Car Review: Infiniti Q50 Sports Red AWD packs a big punch

The Infiniti Q50 Sports Red AWD packs a big punch, but feels slightly dated as far as performance luxury sedans go. It straddles a fine line between coddling you with its interior and wowing you with speed. With a 400hp, the Infiniti is a quick sedan that bridges the gap between practicality and luxury. It’s considered the anti-boring luxury sedan, doubling as a luxury ride when needed.

It does a nice job of providing a balanced ride. It doesn’t beat you up on your daily commute and is plenty playful when you want to accelerate on back roads. When you choose the nearly $60,000 luxury sedan, you get a sportier look than other Q50 models. Let’s take a closer look.

<p>The Sport-design front fascia gives the Infiniti a militant front end with a lot of style. Large 19″ wheels are aesthetically appealing, and the red painted calipers definitely stand out. The Iridium Blue paint is a great color on the Infiniti and the brighter trim pieces manage to complete the overall look.</p>

1/10

Infiniti Q50 Sports Red AWD (Mike Parris)

The Sport-design front fascia gives the Infiniti a militant front end with a lot of style. Large 19″ wheels are aesthetically appealing, and the red painted calipers definitely stand out. The Iridium Blue paint is a great color on the Infiniti and the brighter trim pieces manage to complete the overall look.

2/10

Infiniti Q50 Sports Red AWD (Mike Parris )

<p>The inside of the Infiniti Q50 appears a bit plain when compared to some other luxury sedans. With high quality, quilted Semi-aniline leather and red interior stitching, it still makes for a comfortable ride. The aluminum trim is also a very nice touch.</p>

3/10

Infiniti Q50 Sports Red AWD (Mike Parris)

The inside of the Infiniti Q50 appears a bit plain when compared to some other luxury sedans. With high quality, quilted Semi-aniline leather and red interior stitching, it still makes for a comfortable ride. The aluminum trim is also a very nice touch.

<p>If you need space for adults, the front seats are more than adequate, providing ample head and leg room. Even the back seats are sufficient enough for adults, seating a maximum of three individuals at a time.</p>

4/10

Infiniti Q50 Sports Red AWD (Mike Parris )

If you need space for adults, the front seats are more than adequate, providing ample head and leg room. Even the back seats are sufficient enough for adults, seating a maximum of three individuals at a time.

<p>Simple gauges greet the driver. They are large and easy to read. I personally liked the analog look. The Q50 has not one, but two center screens which may take some time getting used to.</p>

5/10

Infiniti Q50 Sports Red AWD (Mike Parris)

Simple gauges greet the driver. They are large and easy to read. I personally liked the analog look. The Q50 has not one, but two center screens which may take some time getting used to.

<p>A central knob handles some features on the top screen and an additional touchscreen handles the lower screen. The graphics seem simple and not as sophisticated as other luxury sedans. The optional Bose Performance Series sound system was clear and offered quality sound.</p>

6/10

Infiniti Q50 Sports Red AWD (Mike Parris)

A central knob handles some features on the top screen and an additional touchscreen handles the lower screen. The graphics seem simple and not as sophisticated as other luxury sedans. The optional Bose Performance Series sound system was clear and offered quality sound.

<p>The Q50 Red Sport 400 has a twin turbo V6 engine with a surprising 400hp. There is very little turbo lag, so it accelerates smoothly when you accelerate. The brakes are also up to par, and a 7-speed automatic gets the job done. However, the Q50 may not drive as smoothly as some other transmissions in competitor vehicles. Fuel economy isn’t the Q50 Red Sport’s strong suit. I managed 22.3 mpg for one week of spirited driving.</p>

7/10

Infiniti Q50 Sports Red AWD (Mike Parris)

The Q50 Red Sport 400 has a twin turbo V6 engine with a surprising 400hp. There is very little turbo lag, so it accelerates smoothly when you accelerate. The brakes are also up to par, and a 7-speed automatic gets the job done. However, the Q50 may not drive as smoothly as some other transmissions in competitor vehicles. Fuel economy isn’t the Q50 Red Sport’s strong suit. I managed 22.3 mpg for one week of spirited driving.

<p>There is plenty of space for storage in the larger trunk. I found this surprising considering the Q50 isn’t an overly-large sedan.</p>

8/10

Infiniti Q50 Sports Red AWD (Mike Parris)

There is plenty of space for storage in the larger trunk. I found this surprising considering the Q50 isn’t an overly-large sedan.

<p>A carbon fiber mirror adds a touch of opulence to the sedan.</p>

9/10

Infiniti Q50 Sports Red AWD (Mike Parris )

A carbon fiber mirror adds a touch of opulence to the sedan.

<p>The optional Carbon Fiber Package adds a sporty look, and a carbon fiber rear spoiler and mirror covers. Exclusive Red Sport exhaust tips are large and dress up the rear beautifully. However, it doesn’t really scream “fast sedan” like the rest of the car manages to.</p>

10/10

Infiniti Q50 Sports Red AWD (Mike Parris)

The optional Carbon Fiber Package adds a sporty look, and a carbon fiber rear spoiler and mirror covers. Exclusive Red Sport exhaust tips are large and dress up the rear beautifully. However, it doesn’t really scream “fast sedan” like the rest of the car manages to.