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While Infiniti has been busy crafting SUVs and CUVs that continue to wow drivers, their friends and their families, the competition should overlook the Q50 sedan at its peril. After all; one of the reasons to buy an Infiniti crossover or SUV is because of how well it drives and much of what we see in those vehicles has been honed in sedans like the Q50. It has what it takes to take on any comers in the compact luxury sedan biz, including the Lexus IS Series.
Technology
It doesn’t take much more than a glance inside the Q50 to see the advanced technology on offer, anchored by dual displays that provide access to everything from driver aids to infotainment and navigation. It’s fast, it looks great and it’s intuitive. The Lexus’ single display, however, is larger than either of the two displays in the Q50 but it does not get the new, faster Lexus Interface found in the likes of the NX or LX SUVs. The Q50 also provides wireless Apple CarPlay while the Lexus offers only a wired interface.
Performance
Those who are fans of big V8s will likely have to give the IS more than a passing glance as it does have a V8 option, one that measures five litres and is good for 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. Other options include a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder and a 3.5-litre V6. While it’s nice to have the V8, it’s no lightweight and the Q50’s single engine choice – a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 in two states of tune – allows for a livelier and more responsive front end and better handling. It’s also no slouch in the power department; it can be had in standard 300 hp/295 lb-ft spec – both figures that are up on the IS’ entry-level engine -- or uprated Red Sport I-Line spec, where it makes 400 hp and 350 lb-ft., both figures that are up on the V6-powered IS 300 and IS 350 models.
While the base IS comes equipped with RWD, AWD is standard in the Q50 and it also gets a proprietary Direct Adaptive Steering system that uses electronic actuators to receive and process the driver’s steering inputs, for a quicker response time and less vibration through the wheel. It can also be configured for sensitivity and weight on-the-fly via the lower of the two display screens.
Styling
Looks-wise, these are both handsome in their own way, though its hard to argue with the Q50’s five-point grille and squinting headlight lenses. The Lexus’ spindle grille is distinctive, but is trying a little too hard – is a little too aggressive – for many tastes. Added to which the Q50 gets special Black Opal iridescent paint for 2023, and you have quite the looker with the Infiniti.
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