The 2022 Infiniti Q50 adds wireless tech and a higher standard of luxury
The 2022 Infiniti Q50 is sold in rear- or all-wheel-drive powertrains. U.S. pricing starts at $43,125. (Photos courtesy of Infiniti)
Table of Contents
New for 2022
Standard Equipment
Safety Features
2022 Infiniti Q50 Pricing
Powertrain
Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400
Why Buy the Infiniti Q50?
Specifications
Infiniti has begun the 2022 model year with a triple play. Dealerships have a wholly redesigned QX60 SUV, a refreshed QX80 large SUV and a more tech-relevant Q50 large-compact sedan. And these are in addition to the redesigned 2022 Infiniti QX55 coupe crossover — the sportback variant of the QX50 crossover — that went on sale earlier this year. Finally, and still relevant, is the Q60 coupe, based on the Q50.
The Infiniti Q50 is a so-called “executive” class sedan. It is a super-compact and almost midsize by size, but the EPA classifies it as a midsize for fuel-economy ratings. The current generation Q50 made its U.S. debut in late summer of 2013. It shares a foundation with the Japanese market V37 Nissan Skyline.
Zero-gravity spinal support seats minimize pressure on back muscles.
What’s New for 2022
The 2022 Q50 is not a redesign but an update for two features that will appeal to younger buyers:
The standard 16-speaker Bose Performance Series Audio. It features Bose Centerpoint simulated surround.
Wireless Apple CarPlay cuts the cord for uncluttered use. Android phone users are supported by two standard USB ports, a Type-A and Type-C.
Dual, high-definition displays feature smartphone compatibility software and Infiniti InTouch Services.
High-definition displays feature smartphone compatibility software.
Infiniti Q50 Standard Equipment
Every 2022 Infiniti Q50 includes standard leather-trimmed upholstery and eight-way power-adjustable front seats, with power lumbar for the driver. There is a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel and power-folding side mirrors with reverse tilt-down. The dual-occupant memory system for the driver’s seat remembers steering wheel, seat, and outside mirror position and is linked to individual Intelligent Keys.
The Q50 Red Sport 400 is now available with power-fold side mirrors, revised genuine carbon-fiber interior trim, and new black exterior trim.
There are two new premium paint colors of Grand Blue ($695) and Slate Gray, available only on the Red Sport 400. Other premium colors (a $695 choice) include Majestic White and Midnight Back. Dynamic Sunstone Red, $900, is considered an exclusive color.
Other standard Q50 features include:
- Backup Collision Intervention
- Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection
- Lane Departure Warning (now with haptic steering)
- Intelligent Cruise Control
- Distance Control Assist
- High Beam Assist
The seven-speed automatic transmission has downshift rev-matching.
Safety Features
Standard safety features on all Q50 models include:
- Six air bags,
- Blind-spot warning,
- Predictive forward collision warning,
- Backup collision intervention,
- Forward emergency braking,
- Lane departure warning (with haptic steering),
- Around View Monitor with moving object detection.
“Human-eye” LED headlights are standard.
Infiniti Q50 Pricing
For 2022, the entry Pure model was eliminated and in its place is the Luxe, followed by Sensory and the top-line Red Sport 400.
Available later in the model year will be the Infiniti Q50 Signature Edition, which has dark chrome exterior trim, 19-inch bright aluminum alloy wheels, and saddle brown leather-trimmed sports seats. Pricing will be announced later.
At $43,125, the Luxe is about $5,400 more than the Pure. Add $2,000 for AWD for any trim level.
The Q50 Sensory starts at $50,825 and the Q50 Red Sport 400 at $56,975. All MSRPs include the $1,025 freight charge from Tochigi, Japan.
Check here for more Infiniti pricing and incentive information.
The Q50 Red Sport 400 has four-piston front brake calipers painted red.
Q50 Powertrain
The Infiniti Q50 is somewhat unique for its standard rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. That format makes it more of a competitor with the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, or Genesis G70.
The only Q50 powertrain is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6. In standard models, the direct-injected engine has 300 horsepower and 295 foot-pounds of peak torque from 1,500-5,200 rpm.
The only Q50 powertrain is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6.
Q50 Red Sport 400
The higher-performance Q50 Red Sport 400 has 400 hp and 350 lb.-ft. torque from 1,600-5,200 rpm. This engine is beefed up with an extra water pump for more cooling and an optical turbine speed sensor. The speed sensor allows the twin-turbochargers to perform at up to 240,000 rpm, which is higher than ever before for a V-6 engine, Infiniti says.
Premium fuel is recommended for both engines.
Both engines are paired to an advanced seven-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and downshift rev-matching.
The Q50 Red Sport 400 has such performance upgrades as four-piston front brake calipers and two-piston rear calipers, painted red. Its Dynamic Digital Suspension constantly adjusts the shock absorber valves to control body motion when cornering. Other hardware features include exclusive 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and dual exhaust tips with a brushed satin finish.
Interior upgrades include black exterior accents, aluminum pedals, and semi-aniline leather-appointed surfaces.
A carbon-fiber trim package available only for the Red Sport 400 would add $1,520.
The thin front seatback design adds a bit more knee room in the back seat.
Why Buy the Infiniti Q50?
In this era of the SUV, consistency is an asset for this attractively styled four-door car.
The Q50 has existed in its current makeup for several years with only modest updates. As a result, some buyers will look elsewhere for the latest and greatest in prestige or brand awareness. But returning Q50 lessors and intenders new to the brand will value Infiniti’s interior refinement and attention to detail.
And now, there is wireless connectivity for that high-power audio system.
Cars are being delivered now.
The Q50 is unique in the segment for its rear- or all-wheel drive and a standard V-6 engine and seven-speed automatic.
Infiniti Q50 Specifications
Body style: large-compact four-door, five-passenger sedan in rear- or all-wheel drive
Engine: twin-turbocharged, direct-injection, 3.0-liter V-6
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Fuel economy: 20/29/22 mpg city/hwy/combined for rear-wheel drive; 19/27/22 mpg with AWD
BY THE NUMBERS
Fuel tank: 20 gallons
Trunk space: 13.5 cu. ft.
Front head/leg room: 39.5*/44.5 in. *w/moonroof
Rear head/leg room: 36.8/35.1 in.
Length/wheelbase: 189.6/112.2 in.
Curb weights: 3,781 to 4,019 lbs.
Turning circle: 36.7 ft. RWD; 37.4 ft. AWD
PRICING
Base MSRP: $43,125 to $56,975; add $2,000 for AWD; pricing includes the $1,025 freight charge
Where assembled: Tochigi, Japan
Warranty: 4-years/60,000-miles basic coverage; 6-years/70,000-miles powertrain coverage
