2020 Infiniti Q50 Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.
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Looking for an ultra cool-looking sedan that won't drag on your bank account? Then you might want to check out the 2020 INFINITI Q50. This snazzy little number just got outfitted with the 3.0T engine, chucking the old standard 2.0T to the curb. The infotainment system just got revamped, and you get the benefit of smartphone app integration from both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The only downsides are that the cabins come off as slightly dated and that you will hear more road noise than usual for a luxury car. All that is negated by the amount of power that the 3.0T puts out, and the abundance of standard infotainment features make the Q50 all the more attractive.
That just leaves one problem: Which trim level should you choose? You have to consider whether you will go with the 3.0t Pure, 3.0t Luxe, Edition 30, 3.0t Sport, and Red Sport 400. All of the 3.0t trim levels come equipped with the now-standard 3.0t engine, which gets 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Red Sport 400 boosts those numbers up to 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard but all-wheel drive is available on all of the trim levels, which is great news for those who live in places where inclement weather is common. Also, each trim gets a 7-speed automatic transmission that sends the power to the wheels.
That being said, here are the differences between the 2020 INFINITI Q50's trim levels. Read through to the end of this comparison review to find out which trim level we think is the best deal on the Q50.
Compare the 2020 INFINITI Q50 3.0t Pure vs 3.0t Luxe Trims. What is the difference?
The 2020 INFINTI Q50 starts off its line-up with the base 3.0t Pure trim level. The Pure and Luxe both come with the same powertrain and drive train. They also have electronic power steering, active trace control (which adjusts the engine torque and braking in order to improve the cornering performance), an independent double wishbone front suspension, and a rear independent multi-link suspension. However, the Pure sits atop 17-inch split 5-spoke while the Luxe trim gets 18-inch wheels.
On the outside, these two trim levels have a lot of similarities. They both come with automatic on/off LED headlights with daytime running lights, LED fog lights up front, LED rear brake lights with a center high-mounted stoplight, zero-lift rear and front aerodynamics and comprehensive airflow management, UV-reducing solar glass, remote keyless entry, remote power opening windows using the INFINITI Intelligent Key, side mirrors (which are power-adjustable, heated, and have integrated LED turn indicators), speed- and rain-sensing windshield wipers, courtesy lights on the front door handles, and dual chrome exhaust finishers. The Luxe trim does gain a power-sliding moonroof, which is really what distinguishes the two trim levels on the outside.
On the inside, there are some similarities and a few noteworthy differences too. Both trims have Intelligent Key, dual-zone automatic climate control, heater ducts on the rear floor and air vents mounted to the rear console, illuminated switches for the power windows, power door locks, a trunk lockout feature and valet key, retained accessory power for the moonroof and windows, sequential welcoming lighting, illuminated vanity mirrors on the front sun visors, carpeted floor mats for the front and rear, and a folding rear center armrest equipped with cupholders.
Also, both trims have leatherette-appointed seats, although the Pure gets lunar black trim while the Luxe is treated to textured aluminum. The Pure doesn't have the option for a 60/40-split folding rear seat, but it is optional on the Luxe. Power lumbar support is also optional on just the Luxe. An 8-way power-adjustable driver seat and front passenger seat are standard. Heating of the seats and steering wheel can be added as an option on the Luxe. Both get leather wrapping around the shift knob and steering wheel.
As far as the audio goes, both get the 6-speaker sound system with speed-sensitive volume control. They also have two USB ports, a complimentary three-month trial to SiriusXM Satellite Radio, dual in-glass diversity antennas, and audio controls mounted to the steering wheel. Only the Luxe has multimedia playback though.
In terms of instrumentation, the Pure and Luxe both get INFINITI's InTouch dual display screens, the Intuition digital environment (which allows you to customize all kinds of settings, ranging from audio to navigation settings), voice recognition, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and audio streaming, a rear view monitor, a multi-functional trip computer, a manual tilt and telescoping steering column, and cruise control. The Luxe trim adds an auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink built in, SiriusXM Travel Link and optional Traffic, and optional navigation with lane guidance.
Of course, there are plenty of safety features in both of these trim levels. They each come with an advanced airbag system, pretensioners on the front seat belts, an easy-to-use LATCH system for child car safety seats, brake assist, tire pressure monitoring, predictive forward collision warning, and forward emergency braking. The Luxe adds optional backup collision intervention and blind spot warning.
Security features come standard across the whole line-up. This means that the Pure and Luxe, like the other trims, get treated to the vehicle immobilizer system, security system, and Intelligent Key in addition to remote keyless entry.
Compare the 2020 INFINITI Q50 3.0t Luxe vs Edition 30 Trims. What is the difference?
For about $5,000 more, you can jump up nto the Edition 30. So, what does this trim level have that the Luxe does not? For starters, it has unique 19-inch Edition 30 wheels done in aluminum alloy. The exterior also has unique Edition 30 badging, kick plates on the front doors, dark chrome exterior trim, a black color grille mesh, and black mirror caps.
On the inside, the Edition 30 is set apart by some special attributes as well. It has upgraded leather-appointed seats, Kacchu aluminum trim, standard 60/40-split folding rear seats, standard power lumbar support on the driver's seat, power torso and manual thigh adjustments on the driver's seat, and standard heating on the seats and steering wheel.
While the audio features remain the same as what you find on the Luxe, the Edition 30 gets treated to a few more standard instrumentation features. These include navigation (which has lane guidance, Mapcare, premium traffic, and 3D building graphics), InTouch with WiFi hot spot connectivity, and emergency call and automatic collision notification. Voice recognition, SiriusXM Traffic, a surround-view monitor, sonar systems in the front and rear, a power tilt and telescoping steering system, dark metallic paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel, intelligent cruise control, and the remote engine start system get tacked on as well, making this quite the worthwhile upgrade.
Also, note that more safety features become standard as blind spot monitoring and backup collision intervention are both standardized on the Edition 30.
Compare the 2020 INFINITI Q50 Edition 30 vs 3.0t Sport. What is the difference?
Scaling up the ladder another $5,000-ish dollars gets you to the 3.0t Sport trim level. As you can imagine, this trim level has some of its own unique and sporty features. On this trim, you can opt for direct adaptive steering. You also get a standard dynamic digital front suspension, which monitors the Sport's bounce rate, body roll, and pitch and helps smooth out the ride. The rear gets treated to this as well. The vehicle also gets 19-inch wheels with sticky summer performance tires.
Adaptive front lights with auto-leveling headlights and high beam assist are an optional upgrade on the Sport. These are really the only exterior changes though. Inside, you will find some more optional features, such as intelligent cruise control with full-speed range and distance control assist. There are also optional pre-crash seat belts for the front seats and blind spot intervention. Lane departure prevention and warning also open up as options. Just take note that some of these features are being included as standard on even base trims manufactured by other automakers right now, so it is a touch baffling as to why INFINITI relegates them to options on higher trim levels.
Compare the 2020 INFINITI Q50 3.0t Sport vs Red Sport 400 Trims. What is the difference?
Finally, we have the Red Sport 400, and, yes, it is much different than the lower trim levels for one big reason - the powertrain. It comes with a 3.0-L twin-turbo V6 with dual water pumps. This engine makes a massive 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, which is a great deal of power for a vehicle of this size. It also gets treated to unique staggered fitment aluminum alloy 19-inch wheels with sticky summer performance tires added on.
While the high beam assist feature and adaptive front lighting system remains optional, the Red Sport 400 gets upgraded to black power-adjustable side mirrors with heating and integrated LED turn signals. There are also unique Red Sport 400 exhaust tips equipped.
On the interior, you will notice stunning semi-aniline quilted leather upholstery gets swapped in. Also, there are aluminum-accented pedals and a footrest. However, those are really the only changes that you will find worthy of mention on the Red Sport 400. Its main difference is, as already mentioned, found under the hood, which is really the sole reason people will choose to upgrade to this trim level. And it is a pricey upgrade with a starting MSRP of just over $54,000.
Which Trim to Choose?
These trim levels all sound pretty appealing while you are first reading about them, don't they? Well, they do make for one stellar line-up. But there are clearly some important nuances that will determine which trim level more people will want to buy.
The 3.0t Pure is a great base trim, but it lacks some of the features that will really excite potential buyers. The 3.0t Luxe is probably going to appeal to the most buyers since it is still reasonably priced for a vehicle in this segment, and it does add a few more desirable features into the mix. It leaves just enough features as options, too. Overall, it makes for a good balance that will cater to most drivers' needs.
The higher trim levels are nice - if you can afford them. If you really are settled on the INFINTI Q50 and have the means to do so, go for the 3.0t Sport. The Red Sport 400 has more power, but it will be hard for most everyone to justify the price tag with so few extra features getting added on. The 3.0t Sport gives you a lot for your money. Still, it is worth a lot of money, so the 3.0t Luxe is much more ideal.
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