Photo by Paul Clinton.

Photo by Paul Clinton.

Infiniti's heavy refresh of its Q50 entry luxury sedan arrived in the late 2016 model year with a revamp of the nameplate's engine choices to increase performance and driving dynamics. The focal point has been on a pair of V-6 powerplants — a 3.0L twin-turbo V-6 with 300-hp or 400-hp ratings.

Fleets that choose the vehicle for sales personnel will likely zero in on the third engine — a 2.0L turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that makes 208 hp. This engine helps the vehicle achieve EPA fuel economy ratings of 31 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city.

Because most press vehicles come optioned to the hilt, we tested the 2017 Q50 Red Sport with all-wheel drive. It's powered by the 400-hp V-6.

Infiniti is touting this V-6 as the "most advanced V-6" offered by Infiniti because it uses a lightweight aluminum-alloy block and cylinder heads, optimized turbine blade design, turbine speed sensor, electronic wastegate actuator, water-cooled engine charging, e-motor valve timing control and an integrated exhaust manifold.

Photo by Paul Clinton.

Photo by Paul Clinton.

Infiniti has also made chassis enhancements to the Q50 that improve the driving experience. Fuel economy may not be the top goal for the Q50 Red Sport, but it's surprisingly good for an engine with this level of performance. The vehicle gets an EPA-rated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg during highway driving.

The Q50 Red Sport opts for a more minimalist cabin, but it's far from Spartan.

One technology option, in fact, can be dazzling. The Q50 Red Sport provides two infotainment dashboard screens in the center stack, so drivers can display navigation and a use a second screen for fuel usage, audio information, or vehicle settings.

Our model would retail for $56,470, but a base model Q50 starts at $34,855.

Related Photos: Infiniti's Q50 Red Sport AWD

About the author
Paul Clinton

Paul Clinton

Former Senior Web Editor

Paul Clinton covered an array of fleet and automotive topics for Automotive Fleet, Government Fleet, Mobile Electronics, Police Magazine, and other Bobit Business Media publications.

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