The 2018 Infiniti Q50 2.0T Car Review

Like the Lexus is to Toyota, Infiniti is the posh brand of Japanese automakers Nissan. Over the years, the brand has surged in popularity in Singapore. But is still unable to reach the success of Lexus. With the recently updated Infiniti Q50, could the brand finally pose a bigger challenge? Let’s find out.

The Infiniti Q50 was first released in 2014. Since then, the compact executive sedan has gone through a couple of updates. From its steering system to a powertrain overhaul, these updates have made significant improvements to the drive. And now, the Q50’s design gets a refresh.

Even though it’s almost impossible to catch to the untrained eye, the updated design gives the Q50 a much-needed lift. As a whole, the ride looks really strong, bold and very masculine. But unfortunately, we felt that the ride needed a bit more oomph.

Athletic & Solid Build

The Infiniti Q50 is definitely captivating. With bold lines carved in her masculine figure, she’s definitely a looker. With the Q50, the strong and bold shape isn’t overwhelming. We think that the design is just right. Just enough for the everyday Singaporean (men and women) to appreciate and enjoy.

The facelift is so subtle that even after being briefed on the changes made to the Q50, we still find it challenging to see the difference. The most noticeable difference would be the grille. It’s now bigger and commands more attention. The sharp and sculpted curves direct your attention straight to the grille.

Other changes to the new Q50 include tweaks to the headlights, additional folds in the bumper and reshaped foglights. Even though the adjustments are subtle, you can feel the difference. The updated Q50 gives off a sense of aggression mixed with elegance, fit for everyone.

When we first laid eyes on this beast, smiles lit our faces. The Q50 is truly a thing of beauty. We couldn’t help but stroke our hands through its defined lines and curves. Honestly, it felt quite wrong but we just couldn’t help it. The sedan’s artful beauty will be appreciated not only by car enthusiasts but the everyday Singaporean.

Interior Style

The Q50 sports a beautiful exterior design, but how about its interior? Does it live up the exterior’s elegance and aggressive charm?

Elegant, stylish and sleek. That’s about the best way to describe the interior. But we have to add that some of the features and designs feel a bit dated. For instance, the wooden trims found on all four doors give the car a bit of an uncle vibe. Which was something we immediately noticed.

However, some people might like the wooden trims. We’re not saying you’re an uncle for liking it but we’re not saying you’re not an uncle either.

Nevertheless, the rest of the Q50 is elegantly and stylishly designs. It gives off a luxurious and premium feel.

There’s more than enough legroom and the seats offer a comfortable ride for the driver and passengers. The sedan is fitted with a 16-speaker premium audio system from the Bose Performance Series – which we really enjoyed. And to further differentiate itself from its rivals, the Q50 comes with a massive 510 litres of trunk space – squashing many of its competitors.

However, for such a lovely designed sedan, the Q50 missed the mark on a couple of details. The biggest and (probably) the most significant issue was with the infotainment system. Like the All-New Renault SCENIC’s display, the Q50’s display is quite unresponsive and laggy. Anybody who has used an old tablet will understand our frustrations.

Of course, we can live with the sluggishness of the display but we expect better.

The Drive Was…?

With a beautifully sculpted exterior and elegant interior, it’s a pity that the drive might leave some people craving for more. It’s overall an adequate and efficient ride but missing that extra bit of oomph. Which would’ve brought the Infiniti Q50 to greater heights.

While driving through the city, the Q50 performed adequately. It was a pleasant enough ride. You’ll feel the sedan’s road presence and aggressiveness when driving.

But we felt that handling the car was quite difficult and uncomfortable. The steering feels heavy and labored. However, some people might enjoy and actually prefer the heavier steering. So it really comes down to your preference.

Even though we felt that the handling wasn’t smooth, we still enjoyed the drive. The Q50 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and boasts 208bhp and 350Nm of torque. Which are decent numbers.

On the road, the sedan doesn’t disappoint, performing more than adequately. We enjoyed the pull that the Q50 offered and found it a treat cruising down the expressway.

With a sturdy body and 18-inch rims, you’re guaranteed a comfortable drive anywhere and everywhere. Like a hot knife cutting through butter, going through every bump or pothole on the road feels easy and untroubled.

Satisfactory Safety Features

The Infiniti Q50 is fitted with Infiniti’s ProACTIVE system. This includes Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Forward Collision Warning and Back-Up Collision Intervention. The system is responsive and works pretty well. The technology included in the ProACTIVE system is extremely useful and gives drivers an added bit of assurance.

Last Words

With the Infiniti Q50, it’s a tough one to call. It all boils down to your personal preference. Overall, we feel that the Q50 is worth some consideration. The sedan offers a generally solid drive and at a better price compared to most of its competitors.

Visually, the Q50 is amazing. Aggressive and edgy exterior. Elegant and sleek interior. Top-notch trunk space with a lot of practical safety features. What’s there not to like?

If you can look past the uncomfortable handling, the Q50 definitely deserves your consideration.