- New 2021 INFINITI Q50 SENSORY grade level added to the lineup
- More driver-assistance features added to more grade levels
- Standard Wi-Fi hotspot added for greater connectivity and convenience
YOKOHAMA, Japan – The INFINITI Q50 sports sedan sold in the United States is further refined for 2021 with a new grade and upgrades to standard and optional package content. The 2021 QX50 is available in four grades: the previously available PURE, LUXE, and RED SPORT 400, along with new SENSORY.
Newly standard on all Q50 LUXE and RED SPORT 400 models, and included on the new SENSORY grade, is INFINITI's ProASSIST Package that supports drivers with Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, and Blind Spot Intervention. All Q50 sedans are now equipped with a standard Wi-Fi hotspot for data on the move.
Navigation is also now standard on Q50 SENSORY and RED SPORT 400 sedans for 2021, and a new Seat & Sound Package is available for the Q50 LUXE.
Also new for the 2021 model year are haptic steering wheel (on vehicles equipped with ProASSIST), and the LUXE grade adds more driver assistance features including Intelligent Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection.
Two daring new exterior colors, Slate Gray and Grand Blue, have been added to the Q50 color chart and the RED SPORT 400 features new Black Matte Carbon Fiber interior trim and black exterior trim.
The 2021 INFINITI Q50 is available in a choice of 300- or 400-horsepower rated 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engines (RED SPORT 400). All four grade levels are available with rear-wheel drive as standard or INFINITI's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system as an option.
A performance-focused exterior
INFINITI's signature double-arch grille on the 2021 Q50 creates a strong first impression. The grille's 3D, textural quality offers deep detailing of the waved mesh-pattern surface and chrome surround. Rising from the double-arch grille is a smooth and commanding character line that flows through the side of the body like a wave and creates a highly fluid profile. The Q50's signature LED headlamps embrace INFINITI's trademark human-eye aspect, while slim combination LED rear lamps, derived from the Q60 sports coupe, create a delicate appearance with a sharp light signature.
The front of the Q50 SENSORY and RED SPORT 400 grades includes a more angular front bumper and wider, lower air intakes (compared to other Q50 models) that add greater visual potency. Inspired by INFINITI's zero-lift approach to aerodynamic efficiency, the Q50 boasts a prominent airfoil at the base of the front bumper.
The rear of the SENSORY and RED SPORT 400 places a strong focus on the twin exhausts and rear diffuser with a two-tone paint finish — the body color is accompanied by dark metallic trim around the base of the rear bumper.
RED SPORT 400 models come equipped with unique exhaust finishers and 19-inch wheels that give it not only a more assertive stance but also improves handling and traction during cornering and hard acceleration. The exclusive aluminum alloy wheels fitted to RED SPORT 400 models also look the part with sharper, thinner spokes than those of the Q50 SENSORY.
The Q50's lean, robust body sides are designed to anchor the performance-oriented stance with a strong roofline that flows to the trademark crescent C-pillars. At the rear, the side character lines smoothly merge with the shape of the rear LED combination lights. The familiar rear double-arch trunk line completes the view from behind.
Heated outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signals are standard, while a power sliding and tilting glass sunroof is standard on all models except Q50 PURE.
The Q50 RED SPORT 400 includes red "S" badging, mirror caps finished in high-gloss black paint, red-painted sport brake calipers, and unique exhaust tips, helping assert the car's performance credentials and adding to its impressive resume.
The color palette includes two new colors specially selected to accent the Q50's contours and sculpted surfaces: Slate Gray and Grand Blue. Six other color choices carry over from the previous year: Midnight Black (premium color), Graphite Shadow, Black Obsidian, Dynamic Sunstone Red (exclusive color), Majestic White (premium color), and Pure White.
Tailored, connected cabin
Inside, the 2021 Q50's high-tech cabin is also a comfortable and connected space. High-quality materials are used in every grade of the Q50, and top trims dress the cabin with soft leather appointments and open pore wood or Black Matte carbon accents.
The INFINITI Q50 features a choice of interior upholstery and colors, including available leather-appointed seating surfaces. Four interior color treatments are offered: Graphite, Stone, Gallery White with Red stitching (RED SPORT 400), and Graphite with Red stitching (RED SPORT 400).
The standard interior on Q50 PURE is a Lunar Black interior, and the Q50 LUXE features a Textured Aluminum interior. The SENSORY grade has a new Black Open Pore Wood interior trim, while RED SPORT 400 features a Black Matte Carbon Fiber interior trim.
The RED SPORT 400 is further differentiated with semi-aniline quilted leather-appointed seats, red stitching throughout the cabin, and quilted side inserts on the seats.
INFINITI designers have also incorporated the performance-inspired ethos of the Q50 inside the cabin, derived from the Q60 sports coupe. A performance-oriented, leather-wrapped shift knob – like the instrument panel, also bearing double-stitched seams – is surrounded by chrome trim and features an inlaid INFINITI logo. For 2021, a haptic steering wheel is standard on Q50 LUXE and higher grades and subtly vibrates the steering wheel in place of the previous audio tone if the sedan drifts from its lane.
The Q50 interior features INFINITI's hallmark zero-gravity spinal support seats that were carefully engineered to provide a consistent level of support and minimize pressure on lower and upper back muscles. Both the front and rear seats help distribute body pressure across a broader range of the upper seating surface. The roomy interior space offers ample front and rear headroom, generous rear knee room enhanced by the thin front seatback design, and wide-range front seat slide and lift adjustability.
The INFINITI InTouch™ System features dual HD displays and standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration. Two illuminated USB connection ports (one Type-A and one Type-C) are also standard.
The Q50 SENSORY and RED SPORT 400 grades are equipped with the 16-speaker Bose® Performance Series sound system. Featuring advanced staging technology, the signal processing algorithm designed especially for this system delivers a precise, rich and nuanced sound for driver and passengers. The CenterPoint 2.0 software by Bose® enables listeners to enjoy a surround-sound experience from any stereo source. It has been specifically engineered to meet the unique demands of reproducing surround sound in the sedan. SiriusXM® Radio (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately) and High Definition radio are available.
Other standard features include Forward Emergency Braking, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, and RearView Monitor.
The 2021 Q50 offers a long list of safety, security, and driver-assistance technologies, starting with standard Forward Emergency Braking and Predictive Forward Collision Warning. Among the other available systems are Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection, Intelligent Cruise Control with Full Speed Range, Distance Control Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Blind Spot Intervention®, Backup Collision Intervention, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention with Active Lane Control, Adaptive Front lighting System and High Beam Assist technology.
Responsive performance served two ways
Waiting behind the Q50's signature double-arch grille and wide hood is a choice of two powerful options for the award-winning VR-series 3.0-liter V-6 twin-turbo engine. It is available in either 300 horsepower or 400 max. horsepower and was developed to provide an ideal mix of drivability, efficiency and performance.
The high-output version, which is standard on the Q50 RED SPORT 400, delivers 400 max. horsepower at 6,400 rpm. Torque is rated at 350 lb-ft at 1,600-5,200 rpm.
The standard output version, offered in the Q50 PURE, LUXE, and SENSORY models, produces 300 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 1,600-5,200 rpm.
The VR-series' power delivery is complemented by an advanced twin-turbo system, enabling smooth and immediate responses under acceleration while aiding efficiency. An optimized turbine blade design helps the engine generate greater overall performance, with faster turbine revolution speeds allowing for a quicker response from the twin-turbo system.
Exclusive to the RED SPORT 400's engine, an extra water pump to aid in cooling and an optical turbine speed sensor are added, the latter of which allows for the twin-turbochargers to spin up to 240,000 rpm - higher than ever before for a V-6 engine.
The Q50 powerplant is matched to an advanced seven-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission with manual shift mode and available steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters on Q50 RED SPORT 400 models. The gearbox features logic and hardware designed to handle the power output of the VR-series engines. Dual transmission coolers are utilized to better diffuse heat.
In addition, the Q50's Adaptive Shift Control enhances gear selection by using a lateral acceleration sensor to detect changes in the road, such as hills and turns. Sport Mode allows the driver to select a more aggressive shift pattern with automatic up- and down-shifting at higher rpm. Manual Mode and paddle shifters are standard on RED SPORT 400. The combined effect is for any driver to enjoy quick, smooth shifts and gear choices appropriate to both the road and the desired driving style.
The 2021 Q50 can be configured with one of two driveline options – rear-wheel drive or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. Both are available with any of the four grade levels. INFINITI's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system gives drivers all-weather confidence by sending up to 50% of available torque to the front wheels if slip is detected at the rear wheels. When not needed, up to 100% of the engine's power is directed toward the rear wheels for more responsive road performance.
Direct Adaptive Steering and Dynamic Digital Suspension
The INFINITI Q50 also stands out from the competition with its advanced INFINITI Direct Adaptive Steering.
Direct Adaptive Steering can transmit the driver's input to the wheels faster than a mechanical system while requiring fewer steering corrections and can make 1,000 steering adjustments per second. The system enhances the steering feel by quickly and intelligently communicating to the driver feedback about road surface and chassis behavior. This gives the driver a secure and confident feeling at the wheel that is free from unnecessary steering kickbacks or vibrations.
Direct Adaptive Steering is available on the RED SPORT 400 as part of the ProACTIVE package. Standard on PURE, LUXE and SENSORY models is a refined Rack Electronic Power Steering design.
Every Q50 features a 4-wheel independent suspension that provides an improved balance between confident handling and a comfortable ride. The front suspension is a double-wishbone design, while the rear suspension utilizes a multi-link design with coil springs and Dual Flow Path® shock absorbers (non-RED SPORT 400 models). Extensive use of aluminum components for the suspension keeps weight down. The suspension also offers front and rear stabilizer bars.
Standard on RED SPORT 400 is the Dynamic Digital Suspension, which constantly adjusts the shock absorber valves within a wide range of damping force to control body motion when cornering. It monitors body roll, pitch and bounce rates to restrain body motion for a comfortable, confident, and insulated ride in all conditions, ensuring that bumps and undulating road conditions are absorbed to maintain flat body posture.
Braking is provided by a 4-wheel power-assisted vented disc brake system with 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System and Electronic Brake force Distribution and Brake Assist. Sport Brakes with upgraded rotors, 4-piston front calipers, 2-piston rear calipers, and red painted calipers are standard on RED SPORT 400.
A range of wheel and tire combinations are available, starting with the Q50 PURE's 17x7.5-inch split 5-spoke aluminum-alloy, wheels with 225/55R17 all-season run-flat tires. In addition, 18x7.5-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/50R18 all-season run-flat tires are offered on Q50 LUXE models.
Standard on the Q50 SENSORY are 19x8.5-inch aluminum-alloy sport wheels with 245/40R19 all-season or summer run-flat tires. The Q50 RED SPORT 400 AWD comes equipped with exclusive sport-design 19x9-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 245/40R19 all-season run-flat tires. And finally, the Q50 RED SPORT 400 RWD comes with staggered aluminum-alloy wheels with 245/40R19 front, 265/35R19 rear run-flat summer tires.
Four fully equipped models for 2021
The 2021 Q50 offers a wide range of available models designed to fit a range of owner preferences. The Q50 PURE's long list of standard features includes 8-way power front seats, Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control, INFINITI InTuition™, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, INFINITI Intelligent Key, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Forward Emergency Braking, and Predictive Forward Collision Warning.
The Q50 LUXE adds chrome front fascia finishers, power sliding moonroof, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/5OR18 all-season run-flat tires, Textured Aluminum interior trim, heated front seats and steering wheel, Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Backup Collision Intervention, Distance Control Assist and Intelligent Cruise Control with Full Speed Range.
Q50 SENSORY models add a range of features such as front and rear sport fascias, 19-inch sport aluminum-alloy wheels, and leather-appointed sport seats. The Q50 SENSORY also adds Navigation, Bose® Performance Series 16-speaker sound system, Advanced Climate Control System, Black Open Pore Wood interior trim, dual-occupant memory system, and enhanced ambient lighting.
The ultra-performance Q50 RED SPORT 400 comes complete with quilted semi-aniline leather-appointed seats, aluminum-accented pedals, unique red contrast stitching throughout, unique Black Matte Carbon interior accents, exclusive dark metallic dynamic tactile paddle shifters, staggered 19-inch wheels and tires (RWD), black mirrors, exclusive exhaust tips, sport brakes with red painted calipers and, of course, 400 maximum horsepower.
Just two option packages are offered for 2021. The revised ProACTIVE Package, available on RED SPORT 400, includes Direct Adaptive Steering, Lane Departure Prevention, Active Lane Control, Blind Spot Intervention, Adaptive Front lighting System with auto-leveling headlights, driver/passenger pre-crash seatbelts, Eco Pedal and INFINITI radiant grille emblem with black grille. The new Seat & Sound Package, available on Q50 LUXE, features leather-appointed seats, Bose® Performance Series Audio 16-speaker stereo with Bose® Centerpoint® simulated surround, driver's seat power lumbar, and enhanced ambient lighting.
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About INFINITI
INFINITI Motor Company is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan with operations around the world including regional offices based in the Americas, China and INFINITI International Markets based in Dubai. The INFINITI brand of premium automobiles are assembled in manufacturing facilities in Japan, North America and China. INFINITI design studios are located in Atsugi-Shi near Yokohama, London, San Diego and Beijing.
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