The 2018 Infiniti Q50: A Refined Take on Performance Luxury

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Positioning in the Luxury Sport Sedan Segment

In the fiercely competitive luxury sport sedan market, the 2018 Infiniti Q50 carves its niche with a compelling blend of Japanese engineering and performance-oriented design. It goes head-to-head with established European rivals:

• Acura TLX: More conservative styling but often more affordable
• Audi A4: Benchmark for interior quality and tech
• BMW 3 Series: The gold standard for driving dynamics
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Leader in luxury appointments

What sets the Q50 apart is its combination of standard power (even base models get turbocharged engines), distinctive styling, and typically stronger value proposition than its German competitors when comparably equipped.

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Exterior Design Evolution

The 2018 refresh brings subtle but meaningful changes to the Q50's exterior design, particularly for the performance-oriented variants:

Red Sport 400's Aggressive New Look

Infiniti designers sought to give the range-topping Red Sport 400 more visual differentiation from other trims. The result is a more extroverted design that some may find polarizing but performance enthusiasts will appreciate:

• Redesigned front bumper with more pronounced creases
• Narrower foglight housings that flow into contrasting lower trim
• More prominent rear diffuser with contrasting accents
• Unique 19-inch wheels (20-inch optional)

Across the Lineup

All Q50 models benefit from:

• Revised LED lighting signatures
• New wheel designs ranging from 17- to 20-inches
• Fresh color options including a new Dynamic Sunstone Red

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Interior Updates and Technology

While the cabin architecture remains largely unchanged, Infiniti made several meaningful upgrades to the Q50's interior for 2018:

Driver-Focused Enhancements

• New steering wheel design with smaller hub (borrowed from Q60 coupe)
• Improved seat bolstering in Sport and Red Sport models
• Quilted leather upholstery with contrast stitching in Red Sport

The Continued Dual-Screen Debate

The Q50 retains its controversial dual-screen infotainment system, which divides opinion among critics and owners alike:

While the system offers extensive functionality, some users find the division of controls between two screens and multiple input methods (touch, buttons, and rotary controller) unnecessarily complex compared to more streamlined systems from competitors.

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Powertrain and Performance

The 2018 Q50 continues with three engine options, all paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission and offering rear- or all-wheel drive configurations:

Engine Lineup

Chassis and Handling Updates

For 2018, Infiniti made several under-the-skin improvements to enhance driving dynamics:

• Revised front and rear stabilizer bars for improved body control
• Available adaptive dampers (now with quicker response times)
• Enhanced steering calibration for more natural feel
• Sport models get larger brakes (14.0" front/13.8" rear)

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Trim Level Breakdown

The 2018 Q50 introduces a revised trim structure with four distinct levels:

Pure (Base Model)

• Standard 2.0L turbo four-cylinder
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Dual-screen infotainment system
• Leatherette upholstery

Luxe

• Adds genuine leather seating
• Power front seats with driver memory
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Available with 3.0L V6 engine

Sport

• Standard 3.0L V6 (300 hp)
• Sport-tuned suspension
• 19-inch wheels
• Sport seats with enhanced bolstering

Red Sport 400

• 400-hp version of 3.0L V6
• Unique exterior styling elements
• Upgraded brakes
• Quilted leather seats with red contrast stitching

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How It Drives: Behind the Wheel Impressions

The 2018 Q50 builds on Infiniti's reputation for delivering engaging driving dynamics while maintaining everyday comfort:

Performance Models Shine

The Red Sport 400 lives up to its name with:

• 0-60 mph in approximately 4.5 seconds (with AWD)
• Confident power delivery throughout the rev range
• Surprisingly composed ride despite large wheels

Everyday Usability

Even in base form, the Q50 offers:

• Compliant ride quality in urban environments
• Excellent noise isolation at highway speeds
• Generous trunk space (13.5 cu ft)

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Safety and Driver Assistance

The 2018 Q50 offers a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, many available as part of the optional ProASSIST package:

• Predictive Forward Collision Warning: Uses radar and camera to detect two cars ahead
• Direct Adaptive Steering: Adjusts steering ratio based on speed and conditions
• Around View Monitor: 360-degree camera system for parking
• Lane Departure Prevention: Gently corrects steering if drifting occurs

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Ownership Considerations

Maintenance and Reliability

Infiniti's reputation for reliability and competitive ownership costs help the Q50 stand out:

• 4-year/60,000-mile basic warranty
• 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain coverage
• Complimentary maintenance for first year

Resale Value

While not class-leading, the Q50 holds its value reasonably well compared to European rivals, especially when properly equipped.

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Final Verdict: Who Should Consider the 2018 Q50?

The refreshed 2018 Infiniti Q50 makes its strongest case for:

• Performance seekers: The Red Sport 400 delivers thrilling acceleration at a relative bargain
• Luxury buyers: Who want distinctive styling without German ubiquity
• Tech enthusiasts: Willing to master the dual-screen interface for its extensive capabilities

While it may not match the BMW 3 Series for ultimate handling precision or the Mercedes C-Class for interior opulence, the Q50 carves out compelling space in the luxury sport sedan segment with its combination of power, style, and value.

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