If you want an interior like the one shown in these pictures, you'll have to check the boxes for two additional, very pricey packages. We trekked across Los Angeles County from Santa Monica to a drive event in West Hollywood to see if the new QX50 delivers. Small premium crossovers have exploded in popularity over the last decade, which makes you wonder why Infiniti took so long to update the QX50. Acceleration is so swift that passing maneuvers require little planning to execute. With generally light effort and little buildup of heft as the wheel is moved away from dead center, it was difficult figuring out just where the QX50's wheels were pointed. Official EPA estimates have not been released yet, but Infiniti says the QX50 will achieve 27 mpg in combined driving with front-wheel drive and 26 mpg with AWD. – The 2021 INFINITI Q50 sports sedan adds a new grade level designation and upgrades to standard and optional package content. Front-wheel drive is standard on all trims, with an all-wheel-drive powertrain optional for an additional $1,800. Receive pricing updates, shopping tips & more. We certainly didn't expect such a gutsy move from Infiniti, but the contrasting colors and high-quality materials are impressive. If these numbers are accurate, the QX50 would be more efficient than all of its rivals by 1 to 5 mpg. The $7,500 Sensory package adds the Premium Audio and Premium Heated Seats packages, plus 20-inch wheels, premium leather, ventilated front seats, a faux-suede headliner and other upgrades. Overall, the system promises better fuel economy while cruising and more power when you need it. Unfortunately, chatter from the 20-inch tires was pervasive, but road noise from a model with 19-inch wheels was noticeably reduced. The luxury automaker is looking to turn the tide with the launch of the redesigned 2019 Infiniti QX50. Added for 2021 is a suite of standard driver assist technologies from the LUXE grade including Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning (now with haptic steering), Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection, Intelligent Cruise Control, Backup Collision Intervention, Distance Control Assist and High Beam Assist. Despite a resurgence in popularity after the 2016 refresh, the QX50 lagged behind newer rivals such as the BMW X3, Lexus NX and Mercedes-Benz GLC. Upward Mobility The middle seat position isn't ideal for adults since the headrest only rises to about the base of the neck.

The Sensory is the first of two new trims introduced to the QX50 lineup for 2020 and offers a premium luxury driving experience at a competitive price. The luxury brand's smallest SUV debuted in late 2007 as the 2008 EX35, and aside from a few changes along the way — notably, a larger engine in 2013, the name change to QX50 in 2014, and a longer wheelbase in 2016 — it was essentially the same car. Product Communications(949) 359-1112aileen.clarke@infiniti.com, 2021 Q50 Pricing Release .pdf The Q50 is now offered in a choice of four grade levels: the previously available PURE, LUXE and RED SPORT 400, along with new SENSORY. Nashville, Tenn. – The 2021 INFINITI Q50 sports sedan adds a new grade level designation and upgrades to standard and optional package content. Fuel economy, however, lagged significantly behind that of competitors, which switched to turbocharged four-cylinder engines years ago. The Bottom Line Available in both rear- or all-wheel drive, the 2021 INFINITI Q50 is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, with PURE, LUXE and SENSORY grades having 300-horsepower, while the performance-oriented RED SPORT 400 has maximum 400-horsepower.

Including the $995 destination charge, the 2019 Infiniti QX50 starts at $37,545; this price is about average for Japanese luxury crossovers and less than an equivalent BMW, Cadillac or Volvo.

Heavy acceleration kicks the turbocharger into high gear and triggers a drop in compression ratio to avoid engine knocking. Heated front seats are a $550 option. The QX50's on-road manners are similarly mixed. If you prefer mountains to the metro area, rest assured that the QX50 easily handles a set of corners without breaking a sweat.

As befitting a luxury crossover, levels of wind and engine noise are kept to a minimum while traveling at high speeds. The smaller wheels bring additional benefits, too: They are better at smoothing over small bumps and make the car feel less jittery over poorly maintained roads.