The 2016 Infiniti Q50 received an array of updates, but not because its predecessor was a failure. The previous Infiniti Q50 was a decent car, but it needed to be brought up to a level in line with the fierce competition in the automobile industry.
One of the more notable improvements in the 2016 edition of the vehicle is the all-new 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, capable of producing 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. The vehicle also received huge improvements to its drive-by-wire Direct Adaptive Steering System, which links the car's steering wheel to motors located at the front wheel electronically.
With these changes in place, what do the experts say about the 2016 Infiniti Q50?
According to Jalopnik's Patrick George, the new engine of the Q50 is a very, very good one, as it is more modern and more powerful compared to the 3.7-liter VQ V6 engine of its predecessor. George also says that he felt the 400 horsepower when he took the vehicle for a drive, as Infiniti has injected fun into the car with the new model.
George drove the Q50 Red Sport, which actually comes in more colors than just red and offers rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. The vehicle's Direct Adaptive Steering technology provided tighter and more direct control, with the car company claiming that the system allows for less weight, complexity and maintenance.
Kirk Bell of Motor Authority generally echoes George's sentiments, with the 400 horsepower engine of the vehicle said to be the reason on why customers should buy it. However, he believes that the most important changes for the 2016 model of the Q50 are in the new Dynamic Digital Suspension and the improvements to the car's drive-by-wire system.
Bell tried the driving system on both the Standard and Sport+ modes, which are two of the several settings of the system. He encountered a few issues, such as the artificial ratio change while speeding up and the quick ratios for low speeds, but overall, he wrote that the vehicle is "a beautiful, powerful, and fine handling car."
Chris Clonts of Motor Trend adds that the feedback and ratio of the Direct Adaptive Steering system could be slightly twitchy on the highest performance settings, with the Standard setting giving the most natural feel. However, driving the vehicle on the Sport+/Dynamic+ setting on an autocross course transformed the Q50 Red Sport into a fast but still responsive vehicle.
Autoweek's Wesley Wren notes that a seven-speed automatic transmission is the only option available for the vehicle, which would be a huge negative for drivers that prefer manual transmission for their high-powered rides. However, even with that limitation, the Q50 is still a viable choice for customers looking to purchase a luxury sedan.
The price of the 2016 Infiniti Q50 lineup has not yet been revealed, though the company hinted that the 400 horsepower Red Sport model will be sold at significantly less than the $60,000 average price for luxury sedans with the same horsepower.
Slash Gear's Benjamin Hunting called the vehicle a success, especially at that price, as a comfortable and stylish luxury sedan with a strong suite of safety features.
