Turbocharged 4-cylinder powerplants are catching the attention of more and more luxury car builders these days – all in the name of higher fuel mileage and, at the same time, retaining some get-up-and-go capability.
Infiniti has joined the trend, as the midsize Q50 sedan this year has opted for a turbocharged 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder in place of its 3.7-liter V-6.
Driving the ’16 Q50 recently was opportunity for me to test a new engine for Infiniti. While in Seattle last November, we drove a Q50 with the long-used 3.7-liter V-6 engine.
A big change just introduced a few weeks ago is to the turbocharged 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder developing 208 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. It is a Mercedes-derived engine. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through Infiniti’s 7-speed automatic transmission.
I split most of my driving time between two drive modes – Standard (or normal) and Sport, which delayed shifts, stiffened steering feel and quickened engine response. The Q50 also offered modes of Eco, Snow and Personal. Moving the shifter into manual mode added to the driving effects.
For the first time, the Q50 offers an idle stop/start system for fuel savings at stoplights. The new turboed 4-cylinder has boosted the Q50’s EPA estimate to 23 in town and 31 on the highway, and the sedan averaged a very impressive overall 29.4 mpg. In Seattle in November, we averaged 21.4 with the V-6.
The Q50 rides on Bridgestone Potenza P225/55R17 tires.
The Q50 measures 188 inches in overall length, from its modest wire-mesh grille to it short rear deck.
Inside, among highlights are wide, comfortable front seats, lightly bolstered. Legroom is limited in the rear seating area. The trunk is of only 13.5 cubic feet of space.
The review model, finished in hagane blue, was the 2.0t Premium, which carried a base price of $37,650. The Premium Plus package, adding $2,150 to the price, included Infiniti InTouch with navigation and voice recognition, SiriusXM traffic alerts, heated front seats and steering wheel, power tilt and telescope steering column, dual-occupant memory and lumbar support for driver seat, and auto-dimming exterior mirrors. The addition of $905 destination charges brought sticker price to $40,705.
Infiniti recommends use of premium fuel for its empowered engine.
Among competitors for the Q50 are the Acura TLX, Lexus ES, Volkswagen CC, Volvo S80 and others.