Thinking of buying an Infiniti Q50? We break down the key differences between the Premium and Signature Edition, covering design, features, performance, and price to help you choose the right one.
Exterior Design Comparison
When it comes to luxury sedans, the exterior design is more than just a pretty face – it’s a statement of sophistication, power, and elegance. The Q50 Premium and Signature Edition are no exception, boasting distinct design elements that set them apart from the competition. But how do these two trim levels differ when it comes to exterior design?
Unique Grille Designs
One of the most striking differences between the Q50 Premium and Signature Edition is the grille design. The Premium trim features a more aggressive, sport-inspired grille with a series of angular, chrome-tipped fins. In contrast, the Signature Edition boasts a more refined, elegance-oriented grille with a subtle, mesh-like pattern. This subtle distinction gives the Signature Edition a more luxurious, high-end appearance, while the Premium trim’s grille exudes a more dynamic, performance-driven vibe.
LED Headlight Differences
Another notable distinction between the Q50 Premium and Signature Edition lies in their LED headlight designs. The Premium trim features more angular, triangular-shaped headlights with a subtle chrome accent, while the Signature Edition boasts sleeker, more curved headlights with a prominent LED light bar. The Signature Edition’s headlights are not only more visually striking but also provide improved illumination, thanks to their advanced LED technology.
Wheel Options and Sizes
Rounding out the exterior design differences are the wheel options and sizes available for the Q50 Premium and Signature Edition. The Premium trim comes standard with 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, while the Signature Edition boasts larger, 19-inch wheels with a more aggressive, sport-oriented design. Additionally, the Signature Edition offers optional 20-inch wheels for those who want to make a bold, stylish statement on the road. Whether you prioritize comfort, performance, or style, both trim levels offer a range of wheel options to suit your needs.
Interior Features and Upgrades
When it comes to interior design, the Q50 Premium and Signature Edition are designed to provide drivers and passengers with a comfortable and luxurious experience. But what sets these two trim levels apart?
Leather-Appointed Seats and Trim
The Q50 Premium features soft, supple leather-appointed seats that are designed to cradle you in comfort. But the Signature Edition takes it to the next level with premium leather trim that’s hand-stitched to perfection. Imagine sinking into your favorite armchair, only to find yourself surrounded by the sleek lines and premium materials of your Q50’s interior. Whether you’re cruising down the highway or stuck in rush-hour traffic, the Signature Edition’s lavish trim will make you feel like you’re driving in style.
Heated and Ventilated Seat Options
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of sinking into a warm seat on a chilly winter morning or enjoying a refreshing breeze on a sweltering summer afternoon. The Q50 Premium and Signature Edition both offer heated seats, but the Signature Edition takes it up a notch with ventilated seats that circulate air to keep you cool and comfortable. It’s the perfect way to start your day off right – or to cap off a long road trip in style.
Infotainment System and Navigation
Staying connected and entertained on the go has never been easier than with the Q50’s advanced infotainment system. The Premium trim features an 8-inch touchscreen display that’s intuitive and easy to use, with features like Bluetooth connectivity and a premium audio system. But the Signature Edition takes it to the next level with a futuristic dual-screen setup that puts navigation, entertainment, and vehicle information at your fingertips. It’s like having your own personal command center at your disposal – and with advanced navigation features like traffic mapping and voice recognition, you’ll be able to find your way to anywhere in style and confidence.
Performance and Handling
When it comes to delivering a thrilling driving experience, the Q50 Premium and Signature Edition models have some notable differences under the hood and in their handling capabilities.
Horsepower and Torque Outputs
The Q50 Premium model is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 300 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 1,600-5,200 rpm. On the other hand, the Signature Edition boasts a more potent version of the same engine, cranking out 400 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 350 lb-ft of torque at 1,600-5,200 rpm. That’s a significant increase of 100 horsepower and 55 lb-ft of torque, respectively, giving the Signature Edition a more energetic and responsive feel on the road.
Suspension and Steering Systems
In terms of suspension, both models feature a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link setup. However, the Signature Edition gets specially tuned springs, dampers, and stabilizer bars to provide a more agile and dynamic handling experience. Additionally, the Signature Edition’s steering system is more responsive and precise, thanks to its unique rack-mounted electronic power steering system. This translates to a more engaging drive, especially during spirited cornering or when navigating twisty roads.
All-Wheel Drive Capabilities
Both the Q50 Premium and Signature Edition models offer advanced all-wheel drive systems, but with some key differences. The Premium model features Infiniti’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, which can send up to 50% of available torque to the front wheels and up to 100% to the rear wheels. The Signature Edition, on the other hand, boasts an advanced Direct Adaptive Steering system, which can actively adjust the steering ratio and torque to enhance handling and stability. This results in more precise and predictable cornering behavior, particularly in low-traction or high-speed situations.
Safety Features and Technologies
When it comes to safety, both the Q50 Premium and Signature Edition are equipped with advanced features designed to protect you and your passengers on the road. But how do these features compare, and which ones take priority?
Advanced Airbag Systems
Airbags are a critical component of any vehicle’s safety arsenal, and the Q50 doesn’t disappoint. Both the Premium and Signature Edition models feature a comprehensive airbag system that includes:
- Dual front airbags
- Front seat-mounted side impact airbags
- Rear seat-mounted side impact airbags
- Side curtain airbags
- Knee airbags
But what really sets the Q50 apart is its advanced airbag system, which can detect the severity of a crash and adjust airbag deployment accordingly. This means that in the event of a minor collision, the airbags may not deploy at all, reducing the risk of injury from airbag deployment itself.
Driver Assistance Features
Driver assistance features are designed to help prevent accidents from occurring in the first place. The Q50 Premium and Signature Edition both offer a range of features, including:
- Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Predictive Forward Collision Warning
- Lane Departure Warning and Prevention
- Blind Spot Warning (more on that below)
- Adaptive Cruise Control
These features use a combination of cameras, sensors, and radar to monitor the road and surrounding traffic, alerting you to potential hazards and even taking control of the vehicle in emergency situations.
Blind Spot Warning and Intervention
Blind spots are a common hazard on the road, and the Q50’s Blind Spot Warning system is designed to eliminate them. Using radar sensors, the system detects vehicles in the blind spot and alerts you with a visual warning in the side mirror. But that’s not all – if you begin to change lanes without checking your blind spot, the system will even intervene, gently applying the brakes to help guide you back into your lane. This feature is available on both the Premium and Signature Edition models, providing an added layer of safety and peace of mind on the road.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
When it comes to fuel economy and efficiency, the Q50 Premium and Signature Edition are designed to provide a smooth ride while keeping your wallet happy. But how do they stack up against each other?
MPG Ratings for City and Highway
One of the most important factors in determining a car’s fuel efficiency is its MPG rating. The Q50 Premium and Signature Edition boast impressive numbers, with the Premium edition getting an estimated 20 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The Signature Edition, on the other hand, gets an estimated 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. These numbers may not seem drastically different, but they can add up to significant savings over time. Imagine being able to drive an extra 100 miles on a single tank of gas – that’s the equivalent of driving from New York City to Boston and back again!
Fuel Tank Capacity and Range
Another crucial aspect of fuel efficiency is the fuel tank capacity and range. The Q50 Premium and Signature Edition both have a 20-gallon fuel tank, but their ranges differ slightly. The Premium edition has an estimated range of around 460 miles on a single tank, while the Signature Edition has an estimated range of around 440 miles. While these numbers may not be dramatically different, they can make a significant difference on long road trips. Imagine being able to drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco and back again without needing to stop for gas – that’s the kind of freedom these cars can offer.
Eco-Friendly Mode and Performance
But what about those who want to take their fuel efficiency to the next level? Both the Q50 Premium and Signature Edition come with an Eco-Friendly mode that optimizes engine performance and transmission shifting to minimize fuel consumption. This mode can help you squeeze every last mile out of your tank, making it perfect for city dwellers or those with long commutes. And the best part? You don’t have to sacrifice performance for efficiency – the Q50’s powerful V6 engine still delivers 300 horsepower, even in Eco-Friendly mode. So whether you’re cruising down the highway or navigating city streets, you can do so with confidence and a clear conscience.
Pricing and Value Comparison
When it comes to making a decision between the Q50 Premium and Signature Edition, one of the most pressing questions on your mind is likely: “What’s the price tag, and is it worth it?” In this section, we’ll dive into the details of the pricing and value comparison between these two trim levels, helping you make an informed decision that fits your budget and meets your needs.
Base Model Pricing and Equipment
The Q50 Premium is the base model of the two, and as such, it comes with a lower sticker price. But don’t let that fool you – this trim level is still packed with an impressive array of standard features, including a powerful 3.7-liter V6 engine, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and a slew of advanced safety features like forward emergency braking and blind spot warning. With a starting price of around $36,000, the Q50 Premium offers a compelling blend of performance, luxury, and value.
Signature Edition Upgrades and Cost
So, what do you get when you upgrade to the Signature Edition, and how much will it set you back? For starters, the Signature Edition builds upon the Premium’s robust feature set, adding luxurious touches like premium leather-appointed seats, a navigation system with voice recognition, and a panoramic moonroof. But the upgrades don’t stop there – you’ll also get exclusive design elements like a unique grille and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, as well as advanced safety features like a 360-degree around view monitor and adaptive cruise control. With a starting price of around $43,000, the Signature Edition is certainly an investment, but one that’s likely to pay dividends in terms of both luxury and resale value.
Long-Term Ownership and Maintenance
When considering the cost of owning a Q50 Premium or Signature Edition, it’s essential to think beyond the sticker price and factor in long-term expenses like maintenance, repairs, and fuel costs. Fortunately, both trim levels boast impressive reliability ratings and robust warranty coverage, including a 4-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. Additionally, the Q50’s fuel-efficient design means you’ll save money on gas over time – the Premium trim level returns an estimated 20 MPG city and 28 MPG highway, while the Signature Edition clocks in at 19 MPG city and 27 MPG highway. With proper maintenance and upkeep, either trim level is likely to provide years of reliable service and strong resale value.