Car news! Infiniti Q50 Hybrid

Infiniti Q50 Hybrid

Full 2015 Infiniti Q50 Review

What's New for 2015

Following a redesign last year, the Infiniti Q50 returns unchanged for 2015.

Introduction

The 2015 Infiniti Q50 is a tale of two cars. The Q50 is one of the most highly rated midsized luxury sedans by Edmunds. It also received one of the lowest grades. Wait, what?

Both Q50 models feature a well-built interior with plenty of high-tech options and organic styling that sets it apart from other midsize luxury sedans. The differences between the two lie mostly in how they drive. In particular, the Q50 Hybrid suffers from uneven and inconsistent acceleration and braking. The optional Direct Adaptive Steering (also available on the non-hybrid Q50) removes the physical link between the steering wheel and front wheels and substitutes an electronic system. The result is an unsettling response delay and lack of feedback. The Hybrid also gets points deducted for its smaller trunk and rough ride quality.

With those differences in mind, we wholeheartedly recommend the standard Q50 and caution against the Q50 Hybrid. Likewise, we don't recommend the Direct Adaptive Steering, which unfortunately comes bundled with the Deluxe Touring package and may be required for some of the high-end safety technology features.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2015 Infiniti Q50 is a five passenger midsize luxury sport sedan that is offered in base, Premium, Q50S and Hybrid trim levels. All-wheel drive (AWD) is also available for each trim.

Standard features for the base Q50 include 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, LED foglights, heated mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, leatherette (premium vinyl) upholstery, eight-way power front seats, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a rearview camera, twin touchscreen displays, voice controls, Bluetooth connectivity and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, two USB ports, an iPod interface, an auxiliary audio jack, satellite radio and HD radio. The Q50 AWD includes a heated steering wheel.

The Q50 Premium adds a sunroof, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a 14-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system.

The Q50S includes all of the Premium items along with 19-inch wheels, summer performance tires, more aggressive exterior styling, upgraded brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, paddle shifters and leather sport seats with power lumbar, power side bolster adjustments and manual thigh extension. The Q50S AWD adds the heated steering wheel and all-season tires.

The Q50 Hybrid Premium includes all of the Q50 Premium features and adds a drive-by-wire steering system, cabin noise suppression systems, power steering wheel adjustments, a sport-tuned suspension, leather upholstery, power lumbar adjustments for the driver and a rear-seat center pass-through to the trunk. The added features for the Q50S Hybrid and AWD models mirror the standard Q50S list.