The Infiniti Q50, once a cornerstone of the brand’s lineup, has officially reached the end of its road, with the announcement that it will be discontinued for the 2025 model year. This decision marks the conclusion of the Q50’s production run, a model that has been a fixture in Infiniti’s portfolio for over a decade. The news, confirmed by an Infiniti spokesperson, indicates that 2024 will be the final model year for this sedan, leaving Infiniti with a product range that now exclusively features crossovers and SUVs, totaling just four vehicles.
The Q50 was originally unveiled at the North American International Auto Show and made its market debut in 2013, taking over from the G37 sedan for the 2014 model year. At its launch, the Infiniti Q50 generated considerable attention, not all of it positive, due to its innovative but polarizing steer-by-wire system. This system, which replaced the traditional mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels with an electronic one, was met with criticism from many reviewers who found it disconnected and unresponsive compared to conventional setups.
In response to this feedback, Infiniti made numerous adjustments to the Q50’s steering system over the years, aiming to improve its feel and performance. The introduction of the Red Sport 400 trim, which featured a potent 400-horsepower engine, added a performance edge to the model. Despite these enhancements, the Q50 struggled to capture a significant share of the luxury sedan market, falling short of the success enjoyed by competitors like the BMW 3 Series. At its peak, the Q50 managed to sell just under 47,000 units in its best year, a figure that underscores its challenges in a competitive segment.
When discussing the reasons behind the Q50’s discontinuation, an Infiniti spokesperson emphasized that the move is part of a broader strategy to revamp the brand’s vehicle lineup. This transformation will see the introduction of four new models, beginning with the all-new 2025 QX80. As part of this shift, Infiniti decided that the Q50 sedan would no longer be offered in the United States and Canada beyond the 2024 model year. The spokesperson acknowledged the Q50’s loyal fan base, highlighting its reputation as a formidable sports sedan and its popularity since its debut in 2013. They also hinted at the future, suggesting that the spirit of the Infiniti Q50 would live on in Infiniti’s first electric vehicle, a sports sedan that draws inspiration from the Vision Qe concept, which was unveiled in October of the previous year.
The Q50’s departure comes just two years after Infiniti discontinued its two-door coupe sibling, the Q60. The Q60, which shared similar design elements and powertrain options with the Q50, was positioned as a sleeker, sportier alternative within the lineup. However, Infiniti chose to discontinue the Q60 in 2022 as part of a strategic decision to concentrate on the most popular segments in the luxury automotive market—namely, crossovers and SUVs. This shift in focus reflects broader trends within the industry, where consumer preferences have increasingly favored these types of vehicles over traditional sedans and coupes.
As Infiniti looks ahead to its 2025 lineup, it is evident that the brand’s strategic direction remains firmly centered on crossovers and SUVs. The discontinuation of both the Infiniti Q50 and Q60 underscores this shift, as the brand adapts to changing market demands and consumer tastes. Despite the end of the Infiniti Q50 ’s production, its legacy as a key model in Infiniti’s history will be remembered by enthusiasts and owners alike.
