2021 Infiniti Q50S Red Sport 400 Review - Start Up, Revs, Walk Around, and Test Drive

[@twistymcslide2]

here we are , 2 years after this is posted , and we have 600HP daily driven Q50's as a norm with just bolt ons , and up to 1000HP out of semi built engines . and running 9 sec 1/4 miles . a lot of people passed this by not recognizing its closer to the GTR heritage ( in japan this is labeled as a skyline , and has the R chassis code ) than the current GTR , it outpriced a lot of the passionate consumers, and they are loving this Q50 platform .

[@infinid4565]

It’s sad how Infiniti gets brushed under the carpet now and days. The G lineup was/is legendary. The Q lineup is such a solid platform, hence the reason AMS has a 1000hp Q60.

[@StormAutoAdventures]

One major problem, and it's an easy fix... Ditch the terrible Dunlop Runflat tires and go with either a better runflat, or preferably go with a non runflat. With good non runflat tires... They will shave at least 5 lbs off each wheel, it will handle much better, it will ride much better, it will stop better, it will have less road noise, average fuel economy will slightly increase when driven civilized lol due to less weight, and last but not least, it will be faster due to taking at least 20 pounds off the wheels with non runflat tires. That's a nice modification to an already amazing performing car!

[@paulycrew]

Thank you! After watching MANY reviews of this car, yours may be the most objective and honest review of the Q50 on KZbin. Most reviewers are following a "script" on the Q50 (dated infotainment, dead steering, etc). You're right... with the lack of a German badge, many turn up their nose. As a two-time owner of the Q50, I agree with everything you point out. One thing you didn't mention is the aftermarket support for the Q50 and what it can become with a Tune and a few Bolt Ons. This car can transform into a rival of the German Sports Sedans. Frankly, I love the car and the practicality of it as a "Grand Tourer". "It's just an ultimate daily driver" That quote pretty much sums it up! Great work.

[@keiththompson491]

I was thinking the exact same. Well said sir! One of the most honest reviews I have seen! Congratulations and love your work sir! Love from Canada

[@mholmes9262]

100% agree.

[@ozzy_fromhell]

I agree for sure 100%

[@Mr99Burns]

This car is old fast expensive and definitely behind the BMW in term of handling

[@iTank2]

I'm on my second Q. Had 3.7S and now RS 400. Love this platform. Works for my daily drives. As for infotainment yes it's mehh but I never use it really. Different wheel and tire set up and exhaust were replaced immediately and very happy with it.

[@TheNgp90]

I have a 2018 and this review is straight out the mouth of someone who owns it, your spot on almost everything. It 100% is a sports sadan. It takes corners beautifully, the grip is really solid, there is no lift at high speed. And the steering is sharp, and the breaking is instant. I should note I have a model without the drive/break by wire

[@generalblaze5488]

There’s a 2018 on the market for 33k with 44k on it, you think it’s a good buy?

[@TheNgp90]

@@generalblaze5488 depends on the trim and added features, it might be a few k over what it should

[@generalblaze5488]

@@TheNgp90 It’s a RS

[@TheNgp90]

@@generalblaze5488 thats a good deal especially if you can talk them down a little that car for 31-32 would be killer

[@rocksteady6793]

@General Blaze i got 2018 luxe with awd for 32g with 8k on it

[@pxosted]

the most honest review i’ve seen. and i watched like 15 of them. you hit all the marks, good and bad. and give an unbiased review. i’m looking for a clean fast commuter. . 30min to and from work. i’ma get one just because of this review. thank you!

[@mholmes9262]

I have a loaded '18 Q50RS AWD and I love it. It's not perfect, and coming from a RWD F30 335i M Sport, I really missed the BMW for some time after I bought the Q. So much so that I went and drove a F30 340i with intention to trade in the Q but believe it or not, I didn't like it as much after I was used to the Q50RS which really surprised me. M340i's were not out yet at the time so I could only compare it with the 340i M Sport, but I was happy to drive my Q home and realized they are not the same type of car, really. It's got its flaws for sure, but overall I just love it for what it is. The 7AT is fine, it's not as good as the ZF8A but it's not horrible and it does the job just fine most of the time..the ZF8A isn't perfect either, but it's superior and definitely the best on the market and would have made the Q a better car for sure. The ride could be better sorted, it's a bit jiggly and the BMW had better differentiation between suspension settings. I'd say the ride is "worst in class", but it's not that it's bad, it's just not as sorted as the others, but it comes down to splitting hairs. But does it ruin the car? No, l love the car. You don't even think about DAS after you own the car for a little while. Do I miss the feel? Not really; the Q50RS has quick, direct steering and is easy to place. Maybe if I tracked my car I'd have a different opinion but since I don't that doesn't really feel like an issue at all. The 3 series, S4, G70 and Stinger all do some things better than the Q and all are great cars but the Q is still a great car with a ton of tuning potential and it's just a fun car. I always look forward to driving it and that's what a car like this is supposed to do, isn't it?

[@Ntd508]

I m sorry I don’t want to piss away my money on repairs with bmw Audi and Mercedes. These cars from Infiniti have little or no maintenance costs and don’t leave you stranded.

[@SlimeZ33]

Agreed!

[@anthonyfields3856]

Agreed

[@anthonyfields3856]

Have 17 redsport

[@mrtruthhurts2307]

Truth my Dad said the same thing tonight at

[@SlimeZ33]

Its definitely a sports sedan and yes you can track these like we do where I live. We have people pushing 500+HP numbers and competing with GTR's. Not to mention much better reliability vs the German competitors!

[@clee6746]

When the G35 came out, it was based on the Nissan 350Z and was aimed to beat the BMW 3 series in performance and price. I'd opt for an Infiniti instead of a 3 series BMW for the price advantage, much less maintenance headache and the fun to drive factor.

[@markymark8949]

Wonder if 225/50HR18's Continentals extremecontacts make her drive quieter

[@TD-il6ju]

I'm subscribing. Genuine no bullshit type of guy, I like that.

[@MuzikSonics]

Finally a review of the Infiniti Q50/Q60 that I agree 95% with. Thank you.

[@jz7551]

Dude, I loved the review and the fact that you gave this car the recognition it deserves. It is a really good car. I just subscribed!

[@Mr.Lambert777]

Nice review man. Having opportunities at my current job to lease a Nissan or an Infiniti. I can vouch that the car is getting long in the tooth. One thing about Japanese car manufacturers they love to refine their vehicles to the MAX! They love to keep a design for 8-10 years, because they believe in reliability longevity than the Germans. I have had the q50 hybrid, q50 3.7s , to the current q50rs. I love these cars , but I must say they competition has caught up and left Infiniti in the dust! I just hope that Infiniti will rework this car , like implementing a 9spd, manual, one screen info like qx60, digital dash, heads up display , better choices of rims and tires, sport seating for the higher trims like recaro seats maybe , night packages with more chrome deletes, pano roof optional , better tech , and safety features, a little more horsepower. Just do enough to make it worth 63k. It’s time for a refresh! I hope they can do it! I love infiniti , but those Germans are a benchmark. The Koreans are making a name for themselves and I commend them. I think infiniti is starting to wake up !

[@nyanaturals2705]

I completely agree with this

[@miguelircontar]

Dated but beautiful

[@demikpre]

That's always been infiniti's issue, letting designs and technology age out

[@Blasian_guy]

Looks better than 85% of cars out there

[@sparshrastogi2646]

This will be my next car!

[@markbalki]

Best looking sports car.

[@smithjohn2416]

Will they be releasing this vehicle in the 2022 production year? Be interesting to see if it has a full revamp, exterior and interior wise

[@paulycrew]

Great question. One I've been asking for months. GM at our local dealership says the 2022 Q50 will see no changes. So, I jumped on a good deal for a 2021 Q50 RS. With used vehicles in high demand, I was given more than my lease buyout with 5 months left on a 2019 Q50 Silver Sport (loved the car). The dealership also revealed that they are being told the 2023 model year will be reworked, but not released until late that year. BTW... if you lease, the loyalty bonus ($2,000) is going away in a matter of days. Good luck!

[@dazd240]

That's a really nice looking car!

[@louiegarza9210]

A really wonderful car from my point of view. I would certainly enjoy having one as my personal vehicle👍

[@joepeluso3864]

Great review and honest

[@Ghost-tu1sm]

This car looks good might get one

[@04tsxpower]

Really good review! I was curious what was left to be said about RS and definitely liked your take

[@snowman2834]

I wouldn't change the exterior and the dual screen setup. I would update the screen, software, transmission tuning and it would be a great car

[@hamkakembo4099]

I think I will want to own this car some time in the future! Love the stance and the styling.

[@theonepyo4869]

Did he say 60,000 dollars?? for a high way cruiser that design came out in 2013 , :\

[@gfusco2008]

Awesome review!

[@joeyr1697]

Love INFINITI I can’t drive nothing else wifey as a 2018 QX60 family car I have 2015 Q40 aka G37 and at the moment I’m pushing 358HP bad ass and snappy fast

[@lynxmh]

Where are the front quarter panel badges?

[@mccraejoey82]

I guess they never going to change the look of the car it's still nice tho

[@selfmadejay01]

I’m still scared to purchase a RS, just because I’m getting so much feed back on how the VR30 doesn’t do well under harsh driving , and coming from a VQ37 and rough driving everyday as it’s used as a daily , I might just get a Q50 3.7 , even tho it’s slower

[@streetsurvivor687]

When you drive at a higher speed the suspension tightens up like the seatbelt😎

[@Blasian_guy]

I wish they would’ve kept the 2014-2017 red sport bumper the new one looks non aggressive

[@anthonyfields3856]

When you lower the q50 the body lines show even better and make the car have an overall better appearance

[@timw2083]

Spot on review, thank you! The Red Sport is on my shortlist but the IS500 is my first choice for daily driver. The RS would place higher but my wife has a Q50 already. Thank goodness Infiniti is not offering the Direct Adaptive Steering for the '22MY.

[@saudinightmare8034]

Put the steering settings on sport dynamic 🤤

[@electroengineeringservices7716]

Very informative.

[@anthonyfields3856]

Your sitting high up in the seat because you have it up you can lower the seat

[@Mr99Burns]

He’s 5 1

[@mikedee42]

I’ll say this. The outside looks nice. Inside needs updating. Having owned BMW before and Lexus. Now owning an Acura TLX. You get great value with the Japanese. But at close to $60k. I’d get the BMW. if it was cheaper I would get this Infiniti all day. It’s just hard to justify it. But that’s just my opinion. If it was near $52-$55k mark probably easier to digest.

[@mholmes9262]

True, that's why I bought my loaded to the gills '18 Q50RS AWD as CPO for $43k out the door with bumper to bumper warranty till 2026 (in 2019) and felt like I got a great deal on a great car. I wouldn't have considered spending the near $63k sticker price when new though. For that I'd go with the M340i. The interior is very nice but it's not $60k+ nice, and every time I see an old ~2011 era Hyundai Sonata I wonder why Infiniti seems to have taken so many design cues from it? Seriously go check it out. It's not nearly as nice of course but the rear end is vaguely similar, the dash design is very similar, particularly the center stack...Infiniti has always struggled to have their own identity but seriously, why are they copying a cheap Korean car? lol. That said, I still love mine.

[@thekingandi1705]

I bought my 2019 Q50 Red Sport 400 RWD for $43,900 brand new off the lot with 18mi on the ODO. I got a great deal and for $43k there is nothing kike this you can get!

[@infernal1231]

For 60k you will get an 2018 M3. Which is wayy faster and with a better interior and better at anything pretty much.

[@aggreygaime2079]

It’s very eye caught

[@saudinightmare8034]

Love it

[@aggreygaime2079]

I would get this car tho

[@auschris9296]

you mentioned that against non german cars its not as performance oriented 10000 times

[@BostonAutoBlog]

It’s not as performance oriented

[@auschris9296]

its ahsame bc honestly, i was just hoping to get some more information about the car instead of the same thing rephrased 10 diffrent ways @@BostonAutoBlog

[@mauriceldisgreecanadahaspr9560]

Infinity needs new sedans at least 2 new ones sports and luxury sedan with more power. To compete. The Germans.

[@karontowns8088]

Why dose is sound like Nissan when you start it up

[@gotworc]

Because it has a nissan engine in it and Infiniti is Nissan lmao

[@secoarizy8258]

18 miles…… not even 100 miles yet wow

[@aggreygaime2079]

The Double Screen mess the inside of the car

[@SwanGoat]

You sure that’s not the 2012?

[@lilsiranthony]

It looks old and dated!!! I’m sorry infinity is struggling

[@chapmanmerchant]

funny

[@troytruong8246]

stupid interior design. All black leathers! ewwww. No red or brown leather interior. failed!!!

[@Blasian_guy]

Weirdo

[@gvi341984]

2021 Infiniti Red Sport 400 is Direct Injection on a V6 twin turbo platform. It's a type of car you only lease/rent and not buy for long periods. The 2UR-GSE V8 used port and direct which doesn't have the same issues as full direct.

[@SlimeZ33]

I've owned mine for 3+ years and I love it! And would take this is over a money pit German brand any day...

[@NYCQ50]

Why u say that

[@anthonyfields3856]

How bout do more research on this car