The Infiniti Q50: A Luxurious Sedan's Final Journey

As fate would have it, the long-standing Infiniti Q50 sedan is on its valedictory excursion. The sedan is all set to retire after 2024, leaving the upscale Japanese marque with only SUVs in its lineup. While this may come as sorrowful news to the car and sedan fans, its decline was imminent as it received no significant generational changes over its 10-year stint.

Pitting itself against formidable arch rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3-Series, Audi A4, Volvo S60, and the now kaput Jaguar XE, it aimed at offering unbridled performance with a gamut of powerful and reliable engines while offering elegance and sophistication over its Nissan sibling.

Performance and Powertrain

The final update had Infiniti install a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission, producing 300 hp in the base versions and a staggering 400 hp in the Red Sport trim, accomplishing the nought to 100 Km/h sprint in just 4.5 seconds. This performance was mighty quick by segment and sleeper saloon standards.

To enhance fuel efficiency, it received a hybrid setup in some markets coupled with a 3.5-litre V6 powertrain. A relatively meeker, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol was also available for those viewing the car as a luxurious everyday commuter.

Performance Concept

Interestingly, the brand hinted at an extreme version of the Q50 to compete against powerful saloons from the stables of BMW M and Mercedes-AMG. It sported purposeful carbon-fibre bodywork and aimed to showcase its performance credentials by utilizing the proven 560-hp twin-turbo V6 from the 'Godzilla'. However, as exhilarating as the concept was, it never saw the light of day.

Features and Technology

Upon introduction, the Q50 was equipped with a host of electronic features, including:

• Adaptive headlights with auto-leveller
• 16-speaker Bose sound system
• Paddle shifters
• Quilted leather seats
• Ambient lighting
• Single-pane sunroof
• Rear AC vents with charging
• Cruise control
• Voice command
• Six driving modes for optimal performance
• Adaptive suspension
• Smartphone connectivity
• Keyless entry with push button start/stop
• Lane departure warning and prevention
• Reverse camera
• Automatic emergency braking

What Does This Mean for Consumers?

Generally, when cars get discontinued, their resale value drops considerably. This is likely to happen to the Q50 too because, in the years to come, upkeep costs may rise due to the unavailability of spare parts. However, this may also be the perfect time to purchase a new one as last stocks go for heavily discounted prices. If a good deal is struck with the official importer distributor of the model, it would ensure peace of mind for the next few years.

Is Infiniti Working on a New Q50?

While no official rendering, teasing, or test mules have been spotted for a new generation of the Q50, the Vision Qe Concept revealed last year might serve as the electric revival of the slightly more upmarket Q70 sedan, which could arrive by 2026.

The advent of the next generation gas-fed Q50 might be the yearning of some, but considering the current trends and every manufacturer's shift to transform into an EV brand, the nameplate's future seems bleak. Sedans in general have begun to be perceived as an endangered breed and with the market getting heavily dominated by crossovers and SUVs, there is almost zero chance of the sporty and sublime sedan's return.

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