The INFINITI Q50 sports sedan entered the 2021 model year with a refreshed lineup, introducing a new grade level and enriching both standard features and optional packages. For those seeking a blend of luxury and performance, the 2021 Q50 offered a compelling proposition, building upon its reputation as a sophisticated and dynamic driving machine.
The 2021 Q50 range expanded to four distinct grade levels, catering to a wider spectrum of preferences and budgets. The familiar PURE, LUXE, and RED SPORT 400 trims were joined by the all-new SENSORY grade, slotting in as a premium offering focused on enhanced comfort and technology. This strategic reorganization streamlined the model selection process and allowed buyers to more easily pinpoint the 2021 Q50 that perfectly aligned with their needs.
A key enhancement for the 2021 Q50 was the strategic revision of optional equipment packages. INFINITI listened to customer feedback and elevated the ProASSIST Package, making its contents – a suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies – standard on the LUXE grade and above. This meant that popular safety and convenience features became more accessible, enhancing the overall value proposition of the 2021 Q50. Furthermore, integrated navigation became a standard feature on the SENSORY and RED SPORT 400 models, simplifying in-car guidance for drivers of these higher trims. For audiophiles and comfort seekers, a new Seat & Sound Package was introduced for the LUXE grade, combining premium seating surfaces with an upgraded audio system.
Connectivity received a significant boost in the 2021 Q50. A standard Wi-Fi hotspot was implemented across the entire range, transforming the cabin into a mobile hub for passengers. LUXE models further benefited from an expanded array of driver assistance features, including the Intelligent Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection, enhancing parking and low-speed maneuverability. Adding to the sense of sophisticated control, a haptic steering wheel was incorporated into models equipped with Lane Departure Warning, providing tactile alerts to the driver. Power folding outside mirrors, previously an optional extra, became standard on the SENSORY and RED SPORT 400 grades, adding a touch of convenience and premium appeal to the higher-end 2021 Q50 models.
Exterior aesthetics also saw subtle refinements for the 2021 Q50. A new exterior color, Slate Gray, joined the palette, offering a modern and sophisticated option for discerning buyers. The performance-oriented RED SPORT 400 trim received distinctive interior and exterior accents, including new Black Matte Carbon Fiber interior trim and black exterior trim elements, further amplifying its sporty character and visual aggression within the 2021 Q50 lineup.
Under the hood, the 2021 Q50 continued to offer the acclaimed 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine in two power outputs. Drivers could choose between a 300-horsepower variant for robust everyday performance or the exhilarating 400-horsepower version exclusive to the RED SPORT 400. Both engines delivered a compelling blend of power and refinement, solidifying the 2021 Q50‘s position as a true sports sedan. Crucially, every grade level of the 2021 Q50 was available with a choice of rear-wheel drive or INFINITI’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, allowing drivers to tailor their car to their driving style and climate conditions.
Exterior Design: A Choice of Dynamic Statements
The 2021 Q50 retained its captivating exterior design, offering distinct visual personalities depending on the chosen grade. The SENSORY grade emphasized a performance-inspired aesthetic, while the flagship RED SPORT 400 boldly communicated its high-performance capabilities through exclusive styling cues.
At the front, all 2021 Q50 models showcased INFINITI’s signature double-arch grille, a prominent design element that immediately established the car’s brand identity. The grille’s intricate three-dimensional mesh pattern and chrome surround conveyed a sense of depth and premium craftsmanship. A strong character line flowed rearward from the grille, sculpting the Q50’s flanks and creating a fluid and dynamic profile. The signature LED headlamps, echoing the human eye in their design, and the slim LED combination rear lamps, inspired by the Q60 sports coupe, contributed to a sophisticated and recognizable light signature for the 2021 Q50.
The front fascias of the 2021 Q50 SENSORY and RED SPORT 400 grades were differentiated by more aggressively styled bumpers and wider, lower air intakes compared to the non-Sport models. These design elements enhanced the visual impact and suggested the performance potential lurking beneath the surface. Drawing inspiration from INFINITI’s aerodynamic philosophy, the 2021 Q50 incorporated a front airfoil at the base of the bumper, contributing to optimized airflow and stability.
The rear design of the SENSORY and RED SPORT 400 models placed emphasis on the twin exhaust outlets and a rear diffuser featuring a two-tone paint finish. Dark metallic trim around the lower bumper area provided a contrasting accent to the body color, further enhancing the sporty rear view of the 2021 Q50.
The RED SPORT 400 stood apart with unique exhaust finishers and larger 19-inch wheels, contributing to a more assertive stance and improved handling characteristics. The exclusive aluminum-alloy wheels on the RED SPORT 400 boasted a more technical design with thinner spokes compared to the wheels on the SENSORY grade, visually reinforcing the car’s performance focus within the 2021 Q50 range.
The 2021 Q50‘s body sides were sculpted to project a sense of strength and agility, with a robust bone-and-arched roofline flowing seamlessly into the signature crescent C-pillars. At the rear, the side character lines merged smoothly with the LED taillights, and the familiar double-arch trunk line completed the distinctive rear design of the 2021 Q50.
Heated outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signals were standard across the 2021 Q50 lineup. A power sliding and tilting glass moonroof was standard on all models except the base PURE trim. As mentioned earlier, power folding outside mirrors were newly standard for the SENSORY and RED SPORT 400 grades for the 2021 Q50 model year.
The RED SPORT 400 further distinguished itself with red “S” badging, high-gloss black mirror caps, red-painted sport brake calipers, and unique exhaust tips, all contributing to its performance-oriented persona and confident presence as the pinnacle of the 2021 Q50 range.
Wide door openings and narrow A- and B-pillars facilitated easy entry and exit and created an open and airy cabin environment. The body design also prioritized aerodynamic efficiency, achieving a drag coefficient as low as 0.26, depending on the specific grade level and drive configuration of the 2021 Q50. Furthermore, the 2021 Q50 boasted zero front and rear lift, enhancing stability at higher speeds.
The exterior color palette for the 2021 Q50 included the new Slate Gray and Grand Blue, alongside carryover options like Midnight Black, Graphite Shadow, Black Obsidian, Dynamic Sunstone Red, Majestic White, and Pure White, providing a wide array of choices to personalize the 2021 Q50.
Interior Cabin: Crafted for Connection and Comfort
Inside the 2021 Q50, occupants were greeted by a meticulously crafted and technologically advanced cabin. Each grade level featured unique interior trim and materials, creating distinct atmospheres within the 2021 Q50 range.
High-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship were evident throughout the interior. The instrument panel was wrapped in premium materials with double stitching, and available finely crafted trims adorned the dashboard, adding a touch of bespoke luxury to the 2021 Q50.
Drawing inspiration from the Q60 sports coupe, the 2021 Q50‘s interior incorporated performance-oriented design cues. A leather-wrapped shift knob with double-stitched seams and chrome trim, featuring an inlaid INFINITI logo, provided a tactile and visually appealing touchpoint. For enhanced driver feedback, a haptic steering wheel was introduced for 2021 Q50 models equipped with Lane Departure Warning, offering subtle vibrations instead of audible alerts.
INFINITI’s signature zero-gravity spinal support seats were a highlight of the 2021 Q50‘s interior, engineered to provide exceptional comfort and reduce fatigue on long journeys. These seats were designed to distribute body pressure evenly, minimizing stress on the back and enhancing overall comfort for both front and rear occupants. The spacious cabin offered ample headroom and rear knee room, further enhanced by the thin front seatback design and wide-range seat adjustability.
The instrument panel retained INFINITI’s double-wave design, creating a flowing and ergonomic layout. Key controls and functions, including hard switches, touch panels, the INFINITI Controller, and the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector, were positioned for easy access without requiring the driver to significantly alter their driving posture in the 2021 Q50.
The INFINITI InTouch™ System featured dual HD displays and standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, ensuring seamless smartphone connectivity. Two illuminated USB ports (Type-A and Type-C) were also standard, catering to modern device charging needs within the 2021 Q50.
InTouch™ allowed drivers to personalize various vehicle settings and store driver profiles linked to the Intelligent Key (I-Key). This included an easy entry and exit assist system that automatically moved the driver’s seat and steering wheel for comfortable ingress and egress, before returning them to the saved memory settings. SENSORY and RED SPORT 400 models also included SiriusXM® Travel Link, providing access to real-time information such as weather, fuel prices, stocks, sports scores, and movie times (SiriusXM® subscription required).
The 2021 Q50 SENSORY and RED SPORT 400 grades were equipped with a premium 16-speaker Bose® Performance Series sound system. This system utilized advanced staging technology and a signal processing algorithm specifically tailored to the Q50’s cabin acoustics, delivering a rich and immersive audio experience. Bose® CenterPoint 2.0 software enabled surround-sound reproduction from any stereo source, further enhancing the listening experience within the 2021 Q50. SiriusXM® Radio and HD Radio were also standard features.
Standard safety and convenience features included Forward Emergency Braking, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, and a RearView Monitor, underscoring INFINITI’s commitment to safety and driver assistance in the 2021 Q50.
Interior upholstery options for the 2021 Q50 included leather-appointed seating surfaces in Graphite, Stone, Gallery White with Red stitching (RED SPORT 400), and Graphite with Red stitching (RED SPORT 400).
The base Q50 PURE featured a Lunar Black interior, while the LUXE grade offered Textured Aluminum interior trim. The SENSORY grade introduced a new Black Open Pore Wood interior trim, and the RED SPORT 400 featured distinctive Black Matte Carbon Fiber interior trim, further differentiating each 2021 Q50 trim level.
The RED SPORT 400 interior was further enhanced with semi-aniline quilted leather-appointed seats, red stitching throughout the cabin, and quilted side inserts, reinforcing its sporty and luxurious character within the 2021 Q50 lineup.
The 2021 Q50 offered a comprehensive suite of safety, security, and driving aid technologies. Standard features included Forward Emergency Braking and Predictive Forward Collision Warning. Available systems included Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection, Intelligent Cruise Control with Full Speed Range, Distance Control Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Blind Spot Intervention®, Backup Collision Intervention, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention with Active Lane Control, Adaptive Front lighting System, and High Beam Assist technology, making the 2021 Q50 a leader in its class for safety technology.
Performance: Twin-Turbocharged Power and Precision Handling
The 2021 Q50 offered a choice of two potent versions of the award-winning VR-series 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine. These engines were engineered to deliver an ideal balance of responsiveness, efficiency, and exhilarating performance, a hallmark of the 2021 Q50.
The high-output variant, standard in the 2021 Q50 RED SPORT 400, produced 400 horsepower at 6,400 rpm, making it one of the most powerful standard engines in its class. It also generated 350 lb-ft of torque, available from 1,600 to 5,200 rpm, providing strong and linear acceleration across a wide rev range in the 2021 Q50.
The standard output version, found in the Q50 PURE, LUXE, and SENSORY models, delivered a still-impressive 300 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque from 1,600 to 5,200 rpm, ensuring brisk performance for everyday driving in the 2021 Q50.
The VR engine family incorporated advanced technologies, including a direct-injection gasoline fueling system, to optimize performance and efficiency. This high-pressure system precisely metered fuel delivery for smooth acceleration and optimal fuel economy. Lightweight aluminum construction, spray bore coating for the engine block, and integrated exhaust manifolds for the cylinder heads contributed to reduced weight and enhanced cooling, further boosting the 2021 Q50’s performance and efficiency.
The integrated exhaust manifold design positioned the catalytic converter closer to the exhaust point, enabling faster warm-up and reduced emissions, especially during cold starts. An advanced twin-turbo system with optimized turbine blade design ensured responsive power delivery and enhanced overall engine performance in the 2021 Q50. A water-cooled intercooler system further improved efficiency and reduced turbo lag by rapidly cooling intake air. An electronic wastegate actuator precisely controlled exhaust gas flow for optimized engine efficiency across various driving conditions in the 2021 Q50.
The RED SPORT 400 engine received additional enhancements, including an extra water pump for improved cooling and an optical turbine speed sensor, allowing the turbochargers to operate at speeds up to 240,000 rpm, further maximizing performance.
Both engine variants in the 2021 Q50 were paired with an advanced seven-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with manual shift mode. SPORT and RED SPORT 400 models offered available steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience. The transmission featured adaptive shift control, using a lateral acceleration sensor to optimize gear selection based on road conditions. Sport Mode provided a more aggressive shift pattern, and Manual Mode allowed for full driver control via the paddle shifters or gear lever. The 2021 Q50 offered a choice of rear-wheel drive or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive for all grade levels.
Direct Adaptive Steering and Dynamic Digital Suspension: Advanced Chassis Technology
The 2021 Q50 stood out with available Direct Adaptive Steering, a pioneering technology that represented a step towards future autonomous driving systems. This system offered faster steering response and reduced steering corrections compared to conventional mechanical systems, making 1,000 steering adjustments per second. It also enhanced steering feel by providing intelligent feedback about road surface and chassis behavior, increasing driver confidence and reducing fatigue in the 2021 Q50. Direct Adaptive Steering was available on the RED SPORT 400 as part of the ProACTIVE package. PURE, LUXE, and SENSORY models featured a refined Rack Electronic Power Steering design.
All 2021 Q50 models featured a 4-wheel independent suspension for a balanced ride and handling. The front suspension used a double-wishbone design, and the rear suspension employed a multi-link design with coil springs and Dual Flow Path® shock absorbers (non-SPORT models). Extensive use of aluminum components reduced weight, and stabilizer bars were included front and rear.
The RED SPORT 400 standard Dynamic Digital Suspension continuously adjusted shock absorber damping force to optimize body control during cornering and improve ride comfort. It monitored body roll, pitch, and bounce rate to maintain a composed and comfortable ride in various driving conditions in the 2021 Q50.
Braking was handled by a 4-wheel power-assisted vented disc brake system with ABS, Electronic Brake force Distribution, and Brake Assist. The RED SPORT 400 featured upgraded Sport Brakes with larger rotors, 4-piston front calipers, 2-piston rear calipers, and red-painted calipers for enhanced stopping power.
Wheel and tire options ranged from 17-inch wheels on the PURE to 19-inch sport wheels on the SENSORY and exclusive 19-inch wheels on the RED SPORT 400. Run-flat tires were used across the range, and the RED SPORT 400 RWD offered staggered rear tires for enhanced traction.
Five Well-Equipped Grades for 2021
The 2021 Q50 offered five distinct and well-equipped grades to suit different buyer preferences.
The Q50 PURE included standard features like 8-way power front seats, Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control, INFINITI InTuition™, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, INFINITI Intelligent Key, 17-inch alloy wheels, Forward Emergency Braking, and Predictive Forward Collision Warning, representing a strong entry point to the 2021 Q50 lineup.
The Q50 LUXE added chrome exterior trim, a power moonroof, HomeLink®, 18-inch alloy wheels, Textured Aluminum interior trim, heated front seats and steering wheel, Around View® Monitor, Blind Spot Warning, Backup Collision Intervention, Distance Control Assist, and Intelligent Cruise Control with Full Speed Range, offering a significant step up in features and luxury in the 2021 Q50.
Q50 SENSORY models included sport fascias, 19-inch sport alloy wheels, leather-appointed sport seats, Navigation, a Bose® Performance Series 16-speaker sound system, Dynamic Digital Suspension, Advanced Climate Control System, Black Open Pore Wood interior trim, driver memory system, and enhanced ambient lighting, emphasizing comfort and technology within the 2021 Q50 range.
The ultra-performance Q50 RED SPORT 400 featured quilted semi-aniline leather seats, aluminum pedals, red contrast stitching, Black Matte Carbon interior trim, dark metallic paddle shifters, staggered 19-inch wheels, black mirrors, unique exhaust tips, sport brakes with red calipers, and the 400-horsepower engine, representing the ultimate expression of performance and luxury in the 2021 Q50.
Only two option packages were available for the 2021 Q50. The ProACTIVE Package (RED SPORT 400) included Direct Adaptive Steering, Lane Departure Prevention, Blind Spot Intervention, Adaptive Front lighting System, pre-crash seatbelts, Eco Pedal, and an illuminated INFINITI grille emblem. The new Seat & Sound Package (LUXE) added leather-appointed seats, a Bose® Performance Series Audio system, driver’s seat power lumbar, and enhanced ambient lighting, offering focused upgrades for specific needs within the 2021 Q50 lineup.
The 2021 Infiniti Q50 continued to refine the sports sedan formula, offering a compelling blend of performance, luxury, technology, and style in a range of well-specified models.
