Home > News & Blogs > 2016 Infiniti Q50 Review: Luxury Ambitions With Performance Compromises | MotorVero
2016 Infiniti Q50 Review: Luxury Ambitions With Performance Compromises | MotorVero
2016 Infiniti Q50 Review: Luxury Sedan With Identity Crisis
MotorVero Verdict: The 2016 Infiniti Q50 2.0T delivers attractive styling and competitive pricing but falls short in powertrain refinement, ride quality, and interior execution compared to segment leaders. While its safety tech and value proposition offer some appeal, this luxury sedan struggles to match the driving dynamics and premium feel of rivals like the Mercedes C-Class and Cadillac ATS.
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Model Evolution & Market Position
The 2016 Q50 represented an important refresh for Infiniti's entry-luxury sedan:
- Heritage: Evolved from G35/G37 lineage (2002-2013)
- New powertrains: Mercedes-sourced 2.0T and new 3.0L twin-turbo V6
- Key updates: Revised styling, upgraded infotainment, enhanced safety tech
- Market position: Value-oriented alternative to German luxury
Exterior Design: Athletic Elegance
The Q50's styling remains one of its strongest assets:
Design Highlights
- Sculpted, aerodynamic profile (0.26 Cd)
- Signature double-arch grille and crescent-cut C-pillar
- Available 19-inch alloy wheels
- LED lighting signatures
Styling Limitations
- Less cohesive than Mercedes C-Class
- Conservative rear design
- Excessive wheel gap on base models
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Powertrain Options: Performance Analysis
The 2016 Q50 offered three engine choices:
2.0L Turbo I4
- Power: 208 hp @ 5,500 rpm
- Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 1,500-3,500 rpm
- 0-60 mph: 7.2 seconds
- MPG: 23/30/26 (city/hwy/combined)
3.0L Twin-Turbo V6
- Power: 300 hp @ 6,400 rpm
- Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 1,600-5,200 rpm
- 0-60 mph: 5.5 seconds
- MPG: 20/29/23
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3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 (Red Sport)
- Power: 400 hp @ 6,400 rpm
- Torque: 350 lb-ft @ 1,600-5,200 rpm
- 0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds
- MPG: 19/26/22
Driving Dynamics: Performance Shortfalls
The 2.0T model exhibited several dynamic deficiencies:
| Category | Performance | Competitor Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Refinement | Coarse, uninsulated | Mercedes C300 (same engine, better tuning) |
| Transmission | 7-speed slow to downshift | BMW 8-speed (quicker responses) |
| Ride Quality | Stiff, unsettled on rough roads | Audi A4 (more composed) |
| Steering Feel | Numb (hydraulic) or artificial (DAS) | Cadillac ATS (precise, communicative) |
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Interior: Premium But Not Luxury
The Q50's cabin presents a mixed experience:
Cabin Strengths
- Comfortable zero-gravity front seats
- Dual touchscreen infotainment (updated for 2016)
- Generous front legroom (44.5")
- Available premium materials (semi-aniline leather)
Cabin Weaknesses
- Excessive hard plastics in key areas
- Cramped rear headroom (37.1")
- Confusing dual-screen interface
- Small 13.5 cu.ft trunk
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Technology & Safety Features
The Q50 offered competitive tech for 2016:
- Infiniti InTouch: Dual displays (8" upper, 7" lower)
- Safety Shield: Standard forward collision warning
- Available: Adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring
- Innovative: Predictive Forward Collision Warning
Competitive Landscape
How the Q50 2.0T compares to key rivals:
| Model | Advantages Over Q50 | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes C300 | Superior refinement, luxury image | Higher base price |
| Cadillac ATS 2.0T | Better handling, more power (272 hp) | Tighter rear seat |
| BMW 328i | Sharper dynamics, better transmission | Firmer ride quality |
| Lexus IS 200t | More reliable, quieter cabin | Less engaging to drive |
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Reliability & Ownership Costs
The 2016 Q50 presents a mixed reliability picture
Strong points: Durable V6 engines, solid transmission
- Concerns: Mercedes 2.0T oil consumption, infotainment glitches
- Warranty: 4-year/60,000-mile basic coverage
- Depreciation: 45% after 3 years (better than German rivals)
Who Should Consider the 2016 Q50?
This luxury sedan makes sense for:
- Value-focused buyers wanting premium features below German prices
- Infiniti loyalists seeking an upgrade from previous G models
- Tech-oriented drivers interested in advanced safety systems
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With used prices typically ranging $18,000-$25,000 (2023 values), the Q50 offers affordable entry to luxury features but comes with compromises.
Final Assessment: Missed Opportunities
The 2016 Infiniti Q50 represents a curious case of squandered potential. While its styling and value proposition remain attractive, the driving experience—particularly with the underwhelming 2.0T powertrain—fails to deliver the refined, engaging dynamics expected in this competitive segment. The cabin quality and tech interface similarly fall short of class benchmarks. For buyers prioritizing badge prestige or driving enjoyment, German rivals remain superior choices, while Lexus offers better reliability. The Q50's strongest appeal lies in its V6-powered variants, which deliver the performance promise the base model lacks.
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Last Updated On Oct, 07-2025