Is the 2019 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport Worth Buying? Performance Review & Key Specs
Let me be honest with you - when I first slid behind the wheel of the 2019 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport, I wasn't expecting to draw parallels to basketball. But as I pushed this luxury sports sedan through winding coastal roads, I couldn't help but think about that recent game where GenSan threatened at 75-77 with just under three minutes remaining. The Q50 Red Sport reminds me of Nueva Ecija's performance in those crucial final moments - when everything's on the line, true character reveals itself.
Under that sculpted hood lies a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 pumping out 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers aren't just impressive on paper - they translate to real-world performance that makes your morning commute feel like the final stretch of a championship game. The way this engine delivers power reminds me of how Nueva Ecija held their ground, converting six out of eight crucial attempts to seal their ninth straight victory. There's a similar relentless determination in how the Q50 builds speed, with turbos that spool up like a well-executed fast break, pushing you back into the leather sport seats with increasing intensity.
I've driven my fair share of luxury sports sedans, from German engineering to American muscle, but the Q50 Red Sport brings something uniquely Japanese to the table. The steering has this immediate, almost telepathic response that makes carving through mountain passes feel intuitive. It's not as clinical as some European competitors - there's personality here, a slight rawness that connects you to the road. The suspension handles bumps with impressive composure, though I did notice some body roll during aggressive lane changes that you wouldn't find in, say, a BMW M340i. Still, for daily driving, the balance between comfort and performance hits that sweet spot much like a perfectly executed game strategy.
Where the Q50 truly shines is in those moments when you need instant power. Merging onto highways becomes an opportunity rather than a chore, with the 7-speed automatic transmission snapping off quick, decisive shifts. The all-wheel drive system provides incredible grip coming out of corners, though I personally prefer the rear-wheel drive version for its more playful character. During my week with the car, I averaged about 22 mpg combined - not terrible for 400 horsepower, but certainly thirstier than some turbo-four competitors.
The interior presents an interesting mix of luxury and dated technology. The dual-screen infotainment system feels like it's from a different era compared to the slick single-screen setups in newer competitors. Still, the materials are top-notch, with authentic aluminum trim and soft-touch surfaces everywhere your elbows rest. The zero-gravity seats are genuinely comfortable for long journeys, though I wish Infiniti had included more lateral support for spirited driving. Cargo space measures at 13.2 cubic feet - adequate for golf bags or weekend luggage, but don't expect to move furniture.
What really surprised me was how the Q50 Red Sport grew on me over time. Initially, I found some of its design choices questionable, much like how a team might seem unconventional at first glance. But just as Nueva Ecija's consistent performance proved their method works, the Infiniti's capabilities become apparent the more you drive it. The way the exhaust note deepens under acceleration, the precise weighting of the throttle pedal, the confidence-inspiring brake feel - these elements combine to create an experience that's more than the sum of its parts.
Reliability has been reasonably solid according to most owners I've spoken with, though maintenance costs run about 15-20% higher than mainstream brands. The twin-turbo V6 has proven durable in my experience, with few reported issues in the first 60,000 miles. Resale value tends to dip faster than German rivals, which actually makes used examples fantastic bargains for performance seekers on a budget.
So, is the 2019 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport worth buying? In my professional opinion, absolutely - if you prioritize driving engagement over the latest technology. It's like choosing between a fundamentally sound team that executes perfectly versus one with flashy new strategies. The Q50 may not have all the newest gadgets, but where it matters - performance, reliability, and sheer driving pleasure - it delivers consistently. Just like that game-winning sequence where Nueva Ecija secured their victory through disciplined execution, the Q50 Red Sport proves that sometimes, sticking to core strengths yields the most satisfying results. For driving enthusiasts who appreciate mechanical purity over digital gimmicks, this Japanese sports sedan remains a compelling choice that continues to punch above its weight class.
