UK US
← Infiniti Q50 · 2014-present · V37

Infiniti Q50 Sole Generation

VR30DDTT 3.0L twin-turbo V6 (Red Sport 400 = 400 hp). Direct Adaptive Steering. The current Infiniti sedan.

Verdict
B
BHP
208-400 bhp
0–60
4.5 s
Top speed
155 mph
MPG
22.0 mpg
Used
$13,000-$36,000

Nissan V37 FM platform (evolved from V36). Engines across the run: VQ37VHR 3.7L V6 (328 hp) carryover 2014-2015; 2.0L turbo I4 (208 hp / 258 lb-ft, Mercedes M274 sourced) 2016+; VR30DDTT 3.0L twin-turbo V6 in two outputs — 300 hp / 295 lb-ft standard and 400 hp / 350 lb-ft on Red Sport 400 from 2016 model year. Seven-speed Jatco JR710E automatic. RWD or Intelligent AWD. Direct Adaptive Steering — first production application of full steer-by-wire with no mechanical link under normal operation; clutched mechanical backup engages on system fault. Q50 Hybrid (2014-2017 US, longer in other markets) used VQ35HR V6 + electric motor for 360 hp combined; sales were modest. The 2018 mid-cycle refresh updated front and rear styling and revised the InTouch infotainment. The Red Sport 400 is the enthusiast spec — 400 hp twin-turbo V6 with sport-tuned dampers and 19-inch wheels. Production at Nissan Tochigi. Continues in production with the 2026 model year planned to introduce a comprehensively-updated successor (still V37 platform).

Strengths

  • VR30DDTT twin-turbo V6 (Red Sport 400 = 400 hp)
  • Direct Adaptive Steering is genuinely innovative
  • AWD optional
  • Comfortable interior with quality materials
  • Strong used-market value at older years

Weaknesses

  • Direct Adaptive Steering polarises (some find feel artificial)
  • InTouch dual-screen infotainment dated by mid-cycle
  • Seven-speed automatic vs rivals' 8-speed/9-speed boxes
  • Mercedes 2.0T can have carbon build-up
  • Limited body styles (sedan only — no coupe/hatch)

Notable tech

  • VR30DDTT 3.0L twin-turbo V6 (400 hp on Red Sport)
  • Direct Adaptive Steering (steer-by-wire)
  • Hybrid variant (VQ35HR + electric, 360 hp combined)
  • Seven-speed Jatco automatic
  • Intelligent AWD optional
  • Active Lane Control

Common issues

  • Direct Adaptive Steering recall (2014, fixed under warranty)
  • VR30DDTT timing chain wear at high mileage (later cars)
  • Mercedes 2.0T direct-injection carbon build-up
  • Climate control HVAC actuator failures
  • InTouch infotainment occasional reboots

Used-market budget

$22,000

2014-2016 VQ37 cars $13-18k. 2016-2018 cars $16-22k. 2019-2021 Red Sport 400 $24-32k. 2022-2024 Red Sport 400 $28-36k+. Sport, Luxe, and Red Sport 400 trims worth premium over base.