2020 Infiniti Q50 vs. 2020 Lexus IS

The Infiniti Q50 sports sedan is refined, yet aggressive in performance. With three options, you can have the right amount of power under the hood and luxury inside and out. The Q50 is the vehicle to stand out of the German car crowd, but also from other brands that try to make it in the segment.

Here, we compare the Infiniti Q50 to the Lexus IS. 

The Infiniti Q50 is all about refined power

The key to the Q50's performance is a twin-turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine. It provides 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque to four separate AWD trim levels. You also receive this power with the starting model, the Pure. 

The Q50 moves into its highest level of performance with the AWD Red Sport I-LINE models. The twin-turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder delivers a serious 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque in an even more stylish package.

However, the performance of the Lexus IS starts from behind. The 300 IS RWD moves down to a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine that peaks at 241 horsepower. You also have to manage the rear-wheel drivetrain during winter months, and that could be risky in Canadian weather. The 300 IS AWD bumps horsepower up to 260, but a weaker torque of 236 lb-ft is the lowest of all Q50 and IS models. 

The sole IS model that competes with the Q50's engine is the 350 AWD. It generates up to 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, but it is essentially the same as the Q50's 302 hp engine. Lexus offers only one model with this engine, and the Infiniti offers four with MSRPs that are up to $7,148 lower on three trims. 

The 2020 Infiniti Q50 opens up the cabin

The Q50 has more front head (+33 mm) and shoulder room (+20 mm) than the IS, avoiding the cramped-in feeling its competitor may have. The Q50 treats rear seat passengers much better with more leg (+74 mm) and shoulder (+69 mm). If you want a true five-seat compact luxury sedan, the Q50 is the best choice. 

The Q50 also offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, providing you expanded entertainment options over the Lexus IS—and more versatility. 

The 2020 Infiniti Q50 offers many other features. You can shop for your car online with us. Our representatives are waiting for your call and can answer all your questions.