Aircraft-inspired technology, torque comparable to an Audi S4 and then some, 0–100 km/h acceleration close to a Porsche 911 (997) Carrera, and a price around €7,500 lower than an equivalent BMW 330i xDrive, which is slightly slower and has fewer cylinders.
What is it?
Infiniti’s contender in the compact premium sedan segment, the Q50. More specifically, its flagship version, the Q50S Hybrid AWD.
Under the bonnet sits a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine combined with an electric motor. The system produces a total of 364 hp and 546 Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission, allowing this 1,900 kg sedan to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
Design
The Q50’s design is the work of Joel Baek, a Korean-born designer educated in Detroit. That combination makes sense. Infiniti was created to strengthen Nissan’s presence in North America, so the design naturally reflects that market’s preferences.
The result is a good-looking car. It has classic proportions and a relatively aggressive appearance, slightly more expressive than its German rivals, but far from as bold as something like the Lexus IS.
On the road, the Infiniti attracts attention. It gets more looks than I expected, even without pressing the accelerator to the floor, though we will get to that later.
I do have some doubts about how well the design will age, but that is something only time will answer.
Interior
The cabin of the Q50 is a pleasant place to be.
Its Japanese roots are evident in the more conservative design and some of the functional details. The good news is that it avoids the cluttered and awkward button layouts often found in other Japanese cars. Everything feels more considered and better integrated.
Освен усещането за качество, много добро впечатление ми направиха седалките. Във върховата версия имаме памет за шофьорката седалка (включително волана), електрическа лумбална опора (в две посоки), надуване на страничната опора за гърба и ръчно регулируемо удължение на основата на седалката. Да ви кажа, дори нямаше нужда да си играя много с регулировките, седалката е много удобна и определено е сред най-добрите, които съм виждал, особено в този клас. Към позитивите ще спомена и пространството – и на двата реда седалки има напълно достатъчно място за пътуването на четирима възрастни (средното място отзад не става, особено с големия трансмисионен тунел).
Build quality is solid, and the materials are genuinely good. One of the more interesting elements is the infotainment system with its dual-screen setup, which I will cover in more detail later.
The seats deserve special mention. In this top version, you get memory for the driver’s seat and steering wheel, electric lumbar support, adjustable side bolsters and a manually extendable seat base. The result is excellent comfort. In fact, these are among the best seats I have experienced in this class.
Space is also good. There is enough room in both rows for four adults to travel comfortably. The middle rear seat, however, is not particularly usable, mainly due to the large transmission tunnel.
Those four adults might struggle with luggage, though. In the hybrid version, the boot is reduced to 400 litres. It is not small, but it is not generous either. The reason is simple. These cars were not originally designed as hybrids, so the batteries end up taking space in the boot. For reference, the BMW 3 ActiveHybrid offers 380 litres, while the Mercedes C300h provides 435 litres.
Another drawback is the limited number of smaller storage spaces. The glovebox and centre armrest compartment are decent, but the front door pockets are small and the rear ones are missing entirely.
On the Road
Steering and technology
I initially planned to include steering impressions in the main driving section, but the system deserves special attention.
This is where the “aircraft technology” comes in. Infiniti calls it Direct Adaptive Steering. In simpler terms, it is a steer-by-wire system, meaning there is no permanent mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels.
Instead, the wheels are controlled by electric motors, managed by multiple control units that interpret input from the steering wheel.
Sounds worrying? It shouldn’t be.
For now, Infiniti has kept a conventional mechanical connection as a backup. It is disengaged under normal conditions but can reconnect if needed.
The benefits are clear. Faster and more precise steering, reduced vibrations from the road, adaptability depending on speed and conditions, and smoother operation of lane-keeping systems.
In the future, such systems could reduce weight, free up space and allow even more advanced tuning.
So, does it work? Yes, it does. And surprisingly well.
As both an engineer and a driving enthusiast, I was impressed. The steering is quick, the response is immediate, and crucially, the sense of connection to the road is still there. Not exaggerated, not artificial, just appropriate for this type of car. At the same time, vibrations are reduced, which is a welcome side effect.
On the Road
The Q50S is a car for people who enjoy driving, not just getting from A to B.
The hybrid system works seamlessly. The petrol engine engages quickly and smoothly when needed. When pushed, it sounds great. In contrast, in electric mode, the car moves almost silently. With gentle throttle input, you can drive on electricity alone up to around 80 km/h, though only for short distances.
Performance is impressive. Thanks to the electric motor and all-wheel drive, launches are quick and effortless. It is genuinely fast, and it feels it.
Fuel consumption, however, tells a more realistic story. Official figures claim 5.3 l/100 km extra-urban and 9.6 l/100 km in the city.
In reality, 9.6 l/100 km in the city is achievable. I managed exactly that with normal driving. On a mixed route with some spirited sections, I recorded around 9.5 l/100 km, and on the motorway, again around 9.6 l/100 km. With careful driving, I managed to drop it to about 7 l/100 km.
Not quite the official numbers, but considering the performance, weight, all-wheel drive and 19-inch wheels, it is still respectable.
The seven-speed automatic gearbox performs well. Shifts are timely and smooth, though not as quick as the best dual-clutch systems. A nice touch is the magnesium paddle shifters.
In terms of handling, the Q50 is very stable. Whether on a motorway or a winding mountain road, it feels planted and composed. Cornering ability is impressive, and the car remains neutral with no significant understeer or oversteer, thanks to the combination of steering and AWD system.
The sport suspension is firm but deals well with uneven roads, both in terms of comfort and noise. Road noise remains low up to around 130 km/h, after which it becomes more noticeable. Aerodynamic noise is well controlled, though not exceptional.
Technology and systems
The Q50S comes fully equipped. Adaptive cruise control with stop function, 360-degree cameras, lane departure warning and more.
The adaptive cruise works well. The lane system feels slightly delayed compared to some competitors. The cameras are quick to activate and very helpful when manoeuvring in tight spaces.
The infotainment system features two screens. The idea is good, but the execution is not perfect. It takes time to get used to, menus can be slow at times, and resolution is only average. On the positive side, the graphics are pleasant, and there are options for personalisation.
The BOSE audio system sounds good, though not exceptional.
Conclusion
In its top version, the Infiniti Q50 is an impressive car.
It is very enjoyable to drive, reasonably efficient given its performance, and highly versatile. Whether you are heading to the mountains, covering long motorway distances or simply enjoying a twisty road, it performs well in all situations.
The interior avoids many typical shortcomings of Japanese cars, the comfort level is high, and the overall sense of quality is convincing. The price is also attractive compared to German competitors, especially considering what the car offers.
There is, however, a likelihood of higher depreciation on the used market.
In my opinion, anyone considering a car in this segment should not overlook the Q50 simply because it is less popular. It has its weaknesses, but it also brings real advantages. Infiniti’s focus on customer service is another strong point and a step in the right direction.
Eng. Tsvetan Iliev
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