2020 Infiniti Q50 Goes V6 Only, Increases Pricing

Despite sales of the Infiniti Q50 looking a little light this year, Nissan’s luxury arm has decided the model moves in numbers substantial enough to keep it on offer. The same cannot be said for the vehicle’s entry level 2.0-liter turbo, however. The motor will be going away for the 2020 model year, leaving the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 as the sedan’s only available powerplant.

Replacing the base 2.0 Pure will be the 3.0t Pure. While a seven-speed automatic transmission continues sending power to the rear wheels (AWD is optional), base models now produce a claimed 300 horsepower. Considering the old 2.0-liter only produced 208 hp, you might think the change comes with a hefty price increase. But you’d be wrong. Infiniti is only asking for $36,400 (plus a $1,025 destination fee) for the base level Q50. That’s just $750 more than last year’s base model four banger.

While not as lavishly equipped as higher trimmed models, the 3.0t Pure offers 17-inch alloys, a dual exhaust system, LED headlamps, leather (and leatherette) upholstery, eight-way power seats, dual-zone climate control, and a bevy of convenience/safety items you’d expect to find on a premium Japanese sedan (Android Auto, Apple Car Play, automatic wipers, emergency braking, keyless entry, etc).

You can also get all-wheel drive, but paint options are rather limited. It looks like Infiniti is only offering base models in grayscale.

Opting for a more interesting hue or Infiniti’s various equipment packages requires stepping up to the Q50 3.0t Luxe trim. While the motor is identical, Luxe offers an upgraded interior materials, moonroof, 18-inch wheels, and HomeLink capabilities. It begins at $38,850 before destination.

The 3.0t Sport incorporates the Essential, ProASSIST and Sensory packages available on Luxe while adding sport-inspired aesthetics, 19-inch wheels, Bose audio system, and heated sport seats with thigh extensions. It begins at $48,500, without destination, but you’ll want to splurge and get the 2020 Q50 Red Sport 400 for $54,250 if it’s on your radar.

Red Sport variants include all of the previously mentioned items by default and receive a 3.0-liter motor tuned up to 400 hp. Models also receive unique interior and exterior enhancements, special paddle shifters, quilted sport seats with red contrast stitching, red brake calipers, and exclusive 19-inch wheels. While expensive, Infiniti doesn’t let you add much. Save for a few accessories and the optional “Proactive Package,” it’s as loaded as the automaker can make it.

Infiniti has also added an updated version of its InTouch infotainment system to the Q50, which splits the central display into an 8-inch upper and 7-inch lower unit. While not a perfect system, previous examples of InTouch have provided countless ways to interface with the car. You just need a little time to familiarize yourself with the arrangement before it feels truly useful.

[Images: Infiniti]