2019 Infiniti Q50 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
The 2019 Infiniti Q50 has what it takes to rival today’s finest European luxury sports sedans. Not only does the Q50 boast a versatile engine lineup, but it also has a stunning appearance. Most importantly for families, a number of active safety features are available. While the Q50 will intrigue a lot of car shoppers, it doesn’t excel in every category. Let’s find out whether or not you should buy a new Q50.
What’s New for 2019?
Infiniti decided not to make any mechanical or styling changes to the Q50. However, forward collision intervention is now standard across the lineup. Last year’s hybrid model will no longer be offered.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2019 Infiniti Q50 – The Pros
1. Base Engine Delivers Good Real-World Performance
On paper, the sedan’s base engine doesn’t pack the most muscle. Infiniti rates the boosted four-cylinder to develop 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Despite producing less power than a lot of the competition, the 2019 Infiniti Q50 2.0t feels quite stout on the road. It can dash to 60 mph in around 6.6 seconds. In regard to fuel economy, anticipate getting a combined 25 mpg on premium gas.
2. Very Powerful V6 Engines
Stepping up to the turbocharged V6 engine rewards you with an extra dose of power. While the standard version develops 300 horsepower, the Red Sport model is tweaked to produce 400 horsepower. You can look forward to experiencing great acceleration at any speed. With a tested 0-60 time 4.5 seconds, the Red Sport model is especially quick off the line. Most drivers won’t mind spending a few extra dollars at the pump in exchange for the enhanced performance.
3. Handles Well
The 2019 Infiniti Q50 handles how a sports sedan should. Although the Q50 may not be the most aggressive car in the segment, it still feels very agile. A communicative steering system and athletic reflexes make the Q50 a fun sedan. You’ll be able to confidently dive into curves. While the standard suspension does perfectly fine, the optional adjustable suspension gives you an even more controlled ride.
4. Intelligent AWD System
Like a traditional sports car, the 2019 Infiniti Q50 comes standard with rear-wheel drive. However, you may need the intelligent AWD system. It makes winter driving more secure. When traveling on a snow-packed road, nothing beats having power sent to all four wheels. Because the system seamlessly adapts to the varying road conditions, you don’t have to worry about pressing any buttons. During normal weather, the system essentially functions as rear-wheel drive.
5. Timeless Beauty
If you appreciate an ageless design, you’ll love the 2019 Infiniti Q50. Its seductive curves and sporty stance will make your friends jealous. Even the base 2.0t Pure model has a classy appearance. Drivers who are looking to stop traffic should upgrade to the Red Sport 400. Dark chrome trim helps set it apart. You’ll also like the Red Sport 400’s high-performance exhaust tips. While you’ll have 10 paint colors to choose from, Dynamic Sunstone Red is especially striking.
6. Base 2.0t Pure Doesn’t Cause a Fortune
Prices for the new Q50 2.0t Pure start at less than $36,000, which is not bad for a cool sports sedan. It looks nearly just as stunning as the upper trims. You’ll find the sedan’s performance to be quite satisfying as well. You’ll be surrounded by attractive features like simulated leather upholstery, keyless ignition, and satellite radio. It also now benefits from Infiniti’s cutting-edge forward collision interventions system.
7. Good Car for Touring the Country
This is a great car for traveling. Its impressive ride quality will enable you to gobble up the highway. There’s also a good amount of passenger room inside the Q50. Your family won’t mind spending extra time in the Q50. Wide, supportive Zero Gravity seats help keep front occupants happy. Trunk space is more than adequate. You’ll have no trouble storing a cooler in the back.
8. Cutting-Edge Safety Features
The 2019 Infiniti Q50 received a “Superior” rating from the IIHS for its front crash prevention. Its standard Predictive Forward Collision Warning system is among the best. Infiniti engineered it to detect a crash two vehicles a head. If you don’t take action, the system will automatically apply the brakes. Even when traveling during windy conditions, Infiniti’s Active Lane Control system will keep the sedan from wandering. Advanced blind-spot monitoring and a backup collision system are offered as well.
9. Bose Performance Series Audio
To give your music more life, opt for the Bose Performance Series audio system. It produces impactful lows and distortion-free high frequencies. When listening to your favorite songs, you may forget you’re actually in a car. The system’s three 10-inch woofers are especially great for bass-heavy genres like rock and rap.
10. Strong Warranty with Roadside Assistance
A 70,000-mile powertrain warranty helps you to buy with confidence. You will also enjoy great roadside assistance support. In the event that you need to drop your vehicle off to get it serviced, Infiniti will provide you with a loaner vehicle. This means you won’t have to sacrifice any extra time out of your day.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2019 Infiniti Q50 – The Cons
1. Infotainment May Take a While to Learn
All versions of the 2019 Infiniti Q50 come equipped with a dual-screen infotainment system. While the interface's graphics are clear, it may take a while for you to get accustomed to using two screens. Navigating the system while behind the wheel can be especially frustrating at times. Some people would prefer just a single screen. Furthermore, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still missing from Infiniti’s InTouch interface.
2. You May Desire more Fuel Savings
Although the 2019 Infiniti Q50 will return better fuel economy than a V8-powered sports sedan, it still ranks below most rivals. No Q50 model can deliver better than 29 mpg. You will also need to use premium gas in order to obtain the maximum fuel efficiency. By comparison, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300 is rated by the EPA to return up to 34 mpg.
3. Optional Adaptive Steering System Isn’t Worth It
Infiniti offers an adaptive steering system as an optional. However, the best approach is to save your money and stick with the standard steering system. It gives you a more direct connection to the sedan. The adaptive steering system feels a bit artificial. True driving enthusiasts would prefer a lot more road feedback.
4. No Manual Transmission
Sadly for some folks, the new Infiniti Q50 does not offer a manual gearbox. Although its seven-speed automatic transmission has a manual-shift function, it does not feel like the real thing. Drivers who desire a genuine stick shift should check out the recently released 2019 Genesis G70.
5. Some Families May Desire More Rear Legroom
The typical family will be able to comfortably slide into the 2019 Infiniti Q50. However, others will desire a tad bit more space behind the front passengers. Sporty family sedans, such as the Honda Accord Sport and the Toyota Camry XSE, provide more space to spread out.
How it Stacks Up to the Competition:
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class exceeds the new Infiniti Q50 in quite a few aspects. It's more luxurious and bit better on gas. However, some buyers will ultimately prefer the Q50's lower price. You can also compare the 2019 Infiniti Q50 to the 2019 Audi A4. Drivers gives this car high marks for its posh interior and great standard features.
You should also take a look at the all-new Kia Stinger. The Stinger's sleek styling is sure to be a big attraction. A 100,000-mile warranty is another one of the Stinger's perks. Meanwhile, an available manual gearbox gives you a reason to choose the highly recommended Genesis G70.
Conclusion
The 2019 Infiniti Q50 has all of the key qualities that drivers seek in a luxury sports sedan. Although the sedan's cabin could benefit from a refresh, it's still very nice. If you desire serious performance, step up to the Red Sport 400 model. Among the G50's biggest questions is its dual-screen infotainment system, which can be a distraction for new users. Lastly, improved fuel economy would make the G50 even more satisfying. You will no longer have access to a hybrid model.
