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’s and sedan fans, its decline was imminent as it received no significant generational changes over its 10-year stint.
Pitting itself up 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.
The final update Had Infiniti plonk a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 being mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission to churn out 300 hp in the base versions and a stonking 400 hp in the Red Sport trim to accomplish the nought to 100 Km/h sprint in a thunderous 4.5-seconds. This was mighty quick by segment and sleeper saloon standards.
To play an instrumental role in helping the car achieve respectable fuel-efficiency numbers, 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 on offer for those who perceived the car as a luxurious everyday commuter.
Interestingly, the brand had even hinted at an extreme version of the Q50 to contend against frantically powerful saloons from the stables of BMW M and Mercedes-AMG. It sported purposeful carbon-fibre bodywork and to do plenary justice to its performance credentials, it borrowed the proven 560-hp twin-turbo V6 from the ‘Godzilla.’ However, as exhilarating as the concept was, it was never able to see the light of the day.
When introduced, the Q50 came endowed with electronic nannies such as 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 and automatic emergency braking among others.
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 owing to unavailability of spare parts. However, this may also be the ideal 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 eon of the Q50, the Vision Qe Concept revealed last year might turn out to be the electric revival of the slightly more upmarket Q70 sedan that could arrive by 2026.
The advent of the next generation gas-fed Q50 might be the yearning of some, but fathoming the current scheme of things and every manufacturer’s gamble 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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