Infiniti’s product managers have big expectations for the Q50. It must outpace the sales numbers set by its G37 predecessor and if initial orders in the first month it was on sale are anything to go by (reportedly 15% higher than expectations), Infiniti might just have a sales winner on its hands. If so, it will be due in no small part to its aggressive pricing platforms with a rear wheel drive Q50 starting at $37,500. Throw every technological wizardry option plus all-wheel-drive and the Hybrid S model and you’re still only at $56,450. BMW’s Active3 Hybrid starts two grand higher than that and doesn’t have half the features of the Q50.
When shopping the fiercely competitive luxury sedan market, there are several outstanding choices. If your tastes lie more with overt sporting sedans whose emphasis is on driving enjoyment and handling, a BMW 3 Series, Cadillac ATS or even Lexus IS350 may suit your needs. But if you’d rather have a slightly larger car that gives up little in driving enjoyment to its competitors but offers truly amazing technology not available elsewhere, the Infiniti is a high-value consideration.
Please just remember, keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road, okay?
Pricing: 2014 Infiniti Q50
RWD: $37,500
RWD Sport + Premium + Navi + Touring (as tested): $47,950
AWD Hybrid Sport + Navi + Touring Tech (as tested): $56,450
Competitors:
Audi A4
BMW 335i
BMW ActiveHybrid 3
Cadillac ATS
Lexus IS 350
Mercedes-Benz C 350
Volvo S60
