At this year’s Geneva Motor Show, INFINITI unwrapped the new 2018 INFINITI Q50 sedan, showing off its newest updates. The Q50 features new driver support tech and other refreshes in the two body styles and four trim levels. The driver-assist technology is now referred to as “ProPilot,” but it doesn’t have much in the way of changes from the 2017 model year.
Exterior
Design changes for the exterior include the addition of a trim level. The Pure and Luxe trim level (formerly the base and premium trim levels) exteriors did not see much in the way of changes. However, in the Sport and Red Sport 400 trim levels, you’ll see several exterior design changes. All trim levels received a new grille that is more aggressive. LED headlights are now standard on all of the trim levels. Additional front changes include a reshaped bumper and lower air intakes. The bumper on the Sport and Red Sport 400 is more angular and features a Formula-inspired airfoil. The tail lights took a cue from the INFINITI Q60 coupe and are now slimmer.
The Red Sport 400 also adds a two-tone paint finish and twin exhaust visual enhancements. This trim level also has 19-inch wheels with a thinner spoke pattern. The new wheels give the Red Sport 400 better cornering stability.
Interior
Each trim level received its own changes. The dual screen center dash has not changed – INFINITI left the 8-inch top screen and 7-inch lower screen as they were. The Q50 took the Q60 coupe’s steering wheel for 2018; and, it upgraded the faux-leather materials on the dashboard and added new wood trim options. The new steering wheel features molded places for your thumbs and the gear shifter paddles mounted on the wheel were reshaped, giving you better fingertip access.
The leather shifter knob is new this year and is now more performance-oriented. It and the instrument panel feature new double-stitched seams and new chrome trim. The shifter knob features the INFINITI logo.
The ProPilot features available for the 2018 model remain the same as in previous years; however, the Direct Adaptive Steering, INFINITI’s steer-by-wire system, did get an upgrade so that it is more responsive.
Additionally, the Red Sport 400 received new red stitching in the cabin and the seats received quilted side inserts. It also received aluminum with a patterned surface, black headliner, matte chrome finish on the dashboard dials and matte dark chrome on the doors.
Performance
In 2018, the INFINITI has four engine choices. The twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine makes 300 horsepower. In the Red Sport 400, the same engine has 400 horsepower. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo charged engine makes 208 horsepower and the hybrid 3.5-liter V-6 with a lithium-ion battery makes 360 horsepower.
The optional Dynamic Digital Suspension is available. The optional suspension features adaptive and electronic dampers so that the driver is able to customize performance and ride quality. To help in cornering ability, INFINITI revised the stabilizer bars in the front and rear of the Q50. And, you may choose from rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
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