2018 Infiniti Q50 Sedan

The Q50 is Infiniti’s main assault tool in the luxury sedan market. The 2018 model has a refreshed exterior and interior appearance, including new technologies designed to support and empower the driver.

The 2018 Infiniti Q50 is offered in a full range of trim levels, each with a choice of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The lineup of trims, or “grade structures,” of the Q50 sedan allows Infiniti designers to differentiate each trim, or grade, of the model with its own unique character.

The line starts with the 2.0t PURE at $34,200 for the RWD. Next one up, the LUXE model, which offers two engine choices: the same 208 hp 2.0-liter turbo-four as the PURE, or a 300 hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. The Sport grade is only available with the same 300 hp V6, unless you choose the Red Sport brethren with a 400 hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6.

Finally there is the Hybrid LUXE, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 assisted by a 50kW electric motor. Altogether, this hybrid system is good for putting down 360 horses and 27/32 city/highway mpg for the RWD version.

The 2018 Infiniti Q50 sedan still maintains its athletic stance with a roofline that flows to the pinnacle of the C-pillars. The double-arch grille and wide hood adds sophistication at the front end, while the rear LED lights merge smoothly into the “side character lines.” The rear double-arch trunk leaves the viewer with the impression of a solid, fortified back end.

Should you want a little extra style, the 2018 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport includes the red “S” badging and unique exhaust tips, which adds to its “aggressive confident aura.” Adding to the strong styling are the 19-inch wheels designed with sharper, thinner spokes than those of the other trims.

Inside the cabin you’ll find finely crafted high-grade materials that enhance artistry and quality. All these features blend together to create a comfortable, connected space.

Leather-like materials with double stitching surround the instrument panel. The dashboard is crafted in wood trims for a truly high-quality and wholesome atmosphere of sophistication, expressing itself in the appearance of a high-class wood veneer.

The new steering wheel features molded positions for the driver’s thumb. This allows fingertip access to the reshaped steering-wheel-mounted gear shift paddles.

The touchscreen Infiniti navigation system features NavTraffic and Voice Recognition.

The Q50 has an ease about it. The vehicle has a clean-cut atmosphere inside, with a quiet, expansive interior, and comfortable seating. Its large amount of interior and trunk space makes the 2018 Q50 perfect for travel. The sedan handles well on the curve, is agile with a competitive turning radius, keeps its manners in congested traffic, and performs brilliantly on the straightaway.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the Q50 starts at $34,200 for the base 2.0t PURE. If you’re going for the extreme end of the performance curve, the Red Sport 400 AWD comes in at $53,000. The Hybrid LUXE starts at $50,600 and is available in AWD for an extra $2,000.

Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be contacted at this paper or at [email protected]