Infiniti’s Q50 Sensory Sedan Is Your Tesla Model 3 Alternative

Not everyone is in love with the idea of a battery-electric vehicle and its charging headaches. Although the Tesla Model 3 now owns the small-mid-size premium-priced vehicle market, there are still some great alternatives for those who prefer to burn liquid sunshine for power. Case in point, the Infiniti Q50 Sensory AWD.

Infiniti Q50 Sensory AWD - What Is It?

The Q50 is Infiniti’s sedan model. It’s sized about the same as a Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, or Tesla Model 3. Using gasoline as its fuel, the Q50 Sensory is a premium vehicle in a price point that overlaps the Model 3.

Infiniti Q50 Sensory AWD - How Much Does It Cost?

Our test Q50 Sensory with a few low-cost accessories had an as-tested price of $53,550 inclusive of Destination charges. We’d budget around $58K for a 2024 Q50 Sensory if we were shopping today. There are no meaningful changes to the Q50 for the new model year that we can find.

Infiniti Q50 Sensory AWD - Powertrain

The Q50 Sensory AWD comes equipped with a 3-liter twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine. It has an estimated annual fuel cost, according to the EPA, of around $3,050. The engine produces 300 hp, and it is mated to a 7-speed geared automatic transmission with multiple drive modes. The car has all-wheel drive.

Infiniti Q50 Sensory AWD - Infotainment

Infiniti uses a combination of multiple smallish screens to provide infotainment. There is an upper center screen that is slaved to Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, or the Infiniti options if you are one of the last drivers in America still using native nav and music options. Under that is a helpful menu for things like settings. We liked being able to use the second screen while leaving the Android Auto view open above. There is also a decent driver information display with the usual data like speed, tire pressure, and fuel economy. Audio is by Bose through a system we would call “entry premium.” Apple CarPlay is wireless, and Android Auto wired.

Infiniti Q50 Sensory AWD - How’s It Drive?

300 hp is more than enough power for any road-going vehicle. The 295 lb-ft of torque makes starts feel smooth. The throttle mapping of the Q50 is such that you need a firm push to make the car go quickly about its business. Handling is sedan-like, of course, and we found the ride a good compromise between sportiness and comfort. 

Infiniti Q50 Sensory AWD - Premium Touches

The Q50 looks great in person. The Model 3 is being refreshed for the coming year, but the current Model 3 looks old to our eyes and was always uninteresting. The leather-appointed seats were comfortable and, unlike most past Infiniti seats we have experienced, did not squeeze us with silly bolsters. 

Infiniti Q50 Sensory AWD - Conclusion

Those who are not buying a battery-electric Model 3 in this segment but who still want to pay mid-$50Ks for a sedan will find the Q50 offers the traditional formula done quite well.

Images courtesy of Infiniti

John Goreham is an experienced New England Motor Press Association member and expert vehicle tester. John completed an engineering program with a focus on electric vehicles, followed by two decades of work in high-tech, biopharma, and the automotive supply chain before becoming a news contributor. In addition to his eleven years of work at Torque News, John has published thousands of articles and reviews at American news outlets. He is known for offering unfiltered opinions on vehicle topics. You can follow John on Twitter, and connect with him at Linkedin.