Compact luxury sedans are the enticement manufacturers use to woo buyers to a brand. The 2019 INFINITI Q50 is no exception, a five-passenger conveyance with an appealing starting price and a roster of performance choices to go with it. For the shrinking number of new vehicle shoppers not considering a crossover, the Q50 brings style, performance, and value front and center.
What's New for 2019
One year removed from a significant update, the 2019 INFINITI Q50 returns with some changes. Forward collision warning and forward automatic emergency braking are now standard. INFINITI also streamlined its model line by offering Q50 2.0t PURE and PURE AWD models with the base engine. The available INFINITI Q50 3.0t comes in rear- or all-wheel drive and LUXE, SPORT, and RED SPORT 400 grade levels. The 3.0t SPORT now has the Essential, Performance, ProASSIST and Sensory Packages as standard. Previously, these features were optional.
Choosing Your INFINITI Q50
You have a choice of two engines and three performance levels with the 2019 INFINITI Q50. All-wheel drive is available across the model line, though rear-wheel drive is standard.
The standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It gets an EPA-estimated 23 miles per gallon city, 30 mpg highway, and 25 combined. Choose all-wheel drive and those numbers slip slightly to 22/28/24 mpg (city/highway/combined).
Also available is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. This model makes 20/29/23 mpg; choose all-wheel drive and those numbers slip slightly to 19/27/22 mpg. An enhanced version of this V6 engine has an output of 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.
A seven-speed automatic transmission with a sport mode and downshift rev matching works with each engine choice.
The list of standard features is impressive with the 2019 Q50. LED lighting, fog lights, heated side mirrors, and aluminum-alloy wheels set within run-flat tires chart the exterior features. Inside, you’ll find power front seats, imitation leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and navigation wrapped with an audio package.
The RED SPORT 400 is a blast and a formidable competitor to Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. The 2019 INFINITI Q50 LUXE model strikes a balance between cost and performance. With the two package options selected, your final prices still checks in below $43,600.