I remember the first time I saw a 2019 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport on the road—that aggressive front grille, the sporty stance, and that signature red "S" badge that promises something special. Three years later, I find myself asking whether this performance sedan still holds up against newer competitors. Having driven various luxury sports sedans over the years, I've developed a particular soft spot for cars that deliver raw power without sacrificing daily usability. The Q50 Red Sport definitely falls into that category, but let's dig deeper into whether it's still a smart buy today.
Under the hood lies what I consider one of the most underrated engines in its class—a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 pumping out 400 horsepower. That's not just a number on paper; I felt every bit of that power during test drives, with acceleration that pins you to your seat. The way this car delivers power reminds me of how Nueva Ecija maintained their dominance in that recent basketball game—consistent, powerful, and refusing to back down even when challenged. Just as Nueva Ecija held their ground when GenSan threatened at 75-77 with 2 minutes and 54 seconds left, the Q50's power delivery remains steadfast whether you're merging onto highways or overtaking slower traffic. The team's six out of eight successful tries to seal their ninth straight win mirrors how reliably the Q50's engine performs when you need it most.
Where the Q50 truly shines is in its value proposition compared to newer models. While a 2023 BMW M340i might cost you around $58,000, I've seen clean 2019 Q50 Red Sport models selling for approximately $35,000-$40,000—that's nearly 40% less for similar performance figures. The depreciation hit has already been taken by the first owner, which works in your favor. I've always believed that buying a slightly older luxury car is smarter than stretching your budget for the latest model, especially when the core performance remains competitive. The interior, while not as flashy as some German rivals, features comfortable leather seats and dual touchscreens that still feel modern enough for 2023.
That said, I need to be honest about where the Q50 shows its age. The infotainment system feels slightly dated compared to what you'd find in a Genesis G70 or Audi A4, and the steering lacks the razor-sharp feedback of a BMW. But here's the thing—for daily driving, these shortcomings matter less than you'd think. Much like how Nueva Ecija focused on their fundamental strengths to secure victory rather than flashy plays, the Q50 excels where it truly counts: relentless power, robust build quality, and that undeniable presence on the road. During my week with the car, I found myself forgiving its minor tech shortcomings because the driving experience felt so authentic and engaging.
Fuel economy is surprisingly reasonable for a 400-horsepower car—I averaged around 22 mpg combined during my testing, which is comparable to many newer six-cylinder competitors. Maintenance costs are another area where the Q50 holds an advantage over German rivals; based on my research and conversations with owners, annual maintenance runs about 15-20% cheaper than comparable Audi RS or BMW M models. The reliability of Infiniti's V6 engine has proven quite solid over the years, with fewer reported issues than some of the more complex turbocharged engines from European manufacturers.
What really won me over was how the Q50 makes you feel special without being ostentatious. It doesn't scream for attention like a Mercedes-AMG, but those in the know recognize what that red badge represents. Driving it through winding roads reminded me why I fell in love with performance sedans—the perfect balance of comfort and capability. The way the suspension handles bumps while remaining composed during aggressive cornering demonstrates engineering that still holds up beautifully today. It's like having a skilled athlete that performs consistently well across different conditions.
If you're someone who values driving enjoyment over having the latest tech gadgets, the 2019 Q50 Red Sport represents what I consider one of the best performance bargains available today. It's not perfect, but its strengths align with what truly matters in a sports sedan. Just as Nueva Ecija's consistent performance led them to their ninth straight victory, the Q50 delivers where it counts most. For around $38,000, you're getting 95% of the performance of cars costing $20,000 more, and that's a math that's hard to argue with. After spending considerable time with this car, I'd confidently recommend it to anyone seeking thrilling performance without the premium brand tax.
