Infiniti Q50 (G)
Compact luxury sport sedan · 2002–2024. 5,428 units sold in the US in 2024
How it began
Nissan created it for its luxury brand, Infiniti. Mark McNabb, Infiniti's vice president and general manager, introduced the first G35 Sedan in 2002. The Q50 arrived in 2013 under Infiniti president Johan de Nysschen, with Nissan chief creative officer Shiro Nakamura leading design. Executive design director Alfonso Albaisa oversaw the 2017 refresh, and Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel, then Infiniti's Director of Performance, gave input on its handling. The releases reviewed do not identify a chief engineer.
From the second-generation G Sedan (2007) and throughout the Q50's life, it was assembled at Nissan's plant in Tochigi, Japan, and shipped to the United States. The 2.0-liter turbo engine the Q50 used from 2016 was assembled at Infiniti's engine plant in Decherd, Tennessee.
The G35 Sedan debuted at the Detroit auto show in January 2002 and went on sale in the United States in March 2002 as a 2003 model. The Q50 debuted at the same show on January 14, 2013, and reached dealers in summer 2013 as a 2014 model. The 2024 model was the last: in August 2024 Infiniti confirmed it was discontinued.
In December 2012 Infiniti announced that all its sedans, coupes and convertibles would carry the letter Q, and its SUVs the letters QX; the two-digit number marks the model's place in the range. The Q is a nod to the Q45, Infiniti's first flagship in 1989, and the Q50 was the first car to wear the new name. Before that, the sedan was called G35 and G37, with the number pointing to engine size (3.5 and 3.7 liters).
In the early 2000s, Infiniti needed a rear-wheel-drive sedan to take on the BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS300 and Audi A4 head-on. The G35 was part of the product expansion that followed Nissan's Revival Plan, promising more performance, style and space for the money. By 2012 the G still trailed the 3 Series by about 40,000 units, and the Q50 was created to open a new chapter of design, performance and technology for the whole brand.
Generation by generation
- Gen. 12003–2006 · V35
G35 Sedan: taking on the 3 Series
Photo: MercurySable99 · CC BY-SA 4.0 What changed. It replaced the G20, a smaller front-wheel-drive sedan, with a rear-wheel-drive V6 sedan. It used the new FM platform, shared with the Nissan 350Z, and a 3.5-liter V6 with 260 horsepower. Prices started at $27,645.
The innovation. The rear-wheel-drive FM (Front Mid-ship) platform, with a 112.2-inch wheelbase, gave it sports-car handling and family-sedan room.
If you buy one usedNHTSA lists for the 2003 model campaigns 02V245 (fuel hose connection at the pump), 03V455 (faulty solder on the crank or cam position sensor) and 05V555 (fuel filler hose may crack, also on 2004). Campaign 10V175 covers 2005–2006 G35 Sedans built from March 29, 2004 through August 25, 2006: the passenger-seat sensor harness can fail and the airbag might not deploy. Check by VIN that all of them were done. - Gen. 22007–2008 · V36
Second-generation G35 Sedan
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain What changed. It went on sale in November 2006 with a new body and interior and a second version of the FM platform, stiffer and with aluminum parts. The fourth-generation 3.5-liter V6 rose to 306 horsepower. Inside, it debuted an aluminum trim textured like Japanese washi paper.
The innovation. The 2006 unveiling announcement cited a 7,500-rpm redline, up from 6,600; the production specification for model year 2008 lists 7,600 rpm. The engine added higher compression and variable exhaust cam timing.
If you buy one usedCampaign 08V521 covers certain 2007–2008 G35 Sedans equipped with a Continental occupant-classification unit that may interrupt the passenger-airbag signal. Check the exact VIN and repair records. Campaigns 10V175 and 06V394 have different sedan/coupe scopes: 10V175 covers 2005–2006 G35 Sedans, and 06V394 concerns 2006–2007 G35 Coupes. - Gen. 32009–2015 (G37 / Q40) · V36
G37 Sedan: more engine, seven gears
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain What changed. For 2009 the sedan moved to a 3.7-liter V6 with 328 horsepower and 269 lb-ft, 22 more horsepower than the G35. A 7-speed automatic with downshift rev matching arrived, and the 6-speed manual stayed available. In 2007 the G had its best U.S. year, with 71,811 units. The G37 continued alongside the Q50, and the predecessor sedan was renamed Q40 for model year 2015.
The innovation. Four-Wheel Active Steer (optional): it varied the front steering ratio and adjusted rear suspension geometry based on steering input and speed.
If you buy one usedIn exact NHTSA G37 model-year 2009–2013 queries retained November 2, 2026, the only returned campaign was 11V538, for certain 2011–2012 G37 Coupes with a power-window-controller defect. Those query outputs do not clear a sedan or any individual vehicle: check the exact VIN with NHTSA and an INFINITI retailer, and request service records. - Gen. 42014–2017 · V37
The Q50 is born
Photo: Elise240SX · CC BY-SA 4.0 What changed. It was the first model to carry the Q name, styled after the Essence concept with its crescent-cut rear pillar. It offered a 3.7-liter V6 with 328 horsepower and a 360-horsepower hybrid, plus two touchscreens (8 and 7 inches). For 2016, turbo engines arrived: a 208-horsepower 2.0 developed by Daimler and manufactured at Decherd through the companies’ collaboration and a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 300 horsepower, or 400 in the Red Sport 400.
The innovation. Direct Adaptive Steering, which Infiniti billed as the world's first in production: the steering wheel sends electronic commands to the wheels faster than a mechanical column, with a mechanical backup. Its second version (2016) made 1,000 adjustments per second.
If you buy one usedFor certain cars with Direct Adaptive Steering, check 13V588 (2014 Q50: freezing engine-compartment temperatures could disable electric steering and delay mechanical backup) and 16V430 (2014–2016 Q50: a startup error could alter steering response and turning radius). Recall 13V588 instructed affected owners not to drive until repaired; if it remains open for the VIN, contact an INFINITI retailer about the required precautions and repair arrangements. Separately, 17V476 concerns certain 2016–2018 Q50s with the 2.0L engine and fuel-pump-control software that may cause a stall. Campaign 24V470 concerns certain 2014–2018 rear-wheel-drive Q50s with a driveshaft that may fatigue and break. Check eligibility and completed repairs by VIN. - Gen. 52018–2024 · V37
Refreshed Q50 and farewell
Photo: HJUdall · CC0 What changed. It debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017, and production started in Tochigi on June 1, 2017. The refresh distinguished two exterior designs: a sporty one for Sport versions and another for Pure and Luxe, with a new grille, LED lights and an upgraded interior. In the end it kept only the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 (300 or 400 horsepower) and a 7-speed automatic.
The innovation. It was the first Infiniti to group its driver assistance features under the ProPILOT Assist name, which Infiniti described as the base for its future autonomous driving technologies.
If you buy one usedCampaign 24V470 also includes certain 2018 rear-wheel-drive Q50s, and 17V476 includes certain 2018 cars with the 2.0L engine. Campaign 19V654 concerns certain 2018–2019 cars whose retained display setting may hide the backup-camera image. For certain 2021 Q50s, 21V234 concerns an ECM response to rapid acceleration that may reduce fuel supply and stall the engine; 21V599 concerns rear-view-screen software; and 21V402 concerns improperly heat-treated front steering knuckles. Exact NHTSA Q50 model-year 2022–2024 queries retained November 2, 2026 returned zero rows; that observation is not VIN clearance. Check the VIN and current manufacturer instructions before buying.
Infiniti QX602013–present
Infiniti QX502008–2025
Infiniti QX802004–present (QX56 2004–2013, QX80 since 2014)
Ford F-Series (F-150)1948–present
Toyota RAV41994–present (US from 1996)
Honda CR-V1995–present
Ram 15001981–present
Tesla Model Y2020–present
Chevrolet Silverado1999–present
