2022 Infiniti Q50 Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

Infiniti is attempting to keep up with other luxury brand auto manufacturers for 2022 by making a series of small but important additions to the Q50. With wireless Apple CarPlay now standard across the line-up, drivers won't have to fuss and fidget with bulky cords when pairing their iPhones to their infotainment systems. (Sorry, Android users, wireless connectivity is not yet available for Android Auto on the Q50.)

This year also sees the discontinuation of the base Pure trim level. Why? We assume that the Pure was not a big seller and that the company could save money on manufacturing by eliminating it. Will anybody miss it? Most likely not. That now makes the Luxe the base trim, and it has a more well-rounded feel to it than the outgoing Pure. As we will shortly discuss, the Luxe trim is densely packed with features for being an entry-level trim.

Unfortunately, the 2022 Infiniti Q50 still suffers from an outdated interior design. You won't find as many high-quality, expensive-looking bits of décor as you will in the Q50's top rivals. While the interior has a reasonable build quality, it just doesn't look exceptional. Some rivals just do better - and at a very similar cost.

Q50 buyers also have to deal with a few fussy, overly sensitive advanced driver aids. Technology on the Q50 just feels inferior to other models with its glitchy infotainment system and smartphone app integration. While adaptive cruise control actually does work well on the Q50, the Active Trace Control exhibits too many problems to be considered effective.

The positives? Infiniti knows how to do comfort. The front seats are packed with it, and even the rear seats feel cozy enough for a road trip. You also get a power-packed turbo V6 under the hood to get this vehicle up and moving. But will the positives outweigh the negatives? And, if you are settled on buying the Q50, which of the three remaining trim levels will suit you best?

Read on, dear reader - it is time to learn about the Luxe, Sensory, and Red Sport 400 trim levels.

Compare the Luxe vs Sensory Trims. What is the difference?

Alright, first things first - let's compare the base Luxe to the mid-tier Sensory trim level. What sets them apart? Is one the better buy?

Let's talk engines. Both the Luxe and Sensory share a 3.0-L V6 twin-turbo engine made with an aluminum-alloy block and heads. The valvetrain is a double overhead camshaft 4-valves-per-cylinder with Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System. The CVVTCS assists with opening both the intake and exhaust valves. This engine is able to put forth 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. This does make for a powerful base engine option. Also, this engine gets paired with a standard 7-speed automatic transmission that comes equipped with hill start assist, Adaptive Shift Control, and two automatic coolers for the transmission fluid. Its driver-adaptive learning algorithm learns your driving habits and adapts the system to them. Rear-wheel-drive (RWD) is standard, but you can opt for the intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.

Aside from that, you get electronic power steering with the aforementioned active trace control. When this feature actually does work well, it adjusts engine torque and vehicle braking to improve cornering feel. The front suspension is an independent, double-wishbone with coil springs while the rear is an independent, multi-link. Along with the 4-wheel, 4-channel ABS, you get 12.6 x 1.1-inch ventilated disc front brakes and 12.1 x 0.6-inch ventilated disc rear brakes. While the Luxe has 18-inch wheels, the Sensory upgrades that size by an inch. Both have run-flat performance tires tacked on.

You might have some trouble telling these two trims apart just by looking at them from the outside. They both come with auto-on/off LED headlights with daytime running lights, front LED fog lights, and a center high-mounted stoplight to work along with the LED taillights. Also, these trims all have a comprehensive airflow management system for creating zero-lift front and rear aerodynamics and a low drag coefficient. The glass is UV solar reducing, and there is a power sliding and tilting tinted moonroof.

In addition to all of that, these trims both have remote keyless entry, the INFINITI Intelligent Key (for remote opening of the power windows), power-adjustable heated side mirrors with built-in turn indicators and reverse tilt-down, and speed-sensing variable intermittent front windshield wipers. The front door handles light up with courtesy lights, and there is a rear window defroster with a timer built in. Also, you will see dual chrome exhaust finishers in the back.

How do these two trim levels differ on the inside? This is where you will find a few distinguishing elements. Both have the push button ignition that comes with the Intelligent Key. A dual-zone automatic climate control system is also standard. However, the Sensory trim gains auto-recirculation, a Plasmacluster Air Purifier, and a Grape Polyphenol Filter on its advanced system. There are rear floor heat ducts and air vents mounted onto the console. The power windows come with illuminated switches, and the power doors have an auto-locking function. You also get a valet key and trunk lockout feature.

Sequential "welcome" lighting is standard, but the Sensory gets enhanced ambient interior lighting throughout the cabin. The front sun visors both have illuminated vanity mirrors, and there is overhead storage for your favorite pair of shades. The front armrest has a storage compartment with two 12-volt power outlets, two USB connection ports, and an auxiliary jack. The rear fold-down center armrest has two cup holders. You also get carpeted floor mats fore and aft.

Also, both trim levels come with leather-appointed seats. But the Sensory swaps the Luxe's textured aluminum trim out in favor of black open pore wood trim. The Luxe has a set of 8-way power adjustable front seats with lumbar support for the driver. On the Sensory, that lumbar support is power-adjustable. The driver's seat also has entry and exit assist for the seat as well as the leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel.

Now, let's go over these vehicles' audio and connectivity features. A 6-speaker sound system is standard across the line-up, but there are other options. You can select the 16-speaker Bose premium sound system. You also get a Bose Centerpoint simulated surround sound system. There are even some iPod USB connection ports. Other standard features include a 3-month trial to SiriusXM Satellite Radio, steering wheel-mounted controls, and two in-glass diversity antennas.

Also standard are the INFINITI InTouch dual display screens - an 8-inch LCD/VGA upper screen and a 7-inch color vehicle information display screen. The INFINITI InTuition system allows you to customize multiple settings, an voice recognition is also standard issue. Bluetooth connectivity is standard, but the Sensory gains SiriusXM Travel Link access. Both have a rear-view monitor, power tilting and telescoping steering column, paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with HomeLink integrated into it. The Sensory adds SiriusXM Traffic.

Built-in navigation comes equipped on all Q50 models, as does Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless integration for Apple CarPlay, a drive mode selector, regular Android Auto connectivity, hill start assist, intelligent distance control, and a two-driver memory system.

All Infiniti Q50 models come with a standard bundle of driver aids. This gives these vehicles blind spot intervention, a lane departure warning, and forward emergency braking. As far as security goes, each model has a vehicle immobilizer, anti-theft alarm, remote keyless entry, and an Intelligent Key backup slot just in case the key fob's battery is drained.

Take note that there really aren't any packages available. Everything you can tack on is a stand-alone option. And adding a bunch of them on can quickly make the Q50 even more expensive. Be careful which options you select.

Compare the Sensory vs Red Sport 400. What is the difference?

The Red Sport 400 is the 2022 Infiniti Q50's line-topping trim. It is definitely the most sporty option, as it is powered by an upgraded version of the base twin-turbo. This engine has two turbo speed sensors and dual water pumps equipped, unlike the standard engine on the lower trim levels. This allows it to generate 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. The same transmission is paired with it, but the Red Sport 400 is AWD-only. Also, note that it has a slightly larger turning radius of 37.4 feet (compared to the base engine's 36.7 feet).

The Red Sport 400 is outfitted with the Dynamic Digital Suspension up front, which oversees the vehicle's vehicle’s body roll, pitch, and bounce rate. This helps the shock absorbers control valve adjust as needed for a more controlled and planted ride quality. The rear Dynamic Digital Suspension consists of an independent, multi-link system with coil springs placed over shock absorbers and includes a stabilizer bar. This design is meant to create a smoother ride. Quite naturally, the brakes are upgraded to sport brakes with 4-piston opposed front calipers. Special 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels are also equipped on the Red Sport 400.

There aren't many upgrades to the exterior. The one noticeable difference is the special Red Sport 400 exhaust tips. An option exists for adding the radiant grille emblem.

There are a few noteworthy upgrades to the interior. For starters, the Red Sport 400 has quilted semi-aniline leather upholstered seats and black matte carbon fiber for the cabin trim. The front seats are upgraded to sport models with power torso support and manual thigh extensions integrated into them. The foot rest and pedals are finished in an aluminum accent.

Other than that, you won't find differences. There are no real upgrades to the tech gadgetry or safety and security features - a bit of a head-scratcher since those would probably draw more buyers into getting the Red Sport 400. Alas, that is not the case.

Final Thoughts

If you have your heart set on the 2022 Infiniti Q50, let me leave you with a word of caution: Test-drive a few similar luxury SUVs before you make your purchase. The faulty infotainment system feels entirely too clunky for something in a luxury vehicle, and it will likely cause you some frustration. And the few-and-far-between driver aids could also stand some tweaking for improvement's sake.

The Q50 is powerful though, even with the standard twin-turbo engine equipped. But the tires lack the amount of sport we expect from performance tires, and the extremely bland steering does not make for much thrilling excitement. Instead, what you get is a clumsily designed luxury vehicle that aims high but falls short.

That being said, the trim level to try is the Luxe. For being an entry-level trim, it is rather well equipped and powerful. While it is clearly not as oriented for sportiness as the Red Sport 400, it delivers a lengthy list of standard driver aids and infotainment features for the cost. The Sensory does not add enough standard features to justify the price jump.