5 Reasons Why the 2021 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport Is the Most Exciting Luxury Sedan Yet
If you’ve been looking for a luxury sports sedan that offers plenty of horsepower top-notch tech and a design that turns heads—stop right here. The 2021 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport is the car for you. Infiniti has always been about style performance and value but the Red Sport takes it up a notch (or two). With 400 horses under the hood this car does more than just look good—it feels great to drive too.
In this review I’m going to break down why the 2021 Q50 Red Sport is an exciting option and what you might want to watch out for—if you’re willing to get picky about the little things.
The Engine: Power Meets Smooth Performance
3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 Engine
One thing Infiniti got absolutely right with the Q50 Red Sport is the engine. The 3.0L V6 twin-turbo produces a ridiculous 400 horsepower which is more than enough to have you pinned back in your seat when you hit the gas. Paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission this beast shifts smoothly and predictably. This is a sports sedan but it’s also comfortable. You’re not just getting speed here; you’re getting balance.
The 350 lb-ft of torque helps the Q50 Red Sport accelerate like a dream. You’ll go from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds. It's not just fast for a sedan—this thing could embarrass some sports cars.
Potential Drawback:
However the gas pedal—while responsive—can sometimes be too eager. Be prepared for a jerk forward when you weren’t quite ready. It’s like the car’s saying "Oh you wanted to go fast? Well buckle up!" And you’re like "Wait I was just trying to merge!"
Rear-Wheel Drive vs. All-Wheel Drive
The Red Sport comes in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. If you live somewhere with mild weather the RWD version will give you a purer more connected driving experience. But if you’re facing snow or rain often AWD is probably the way to go.
Potential Drawback:
Now don’t get me wrong—AWD helps in bad weather. But don’t expect this to transform the Q50 Red Sport into an off-roading machine. This is still a luxury sedan not a Land Rover. That AWD isn’t going to get you through deep snow drifts with a smile.
Exterior Design: Classy Yet Sporty
Let’s be real: the Q50 Red Sport isn’t just about going fast—it’s about looking good while doing it. The sleek sculpted lines the aggressive front grille and the sharp LED headlights give this car a dynamic appearance. Infiniti has stuck with their familiar look but they’ve sharpened it up to give the Red Sport a little more edge.
Paint Options
Infiniti offers some great paint colors for the Q50 Red Sport. The Dynamic Sunstone Red is my favorite but there’s also Majestic White Graphite Shadow and Black Obsidian if you want something a little more subtle. That red though—it screams “look at me” without being obnoxious.
Potential Drawback:
One thing to keep in mind? While the Dynamic Sunstone Red paint is stunning it’s also a magnet for scratches. It seems like even looking at it the wrong way can leave a mark. Invest in a good detailer if you’re opting for that color. Or get really good at buffing out scratches.
Interior: High Tech Comfort
Spacious Cabin
Inside the 2021 Q50 Red Sport you’ll find a spacious and comfortable cabin. The seats are plush leather with red stitching to remind you that you’re in something special. The seats are comfortable and supportive making long drives a breeze.
There’s plenty of room in the front and the back—enough to comfortably seat four adults (five if the fifth person is okay with a slightly snug fit). Legroom is ample and headroom is better than many other sports sedans in this class.
Potential Drawback:
But while the seats are comfy you might find the Infiniti InTouch infotainment system a little clunky. It’s not the most user-friendly system out there. Sometimes it feels like you’re navigating a maze just to change the radio station. I know it’s 2021 Infiniti but seriously can we get a little more intuitive touch response here?
Dual Touchscreen Setup
The Q50 comes with a dual touchscreen setup with an 8-inch upper screen and a 7-inch lower screen. You get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility but here’s where things get a little tricky. The screens don’t always work seamlessly together. For example you might be using navigation on one screen while trying to control the audio on the other—and next thing you know you’re flipping through menus wondering why your favorite song suddenly disappeared.
Potential Drawback:
It’s like trying to rub your stomach and pat your head at the same time. Technically possible but not as smooth as you’d like.
Technology and Safety Features
The 2021 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport is packed with tech but as with everything some parts are awesome while others... well they could be better.
ProPILOT Assist
One of the best features in the Q50 Red Sport is the ProPILOT Assist. This is Infiniti’s semi-autonomous driving system. It’s not going to let you kick back and nap while driving (don’t even think about it) but it does make highway cruising a lot easier. It keeps you centered in your lane maintains a safe following distance and even brakes for you if traffic slows down.
Potential Drawback:
But I’ll be honest—sometimes it feels like ProPILOT Assist gets a little too helpful. Imagine you’re on a road trip trying to stretch your legs out and it’s like “Nope I’m going to keep you centered in this lane whether you like it or not.” It’s like having a really overprotective passenger.
Safety Features Galore
You also get forward collision warning automatic emergency braking blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera. The camera system is great for parking in tight spots and making sure you don’t accidentally scrape those beautiful 19-inch wheels.
Potential Drawback:
However the lane departure warning feature is so sensitive it’ll beep at you if you so much as think about drifting a little to the left. I swear one time it went off because I looked out the side window for too long.
Driving Experience: Handling and Ride Comfort
The Infiniti Q50 Red Sport is built for performance but that doesn’t mean it sacrifices comfort. With the available Dynamic Digital Suspension you can adjust the ride to be firmer for sporty driving or softer for daily commutes.
Handling
For a car with this much power it handles impressively well. The steering is quick and responsive but also light making it easy to maneuver through city streets or winding country roads. If you love driving fast in a straight line but also want to tackle some twisty roads—this car can handle both.
Potential Drawback:
But don’t expect this to feel like a BMW 3 Series when you push it hard through corners. The steering—while precise—can feel a little numb at times. It’s kind of like ordering a spicy dish at a restaurant that’s not known for spice. It’s good but you kind of wish there was a little more kick.
Ride Comfort
Even with the sports suspension the Q50 Red Sport manages to remain comfortable. You won’t feel every bump in the road like you would in some other sports sedans. The adjustable suspension gives you flexibility—dial it up for a spirited drive or set it softer for cruising around town.
Potential Drawback:
That said in Sport+ mode the ride can get a little rough. It’s like the car’s reminding you “Hey you wanted sporty right?” Sure but did I also ask for my coffee to spill every time I hit a pothole?
Fuel Efficiency: Decent for Its Class
Given the power under the hood the Q50 Red Sport’s fuel economy isn’t bad but it’s also not going to win any green awards. Expect around 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for the RWD version and a little less for the AWD. If you’re going hard on the throttle (which let’s be real you will) expect to see numbers closer to the low teens.
Potential Drawback:
Look with 400 horsepower we can’t pretend we care that much about fuel efficiency—but filling up more often might be a little tough on the wallet. Especially with premium gas prices soaring. Still you won’t mind too much when you hear that engine roar.
Pricing: Luxury with a (Slightly) Affordable Tag
For everything you’re getting the 2021 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport is actually quite reasonably priced. It starts at around $55,000 which is a lot of car for the money considering the performance and luxury you’re getting.
Potential Drawback:
But beware—add a few packages and extras and you’ll see that price creep up fast. It’s kind of like when you go to a restaurant thinking you’ll just get a burger but then suddenly you’ve added fries a drink dessert and well now you’re looking at a triple-digit bill.
Final Thoughts: Is the 2021 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport Worth It?
Alex Collantes, an Infiniti enthusiast says “The Q50 Red Sport hits a sweet spot between luxury and performance. It’s powerful but not too crazy and stylish but still understated. If you want a luxury sedan that doesn’t scream ‘I’m a sports car’ but still makes you feel like you’re driving one the Q50 Red Sport is a great option.”
In conclusion the 2021 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport is a fantastic blend of power style and comfort. Yes it has a few quirks—like the touchscreens being a bit finicky or the ride being a little firm in sport mode—but overall it’s hard to beat for the price. If you’re looking for a luxury sedan that doesn’t just blend into the crowd the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport is well worth considering.
Just don’t say I didn’t warn you about the overly enthusiastic gas pedal.