“It's a joy to drive my red Q50s! I call it my "end of life crisis" because I love to drive and had just finished chemotherapy. So I wanted to treat myself to a car that I could really enjoy driving.”
2021 INFINITI Q50: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 INFINITI Q50 gets a trim and equipment reshuffle rather than a redesign. The biggest change is the new SENSORY trim, which combines the 300-hp engine with sportier bodywork and a richer cabin.
About the 2021 INFINITI Q50
1st generation Q50 (2014-2022), late-cycle update year with a new SENSORY trim and revised equipment packaging.
INFINITI positions the Q50 as a driver-focused luxury sport sedan with real power in every trim, not a soft base-engine commuter. Its core appeal is a standard twin-turbo V6, rear-wheel-drive character with available AWD, and a roomy, tech-heavy cabin that blends everyday comfort with sharper styling than many entry luxury sedans. The Q50’s biggest differentiator is simple: even the lower trims get strong six-cylinder performance instead of the small four-cylinder engines many rivals use.
The Q50 lineup spans from the 300-hp PURE and better-equipped LUXE to the premium SENSORY, which has leather sport seats, Bose audio, navigation, and sport-styled bodywork. The RED SPORT 400 remains the performance model with 400 horsepower, adaptive suspension, larger brakes, and quilted leather seats. A limited-production Signature Edition adds distinctive exterior and interior details to the 300-hp formula.
What changed, by category
Styling
The new SENSORY brings sport-styled front and rear bodywork to a premium 300-hp trim. The limited-production Signature Edition adds unique trim and badging, while RED SPORT 400 receives black exterior details and matte carbon-fiber cabin trim.
Safety
Lane-departure warning becomes standard across the lineup. LUXE gains a larger standard driver-assistance bundle that includes adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot warning, backup braking assistance, rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams.
Tech
Wi-Fi hotspot hardware becomes standard throughout the lineup. Equipment is also repackaged, with navigation standard on SENSORY and RED SPORT 400.
2021 INFINITI Q50 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Manual Mode & Downshift Rev Matching | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Manual Mode & Downshift Rev Matching | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Manual Mode & Downshift Rev Matching | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Manual Mode & Downshift Rev Matching | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Manual Mode & Downshift Rev Matching |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 26 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 400 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.1 in | 35.1 in | 35.1 in | 35.1 in | 35.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors with Auto Brake | |||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Mirrors | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Folding Rear Seat | |||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||
Frequently asked questions
How did the 2021 INFINITI Q50 trim lineup change from 2020?
The 2021 lineup adds SENSORY and the later limited-production Signature Edition, while 3.0t SPORT and EDITION 30 leave the range. The continuing 3.0t PURE and 3.0t LUXE trims are renamed PURE and LUXE.
Did the 2021 INFINITI Q50 get a new engine?
No, the 2021 Q50 keeps the same engines. PURE, LUXE, SENSORY, and Signature Edition use a 300-hp twin-turbo V6, while RED SPORT 400 retains a 400-hp version.
What safety features changed on the 2021 INFINITI Q50?
Lane-departure warning becomes standard across the 2021 lineup, and LUXE receives a much broader standard safety bundle. Its additions include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, backup braking assistance, a 360-degree parking camera, rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams.
What is different about the 2021 Q50 SENSORY?
SENSORY is a new premium 300-hp trim for 2021. It combines sport-styled bodywork with leather sport seats, Bose 16-speaker audio, navigation, upgraded cabin trim, and an advanced climate-control system with an air purifier.
What is the 2021 Q50 Signature Edition?
The Signature Edition is a limited-production 2021 trim with the 300-hp twin-turbo V6. It builds on the premium SENSORY formula with unique exterior details, special badging, and a more distinctive interior treatment.
2021 INFINITI Q50 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 INFINITI Q50.
4.2
2021 INFINITI Q50
(123 reviews)
“The vehicle is nice, but it does sit lower to the ground than the normal vehicle. Seems a little snug in the driver seat, (im 170 lbs and 5'6") but it does go back far to ensure your leg is comfortable while driving. The features are good overall, but gas mileage can be better. Candy red glistens even in the dark!! Very good over coat, but already have some scratches/marks from debris that hit the car while driving.”
“My Infiniti Q50 is a solid drive, handle with agility, steering wheel feels very firm (not soft), and grips the road nicely. Also the engine sound powerful yet not loud, noisy or forced. It's a nice balance between power and elegance.”
Sources
- infinitiusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2021 / 2021 Infiniti Q50 Brochure En
- usa.infinitinews.com — en US / Releases / Release C685E79Bc9D829Fe01C1D4D3C413F33F
- usa.infinitinews.com — en US / Releases / Release 1B5334Fa919F7264825D8F9Cd50C653A 2021 Infiniti Q50 Signature Edition Arrives With Unmistakable Looks Decadent Interior
- usa.infinitinews.com — en US / Releases / Release 5125286F0F314B8Ca4E13316B1B7E519 2020 Infiniti Q50 Press Kit
- usa.infinitinews.com — en US / Releases / 2022 Infiniti Q50 Press Kit