Overview
The 2017 Infiniti Q50 is a compact luxury sport sedan that blends strong performance with a comfortable, tech-forward cabin. It’s a good fit for drivers who want an upscale daily driver with available rear-wheel drive handling and optional all-wheel drive confidence, without stepping up to a larger midsize sedan. This model sits in the first-generation Q50 lineup (introduced for 2014) and continues the brand’s sporty, value-oriented approach versus rivals like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. For 2017, the big story is the move to a new twin-turbo V6 lineup that replaces the previous V6 on many trims.
Key Features
- Twin-turbo V6 power: Most 2017 Q50 trims use a 3.0L twin-turbo V6, offered in 300 hp form (Q50 3.0t) and a higher-output 400 hp version (Red Sport 400), paired with a 7-speed automatic.
- Available AWD: Infiniti Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is offered on many trims, making the Q50 a strong year-round choice in wet or snowy climates.
- Sport sedan chassis: Rear-wheel drive models deliver balanced handling, and Sport and Red Sport trims add more aggressive tuning and performance-focused equipment.
- Interior tech and safety: Expect a dual-screen Infiniti InTouch layout, available Bose audio, and available driver assistance features (depending on trim and packages), including items like adaptive cruise control and parking aids.
- Strong value in the used market: Compared with some European competitors, the 2017 Q50 often delivers similar straight-line performance and luxury features at a lower purchase price.
Common Issues & Reliability
Shoppers researching 2017 Infiniti Q50 reliability often find it’s a solid luxury sedan when maintained, but there are several 2017 Infiniti Q50 problems and common issues worth knowing before purchase.
- Turbocharger-related concerns (3.0t models): Some owners report turbo-related issues such as loss of power, whining noises, or boost problems. When it occurs, it can show up anywhere from roughly 30,000 to 80,000 miles, and repairs can be expensive if out of warranty. A full service history and careful test drive are important.
- Electrical/infotainment glitches: The dual-screen system can be a frequent complaint, including freezing, rebooting, Bluetooth pairing issues, and laggy response. These problems may happen intermittently and aren’t always mileage-dependent, though they often become more noticeable as the vehicle ages.
- Steering feel and DAS (Direct Adaptive Steering) complaints: Some Q50s equipped with Infiniti’s steer-by-wire system have owner complaints about unnatural steering feel or occasional steering-related warnings. Not every vehicle experiences faults, but it’s a common talking point in 2017 Infiniti Q50 common issues discussions.
- Premature brake wear and brake noise: Especially on Sport and Red Sport models, owners sometimes report quicker-than-expected brake pad/rotor wear, along with squeaks or vibration. Depending on driving style, brake service may be needed around 25,000 to 45,000 miles.