Going into 2018, Infiniti Cars Australia have announced some changes to their Q50 saloon, streamlining the range to no longer include diesel variant and, starting at $54,900 (before ORCs), the entry level GT spec coming in with at $1,000 dearer than before.
The all-petrol Q50 line-up will now use the marque’s Daimler-sourced 2.0-litre turbocharged unit that generates 155kW and 350Nm, powering variants up to the mid-range Sport Premium tier. From there, there’s either a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 in two states of tune (224kW, 298kW) or a 3.5-litre turbocharged V6 hybrid that boasts a combined output of 286kW.
In all combinations, though, drive is always sent to the rear wheels via a 7-speed torque converter automatic - also sourced from Daimler and identical to the 7G-Tronic shifter in Mercedes-Benz products. In its most potent guise, Red Sport with the 298kW/475Nm V6, the Q50 delivers performance to trade blows with the BMW 340i M-Sport, Mercedes-AMG C 43, or Audi S4.
Oddly, Infiniti has elected to keep the 0-100km/h time for that particular configuration to themselves. Still, we do know that the heavier but still quite quick hybrid powerplant (with all-wheel drive equipped) can propel it to the century mark in 5.1 seconds thanks to its making use of the front whees for extra traction.
Engine and trim levels aside, the Q50 also sports some revised front and rear fascia styling, though we’re honestly struggling to spot these right off the cuff. The new 18- and 19-inch alloy wheel design on the GT, though, work much better as identifiers.
However, the most significant change made to these updated Q50s has to be the shift to the second-generation version of Infiniti’s Direct Adaptive Steering System. The automaker says it provides drivers with feedback that’s more akin to that of a traditional hydraulic rack, thanks to a more responsive hardware and software stack that more naturally tunes its steering ratio for a more comfort-oriented or sporty response.
Standard equipment on the Q50s are, as ever, quite generous. In addition to the new-look alloys, which do come wrapped in performance tyres), even the base variant receives niceties such as keyless entry and start, a dual-screen infotainment system, gear shift paddles, new LED tail lights, and a four-mode drive selector. Meanwhile, the Sport Premium and Red Sport also receive ambient interior lighting.
Inside, the updates are also rather minor, confined to an updated steering wheel and gear level. That said, the flagship Red Sport has received some special treatment with revised seats in quilted leather matched to red contrast stitching. It should pair nicely with the new paint option: Dynamic Sandstone Red.
- Q50 2.0t GT - $54,900
- Q50 2.0t GT + Sunroof - $56,890
- Q50 2.0t Sport Premium - $62,400
- Q50 3.5t Hybrid Sport Premium - RWD - $73,400
- Q50 3.5t Hybrid Sport Premium - AWD - $75,400
- Q50 3.0t Sport Premium - $70,400
- Q50 3.0t Red Sport - $79,900
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