2021 IS Takes On Infiniti Q50 In Head-to-Head Comparison

Heated Segment

While we continue to hear that the compact luxury sports sedan segment is floundering, there are still plenty of excellent options to choose from. Case in point - the new 2021 Lexus IS, which has received nearly universal acclaim since it was introduced. Recently, we've compared the new IS to a number of its rivals, and today, we're taking a look at how it stacks up against the Infiniti Q50.

Photos: Lexus

All-Rounder

The Q50 has been around for a long time now, getting by with a couple of refreshes and no major overhauls since 2016. Regardless, it's a handsome sedan with a comfortable ride, roomy interior, and an excellent performance-per-dollar ratio for budget-minded shoppers.

Photos: Infiniti

>>Join the conversation about the IS vs Q50 right here in Club Lexus.

Knife's Edge

The IS, on the other hand, offers a fresh design in a package that provides excellent quality, handsome looks, a comfortable interior, and a sharper driving experience. It's also nicely equipped, with a host of standard safety equipment and attractive options including a 17-speaker 1,800-watt Mark Levinson audio system.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the IS vs Q50 right here in Club Lexus.

Power Game

The base IS engine is Lexus' 2.0-liter turbo I-4 that produces 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, but the better choice is the optional 3.5-liter V6 that makes 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. However, the Q50 takes the power edge thanks to its standard 3.0-liter turbo V6 that produces 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, or 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet in the optional Red Sport 400.

Photos: Infiniti

>>Join the conversation about the IS vs Q50 right here in Club Lexus.

Fuel Economy

Both the Q50 and IS offer all-wheel-drive as an option, while the base IS beats out the more powerful base Q50 in terms of fuel economy - offering 21 city, 31 highway, and 25 combined miles-per-gallon versus 20/29/23 for the Infiniti sedan.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the IS vs Q50 right here in Club Lexus.

Pros and Cons

Ultimately, both of these cars present a number of pros and cons. The IS offers more choices in terms of powerplants, has a higher resale value, fresher design, and proven reliability, though the rear seat is a bit cramped and performance falls short of the Q50. The Q50 has the power edge and a cheaper starting price($37,625 vs $40,025), but lacks sharp steering and is a bit old in many regards, especially the interior.

Photos: Infiniti

>>Join the conversation about the IS vs Q50 right here in Club Lexus.

Close Competition

This is a close competition and each of these cars offers quite a bit for the money. However, the IS and its modern design, superior steering feel, comfortable ride, and legendary Lexus quality and resale value make it our pick. Once the V8-powered IS 500 launches later this year, this choice will be a lot easier, however.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the IS vs Q50 right here in Club Lexus.

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