Jump LinksForbidden Fruit: Q50 Red Sport Finds Extended Life in JapanNissan’s luxury division, Infiniti, has come a long way from its early days, when its lineup consisted of more than just family crossovers and SUVs. The brand was also known for marketing several luxury sedans, which combined familiar Nissan V6 powertrains with rear-wheel-drive platforms that aimed to compete against equivalent sedans from European and American rivals.The Infiniti Q50, which was sold from 2014 to 2024, eventually spawned a performance-oriented variant that aimed to rival sport saloons in its segment, using a twin-turbocharged V6 powerplant that finally gave Infiniti a key advantage in power and acceleration. With many now on the used market and presenting as attractive buys for those in the market, how does the Q50 Red Sport 400 stack up against some of its rivals at the time?This article features some alternatives to the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport in terms of specification — although some rivals may be more expensive/different in size. This comparison takes into account manufacturer-supplied specifications as well as test drive experience, where available. Prices are correct at the time of writing, and exclude destination, options, taxes, and other fees. Background: What Is The Infiniti Q50 Red Sport? 2024 Infiniti Q50The Red Sport variant was added to the Q50 range following the post MY2016 update that refreshed the sedan, bringing new exterior design and, above all, the inclusion of a 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 engine that replaced the previously used 3.7L naturally aspirated V6 engine. The unit featured in Q50 Red Sports gained a significant power increase over the rest of the Q50 lineup (400 horsepower versus 300 hp), alongside better brakes with red brake calipers, carbon fiber exterior/interior trim, and adaptive dampers as standard. Q50 Red Sports were also available with rear- or all-wheel drive.While there was no Q50 Red Sport coupe variant produced, the same twin-turbocharged V6 engine, alongside some styling and chassis elements featured in the sedan were incorporated in the Q50’s two-door sibling, the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400. The Q50 Red Sport’s final year was 2024, which also saw the retirement of the Q50 nameplate from the North American market entirely as the brand shifted to an SUV-only product lineup. The Q50 Red Sport’s Rivals Summarized 2018 Mercedes-AMG C43 front nearside quarterWhile the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 sedan was never referred to as the Q50’s performance variant officially, the figures offered by its twin-turbocharged V6 powertrain, combined with its sporty aesthetics over the standard Q50 sedan, were obvious hints towards what segment Nissan’s luxury brand was targeting. The Red Sport was not short on competitors within the luxury sports sedan segment, both from the usual offerings from well-established European brands, and a few American-engineered models. These consisted of legendary nameplates like the BMW M3 and Audi S4, to more recent additions like the limited-edition Cadillac CT5-V, as well as the top-line standard G20-generation BMW 3 Series trim, the M340i.In this context, we’ll compare the Q50 Red Sport to a few rival sports sedans of its era, focusing in particular on areas like design, performance, equipment on offer, pricing when new, and how they currently fare in the secondhand market. Design: All Offer Their Take On "Sporting Qualities" InfinitiWhen it comes to styling, each sedan brings its own take on added subtle sporting qualities and features that make them stand out from their standard counterparts. Common features such as larger, low-profile alloy wheels, different bumper designs, and carbon fiber on the exterior/interior are just some of the ways they make themselves distinct as a separate variant.2025 Audi S4The Audi S4 is preferable for those who prefer a sedate package, omitting any large, prominent spoilers or aggressive body parts - only eagle-eyed observers will note the ‘S4’ badges and larger alloy wheels that distinguish this from a standard A4. The same can be said of the the C43 AMG sedan, which barely looks any different from a standard W205-generation C-Class, with only slightly more prominent brake calipers, a different front fascia, and a red-finished engine cover that hints at its AMG enhancements.The Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 sedan brings a handful of hints about its elevated performance, without "screaming" it out loud to passersby (to the same levels as the Cadillac CT5-V). Carbon fiber trim throughout select exterior sections, vibrant brake calipers, and available de-chromed sections make it visually distinctive from the standard models. Performance: Turbo-sixes Across The Board 2016 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport Engine BayUnder the hood, all the sports sedans use similar powertrain setups: a six-cylinder engine with forced induction (either single or twin-turbocharging) that pushes out roughly the same power and torque figures (~300–400 hp); the Q50 Red Sport does outpace most of its rivals with over 400 hp from its twin-turbo V6, just slightly below the F80-gen M3’s power output.Most of the sedans featured in this comparison send their power to all four wheels, with the only rear-wheel drive models being the Cadillac and F80-generation BMW M3 (whilst the succeeding G80-gen M3 became all-wheel drive as standard). It’s also no surprise that most top out around 155 mph (the C43 AMG’s top speed is the lowest at 130 mph), due to mandatory government regulations.For those who desire a manual, the majority - Q50 Red Sport included - are limited only to automatic transmissions (either torque converter/dual-clutch automatic units), though the F80-generation BMW M3 is an exception as it was offered with a six-speed manual from the factory. Features And Equipment 2016 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport Interior View* S = Standard, O = Optional, N/A = Not AvailableBeing the performance variants of the production sedans they are based upon, it’s to be expected that all of these come well-equipped as standard, serving as the top-line trims/variants in their respective lineups. Across the board, these cars boast luxuries like leather upholstery, GPS navigation, and climate control for no extra cost, while adding some degree of interior aesthetics or operational equipment that touches upon the ‘sporting’ character they exhibit as the performance-oriented variants of their respective sedan platforms/model.Compared to its European rivals, the Q50 Red Sport didn’t ignore features like adaptive dampers, carbon fiber interior trim, or paddle shifters, but it did miss out on cabin tech like a full digital instrument cluster, multi-function head-up display, and functional launch control. It’s no surprise that the CT5-V, being one of the most up-to-date models featured here, outclasses most in this comparison thanks to its higher-grade equipment (as standard). Pricing When New Versus Used 2022 Infiniti Q50 Headlight and Front WheelWhen sold new, these sports sedans were at the most expensive price point for their respective models’ lineup (expected given the levels of equipment they offered as standard, alongside their more potent powertrains). The Q50 Red Sport's MSRP in its final year (MY2024) began at just under $60,000 for either the rear- or all-wheel-drive models. In hindsight, this was not far from most of its German rivals, including Audi, Mercedes-AMG, and BMW (with Audi gaining a slight advantage, with the closest starting price to $55,000). Notably, the only American sedan in this comparison, the Cadillac CT5-V, is the cheapest of the six sedans in MY2024.On the used market, prices for most Red Sports have fallen below $20,000, with some of the cheapest currently available within the $12,000–$14,000 range, which, on paper, makes them very enticing for any enthusiasts looking for a practical sedan that shares internals with a Nissan Z sports car. Similar depreciation patterns follow the other European models in this comparison, with examples of the Audi and Mercedes also priced within or below $15,000 (on average). F80-generation M3s, meanwhile, are holding their value stronger (especially post-LCI, late models), alongside Cadillac CT5-Vs that are still fairly new entries on the market. Forbidden Fruit: Q50 Red Sport Finds Extended Life in Japan 2026 Nissan Skyline 400R Though all Infiniti Q50 models, the Red Sport included, were discontinued in North America from 2024 onwards, it’s worth mentioning that Nissan continues to produce and sell the Q50 in Japan (where it is renamed the Skyline) as of this writing - with further details on its successor expected to be announced in the near future.This Japan-exclusive model has also received several updates, styling and performance-wise, in its latest form. It continues to use the same body and platform as the Q50, but with a different front fascia inspired by the Nissan R35-generation GTR, and is now referred to as the Skyline 400R Limited (as a tribute to the limited-edition Nismo 400R models). Power continues to come from the familiar 3.0L twin-turbocharged VR-series V6 paired to a seven-speed automatic.Nissan Skyline NismoNissan also took the sedan to elevated performance heights with a limited-edition Skyline Nismo model. Limited to just 1,000 units for 2023 (with just 100 units for the Skyline Nismo Limited models), exclusively for Japanese customers, these saw a power increase, Nismo-tuned transmission settings, upgraded suspension, and Nismo-exclusive styling details like 19-inch Enkei aluminium wheels, and Recaro seats. The even rarer Skyline Nismo Limited models were treated to unique exterior features on top, as well as White Pearl, NISMO Stealth Gray, and Dark Metal Gray paint finishes."Production of the Skyline NISMO — the pinnacle of the Skyline GT marque — is limited to 1,000 units and the launch will take place in early September (2023). Only 100 Skyline NISMO Limited vehicles will be built.The Skyline NISMO has been developed by combining the qualities of its GT predecessors with aerodynamic and chassis technologies that leverage NISMO’s unique racing technology. The aim, of course, is to produce a car that’s even faster, more comfortable and safer than its illustrious predecessors."- Nissan Was The Q50 Red Sport Competitive? InfinitiThe Red Sport was a decent attempt by Infiniti to add some performance qualities to the Q50, with a potent powertrain and slightly elevated aesthetics, but post-2020, Infiniti completely abandoned trying to keep its sport sedan competitive against more recent offerings from European and American brands. Beyond the output of its twin-turbo V6, the Q50 Red Sport’s outdatedness soon made itself more apparent, and selling points for the Q50 Red Sport diminished. Some critics also reported its cabin tech and driving dynamics were not as well-rounded as equivalents from the likes of BMW and Mercedes-AMG in more recent years.Despite this, the Red Sport still draws a cult following from Nissan/Infiniti fans and enthusiasts, especially in the used market. More examples are becoming easier to attain at accessible price points and possibly offer a lot for buyers' money. Combined with strong aftermarket support for the platform (thanks to its Nissan roots) that continues to present day, there remains potential for owners to unlock the full capabilities of the Q50 Red Sport - making up for where Infiniti fell short in making its sports sedan a serious competitor to those from German and American performance divisions.Sources: Infiniti, BMW, Audi, General Motors, Mercedes-AMG