, which most luxury brands offer to some degree.
2022 INFINITI Q50 – infinitiusa.com | Shop 2022 Infiniti Q50 on Carsforsale.com
Handsome looks and a strong engine are hallmarks of the 2022 Infiniti Q50, which the company should be applauded for as the sedan segment continues to wilt under SUV pressure. And yet, it hasn’t seen a real overhaul in eight years and amenities typical of the luxury segment, like ventilated seats and a head-up display, are notably absent here. On the other hand, Red Sport 400 models are under-the-radar hot rods that will likely be sought after in the future thanks to strong performance upgrades, making it the one I’d be interested in.