2020 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport: Review, Specs & Performance

by Alex Braham 57 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into the 2020 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport, a car that blends luxury with a sporty edge. If you're in the market for a sedan that offers both comfort and performance, this might just be the ride for you. We're going to break down everything you need to know, from its sleek design and powerful engine to its interior features and overall driving experience. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Overview of the 2020 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport

The Infiniti Q50 Red Sport is Infiniti's answer to the sports sedan market, aiming to compete with rivals like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The 2020 model carries forward the Q50's tradition of offering a compelling mix of luxury and performance, with the "Red Sport" trim being the highest performance variant. The Q50 Red Sport distinguishes itself with a more powerful engine, upgraded suspension, and distinctive styling cues that set it apart from the base models.

One of the key highlights of the 2020 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport is its engine. Under the hood lies a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that delivers an impressive 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant allows the Q50 Red Sport to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 4.5 seconds, making it a seriously quick sedan. The engine is paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission that offers smooth and responsive gear changes. Drivers also have the option to use paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience.

Beyond the engine, the Q50 Red Sport also benefits from several performance-enhancing features. It comes standard with a sport-tuned suspension that provides sharper handling and reduced body roll. The car also features upgraded brakes that offer confident stopping power. Additionally, the Q50 Red Sport includes unique styling elements such as distinctive front and rear fascias, red-painted brake calipers, and exclusive alloy wheel designs. These features give the car a more aggressive and sporty appearance.

Inside the cabin, the 2020 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport offers a luxurious and well-appointed environment. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the interior is trimmed with high-quality materials. The car also comes standard with a range of tech features, including an infotainment system with dual touchscreens, navigation, and a premium sound system. Overall, the Q50 Red Sport provides a balanced blend of performance and luxury that should appeal to a wide range of drivers.

Performance and Handling

When you get behind the wheel of the 2020 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport, the first thing you'll notice is the raw power available at your disposal. The 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine is incredibly responsive, delivering strong acceleration and impressive torque throughout the rev range. Whether you're merging onto the highway or overtaking another car, the Q50 Red Sport has more than enough power to get the job done.

The seven-speed automatic transmission works seamlessly with the engine, providing smooth and precise gear changes. The transmission also features adaptive shift control, which adjusts the shifting patterns based on your driving style. If you're in the mood for some spirited driving, you can use the paddle shifters to take full control of the gear changes. This adds an extra layer of engagement and allows you to extract the most performance from the engine.

In terms of handling, the Q50 Red Sport offers a sporty and engaging driving experience. The sport-tuned suspension helps to minimize body roll and keep the car planted in corners. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing good feedback to the driver. However, some reviewers have noted that the steering feel could be improved, as it lacks some of the sharpness and directness found in competing models.

The Q50 Red Sport also comes with Infiniti's Direct Adaptive Steering system, which is a steer-by-wire technology that eliminates the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels. This system is designed to provide a more customizable and refined steering experience. However, some drivers may find the system to feel artificial or disconnected, especially at lower speeds.

Overall, the 2020 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport delivers a strong performance and handling package. The powerful engine, responsive transmission, and sport-tuned suspension make it a fun and engaging car to drive. While the steering feel may not be to everyone's liking, the Q50 Red Sport offers a compelling blend of performance and luxury that is sure to impress.

Interior and Features

Stepping inside the 2020 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport, you're greeted by a cabin that's both luxurious and well-equipped. The seats are comfortable and supportive, providing ample cushioning for long drives. The interior is trimmed with high-quality materials, including leather upholstery, aluminum accents, and soft-touch surfaces. Overall, the cabin has a premium feel that's in line with what you'd expect from a luxury sports sedan.

The Q50 Red Sport comes standard with a range of tech features designed to enhance the driving experience. The centerpiece of the dashboard is an infotainment system with dual touchscreens. The upper screen is used for navigation and other functions, while the lower screen is used for controlling audio, climate, and other settings. The system is relatively easy to use, but some reviewers have noted that the graphics and interface could be more modern.

Other standard features on the 2020 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport include a premium sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The car also comes with a range of advanced safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. These features help to enhance safety and provide added peace of mind for the driver.

In terms of space, the Q50 Red Sport offers a decent amount of room for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats are comfortable enough for adults, although taller passengers may find the legroom to be a bit tight. The trunk offers a reasonable amount of cargo space, making it suitable for everyday errands and longer trips.

One potential downside of the Q50 Red Sport's interior is that it's starting to feel a bit dated compared to some of its rivals. The design and layout of the dashboard and controls haven't changed significantly in recent years, and some of the materials and finishes could be more upscale. However, the Q50 Red Sport still offers a comfortable and well-equipped cabin that should satisfy most drivers.

Design and Styling

The 2020 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport boasts a sleek and athletic exterior design that sets it apart from other sedans in its class. The car features a distinctive front fascia with a double-arch grille, aggressive air intakes, and sharp LED headlights. The side profile is characterized by its flowing lines and muscular fenders, while the rear end features a sculpted bumper, dual exhaust outlets, and LED taillights.

The "Red Sport" trim adds several unique styling elements that give the car a more aggressive and sporty appearance. These include red-painted brake calipers, unique alloy wheel designs, and distinctive front and rear fascias. The overall effect is a car that looks both stylish and powerful.

Inside the cabin, the Q50 Red Sport features a driver-focused design with a sporty steering wheel, supportive seats, and aluminum accents. The interior is available in a range of colors and materials, allowing buyers to customize the car to their liking. Overall, the Q50 Red Sport's interior design is both elegant and functional.

One of the standout design features of the Q50 Red Sport is its attention to detail. From the intricate grille pattern to the sculpted lines of the bodywork, every element of the car has been carefully considered. This attention to detail gives the Q50 Red Sport a sense of quality and refinement that's often lacking in other cars in its class.

While the Q50 Red Sport's design is generally well-received, some reviewers have noted that it's starting to look a bit dated compared to some of its rivals. The basic design of the Q50 has been around for several years, and it hasn't changed dramatically over that time. However, the Q50 Red Sport still offers a distinctive and stylish design that should appeal to buyers who are looking for a sporty and luxurious sedan.

Overall Driving Experience

The 2020 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport provides an engaging and enjoyable driving experience that blends performance with comfort. The powerful engine delivers strong acceleration and impressive torque, making it a joy to drive on the open road. The sport-tuned suspension provides sharp handling and minimal body roll, allowing you to tackle corners with confidence.

Inside the cabin, the Q50 Red Sport offers a comfortable and well-equipped environment that's perfect for long drives. The seats are supportive and the interior is trimmed with high-quality materials. The car also comes with a range of tech features that enhance the driving experience, such as an infotainment system with dual touchscreens, navigation, and a premium sound system.

One of the highlights of the Q50 Red Sport is its customizable driving modes. You can choose from a range of modes, including Standard, Sport, and Eco, to tailor the car's performance to your liking. The Sport mode sharpens the throttle response and firms up the suspension, while the Eco mode optimizes fuel efficiency. This allows you to fine-tune the driving experience to suit your preferences.

While the Q50 Red Sport excels in many areas, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Some reviewers have noted that the steering feel could be improved, as it lacks some of the sharpness and directness found in competing models. Additionally, the infotainment system is starting to feel a bit dated compared to some of its rivals. However, these issues are relatively minor and don't detract significantly from the overall driving experience.

In conclusion, the 2020 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport is a compelling choice for drivers who are looking for a luxurious and sporty sedan. It offers a powerful engine, sharp handling, and a well-equipped interior, making it a fun and engaging car to drive. While it may not be perfect, the Q50 Red Sport is a worthy contender in the competitive sports sedan market.