The INFINITI Q50, the brand's best-selling vehicle, receives a significant updating for the 2018 model year – including a refreshed exterior and interior appearance. As in previous years, Q50 continues to offer innovative technologies designed to empower and support the driver.
Coinciding with the refreshed look of the Q50 is the introduction of a new global grade naming structure: PURE, LUXE, SPORT and RED SPORT 400. Option package content and naming has also been upgraded for 2018 and one new exterior color, Mocha Almond, has been added to the color palette.
The Q50 exterior redesign retains its sleek proportions and athletic stance while establishing greater differentiation between model grades, including the performance-inspired RED SPORT 400. For example, the Q50 3.0t SPORT and Q50 RED SPORT 400 grades include a more angular front bumper and wider, lower air intakes, adding greater visual potency. Inspired by INFINITI's "zero lift" approach to aerodynamic efficiency, the new Q50 boosts a more prominent airfoil at the base of the front bumper.
Inside, the new Q50 adds an enhanced level of artistry to the high-tech cabin, providing a comfortable and connected space. The creation of the new grade structure has enabled INFINITI designers to differentiate each model with its own unique interior character.
Changes to the interior include unique stitching on premium and soft-touch materials that surround the instrument panel and a sport-oriented leather shift knob. Other interior features include the brand's spinal support seats that ensure a comfortable space, a new steering wheel with molded positions for the driver's thumbs and INFINITI InTouch™ Services designed to effortlessly synchronize the car and driver.
Innovative driver assistance technologies that empower and support the driver are abundant on the Q50. They include available Direct Adaptive Steering, Active Lane Control, Intelligent Cruise Control, Distance Control Assist, Backup Collision Intervention, Blind Spot Warning and Intervention, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Forward Emergency Braking, and Predictive Forward Collision Warning.
The 2018 Q50 again delivers a rewarding driving experience with a variety innovative powertrain options. Leading the list of four available 2018 Q50 powerplants is the exclusive "VR-series" 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine, which was recently named to the prestigious 2017 Ward's 10 Best Engines list. It is available in two states of tune – 400 horsepower or 300 horsepower.
Complementing the 3.0-liter V6 is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged unit, rated at 208 horsepower at 5,500 rpm, with peak torque of 258 lb-ft available from 1,500 rpm. This engine, like the 3.0-liter V6, has been engineered to blend responsive performance with enhanced fuel efficiency. The engine also features an idle stop-start system.
The Q50 is also available with an advanced gasoline-electric hybrid, which features INFINITI's proven Direct Response Hybrid® system with Intelligent Dual Clutch Control. It combines a 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy V6 and a compact laminated lithium-ion battery with an innovative one-motor, two-clutch control. The system's V6 is rated at 302 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the advanced 50 kW electric motor is rated at 67 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system net power is 360 horsepower, providing strong acceleration and lean fuel economy.
All 2018 Q50 models come equipped with a refined 7-speed automatic transmission with available solid magnesium paddle shifters. The INFINITI Drive Mode Selector with Snow, Eco, Standard, Sport and Personal settings is also standard on all models, part of the INFINITI InTuition™ System, an advanced customizable digital environment system that allows drivers to create unique settings for engine, suspension and steering (when equipped with INFINITI Direct Adaptive Steering™) settings.
Among the Q50's available advanced drivetrain technologies is the second-generation Direct Adaptive Steering, with a selection of steering modes accessed through the Drive Mode Selector. Located on the center console, Drive Mode Selector allows the steering response to be selected from six available options: Personal, Standard, Snow, Eco, Sport, and Sport+. It is available on all 3.0-liter V6-equipped models as part of the new ProACTIVE Package.
Standard on Q50 models equipped with the 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine is INFINITI's refined Rack Electronic Power Steering. This system provides a linear and in-control driving experience that can be tuned through the Drive Mode Selector.
The Q50 also features available Dynamic Digital Suspension. Available on Q50 3.0t SPORT (as part of the Performance Package) and standard on RED SPORT 400, it provides an optimal blend of ride comfort, response and agility. The shift from a comfort-biased ride to enhanced dynamic response can be made when the driver places the electronically adjustable shock absorbers in either Sport or Sport+ modes (adjusted via the Drive Mode Selector), providing firmer damping control for more agile handling. While in these modes, the suspension is constantly adjusting to provide ideal performance and a flat ride.
The 2018 INFINITI Q50 is offered in a full range of trim levels, each in a choice of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive – Q50 2.0t PURE and Q50 2.0t LUXE; Q50 Hybrid LUXE; Q50 3.0t LUXE, Q50 3.0t SPORT and Q50 RED SPORT 400.
Highlights of the 2018 INFINITI Q50 include:
Design
- Revised front and rear fascias for PURE and LUXE models
- Revised standard sport front and rear fascias for 3.0t SPORT and RED SPORT 400 models
- Revised front grille, headlights and taillights
- Revised front bumper (without chrome) for PURE models
- Black mirror caps on RED SPORT 400 models
- Sensuous dynamic styling with unexpected spaciousness
- Low, wide proportions and tight, athletic stance
- INFINITI signature double-arch front grille, dynamic arch silhouette and Crescent-cut C-pillar
- Distinctive LED headlights, fog lights and Daytime Running Lights, LED rear combination lamps
- Available Adaptive Front lighting System with high beam assist technology
- Standard power sliding and tilting tinted glass sunroof with one-touch open/close and sliding sunshade (except Q50 2.0t PURE)
- Heated outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, available auto dimming outside mirrors with reverse synchronization mirror angle
- Body-color outside door handles with chrome accents
- Dual chrome exhaust finishers, custom exhaust finishers on RED SPORT 400
- Advanced aerodynamic design with 0.26 coefficient of drag (select models) and zero front and rear lift concept
- Ten available exterior colors: Midnight Black, Liquid Platinum, Graphite Shadow, Black Obsidian, Dynamic Sunstone Red, Majestic White, Pure White, Hagane Blue, Iridium Blue and new Mocha Almond
Performance
- Front engine/rear-wheel drive or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive
- 3.0-liter aluminum-alloy DOHC 24-valve twin-turbo V6, rated at 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, featuring twin water-to-air charge coolers with two water pumps, turbo speed sensor, 14.7 psi turbo boost (Q50 RED SPORT 400)
- 3.0-liter aluminum-alloy DOHC 24-valve twin-turbo V6, rated at 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, featuring twin water-to-air charge coolers with single water pump, 9.5 psi turbo boost (Q50 3.0t LUXE, Q50 3.0t SPORT)
- 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve turbocharged inline-4 cylinder, rated at 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque (Q50 2.0t PURE, Q50 2.0t LUXE)
- INFINITI Direct Response HybridÔ with intelligent dual clutch control, combining 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy V6 and compact laminated lithium-ion battery design with an innovative one-motor/two-clutch motor control; V6 rated at 302 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, advanced 50 kW electric motor rated at 67 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque, Hybrid system net power is 360 horsepower (Q50 Hybrid LUXE)
- 7-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with Downshift Rev Matching and manual shift mode, Adaptive Shift Control
- Available steering wheel-mounted magnesium paddle shifters (previously steering column-mounted)
- Drive mode selector switch (Sport, Standard, ECO, Snow, Personal settings)
- 4-wheel independent suspension (front single pivot double-wishbone design/revised multi-link rear design) with extensive use of lightweight aluminum components and front and rear stabilizer bars
- Available Dynamic Digital Suspension (Q50 3.0t SPORT, Q50 RED SPORT 400)
- Available Hydraulic Electronic Power Steering (Q50 2.0t PURE)
- Available rack-based Electric Power Steering (Q50 3.0-liter V6 models)
- Available second-generation Direct Adaptive Steering™ technology for enhanced steering feel and personalized selection of steering effort and gear ratio
- 4-wheel power-assisted vented disc brakes, 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake force Distribution, Brake Assist
- Available Sport Brakes with upgraded rotors, 4-piston front calipers and 2-piston rear calipers (Q50 3.0t SPORT, Q50 RED SPORT 400)
- 17x7.5-in. split 5-spoke aluminum-alloy, machined surface 225/55R17 all-season run-flat tires (Q50 2.0t PURE)
- New 18x7.5-in. aluminum-alloy sport wheels, machine finished with 225/50R18 all-season run-flat tires (Q50 2.0t LUXE, Q50 3.0t LUXE)
- Available 19x8.5-inch aluminum-alloy sport wheels with 245/40R19 all-season or summer run-flat tires (Q50 3.0t SPORT, Q50 Hybrid LUXE)
- Available 19x9-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/50R18 all-season run-flat tires (Q50 RED SPORT 400 AWD)
- Available staggered aluminum-alloy wheels with 245/40R19 front, 265/35R19 rear run-flat summer tires (Q50 RED SPORT 400 RWD)
- Advanced Vehicle Dynamic Control with Active Trace Control for enhanced dynamic cornering ability
- Available Active Lane Control™ (utilizing world's first Direct Adaptive Steering technology)
- Tire-specific Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Hospitality
- Revised interior treatment blends artistry with innovation, elevating the level of craftsmanship within the performance-oriented cabin
- Enhancements include stitched upper instrument panel, adoption of Q60-type steering wheel and shifter levels
- Paddle shifters moved from the steering column to the steering wheel, RED SPORT 400 models receive unique paddle
- New red seat stitching, dark chrome interior trim and standard seat quilting on RED SPORT 400 models
- Driver-oriented layout and a console with warm, asymmetric design
- Ample knee, head and shoulder roominess
- Easy rear ingress/egress provided by wide rear door openings
- Natural contour ergonomic-design front seats for enhanced comfort
- Premium leatherette seating surfaces
- Available leather-appointed seating with power lumbar
- 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with manual lumbar support, 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
- Available 60/40 split rear seat
- Rear center armrest with trunk pass-through
- Available sport-type leather-appointed seats, manual thigh extensions (driver and front passenger)
- Available power torso bolsters (driver's side)
- Available heated front seats and heated steering wheel
- Fine Vision electroluminescent instrumentation
- Kacchu aluminum interior trim on center console, instrument panel and doors
- Available Maple wood trim
- Available quilted Graphite or Havana semi-aniline leather seating with contrast stitching
- Available aluminum-accented pedals (standard on sport grades)
- Available Bose® Performance Series Audio system with 16 speakers, Bose® Performance Centerpoint® simulated sound
- Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control
- Available Advanced Climate Control System with Plasmacluster® air purifier
- INFINITI Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, touch unlock door function
- INFINITI InTuition™ – a customizable digital environment for storing and providing various driver settings and driving characteristics to Intelligent Key
- Power front and rear windows with illuminated switches and one-touch auto up/down feature
- Rear passenger personal lamps
- RearView Monitor
- Available Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection
- HEV sound management technologies, including available Active Noise Control
INFINITI InTouch™
- INFINITI InTouch™ with Navigation and INFINITI InTouch™ Services, with lane guidance and 3D building graphics, voice recognition for navigation functions, including one-shot voice destination entry, INFINITI InTouch™ Services with six months of safety, security and convenience services
- SiriusXM® Traffic, including real-time traffic information (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately)
- SiriusXM® Travel Link with access to weather, fuel prices, stocks, sports and movie times (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately) with 4-year complimentary access
- SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), High Definition radio
- INFINITI Connection™ with Automatic Collision Notification, Destination Assistance and Drive Zone Monitoring
- Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®
- Voice Recognition for audio, navigation, SMS
Safety Shield Technologies
- INFINITI Advanced Air Bag System with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with occupant classification sensor
- Front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags
- Roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front- and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection
- Available front seat driver/passenger Pre-Crash Seat Belts
- Available Intelligent Cruise Control with full speed range, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Forward Emergency Braking, Distance Control Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Blind Spot Intervention®, Backup Collision Intervention, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention with Active Lane Control™ (utilizing world's first production Direct Active Steering technology)
- Traction control system (integrated with Vehicle Dynamic Control)
- Available High Beam Assist technology
Models
- Offered in four 2.0-liter turbo models: Q50 2.0t PURE, Q50 2.0t PURE AWD, Q50 2.0t LUXE and Q50 2.0t LUXE AWD
- Offered in four 300-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo models: Q50 3.0t LUXE, Q50 3.0t LUXE AWD, Q50 3.0t SPORT and Q50 3.0t SPORT AWD
- Offered in two 3.5-liter Hybrid models: Q50 Hybrid LUXE and Q50 Hybrid LUXE AWD
- Offered in two 400 horsepower 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo models: Q50 RED SPORT 400 and Q50 RED SPORT 400 AWD