The 2016 Infiniti Q50 Premium represents a significant moment for the brand, blending assertive European-inspired design with a commitment to refined performance and luxury. This specific trim level sits within a competitive segment, offering a compelling alternative to established rivals from Germany and Japan. It targets buyers who desire a sporty sedan with distinctive styling and a well-appointed cabin, rather than just a standard luxury transport. The Premium trim effectively serves as the accessible entry point into the Q50 experience, providing core features that define the model's character without reaching the highest price points.
Exterior Design and Stance
Visually, the 2016 Q50 Premium commands attention with its aggressive front fascia, characterized by the signature double-arrow grille that stretches across the lower bumper. The design language is sharp and purposeful, intended to project both elegance and athleticism. Standard LED headlights provide excellent visibility and a modern aesthetic during night driving. The Premium package typically included 18-inch alloy wheels, which strike a balance between visual impact and everyday usability, though larger wheel options were available on higher trims. The overall silhouette remains sleek and low-slung, contributing to the coupe-like profile that sets the Q50 apart from boxier executive sedans.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Inside, the Premium trim delivers a cabin that feels both sophisticated and driver-focused. Soft-touch materials cover the dashboard and door panels, creating a tactile environment that avoids the cheap plastics found in many rivals. The available panoramic moonroof floods the front seats with natural light, enhancing the sense of spaciousness. The front seats provide excellent lateral support, bolstering the driver during spirited maneuvers while remaining comfortable for long-distance cruising. The infotainment system, centered around a responsive touchscreen, integrates navigation, audio, and vehicle settings with relative ease, although it may feel slightly less polished than offerings from German competitors.
Performance and Handling Dynamics
Performance is a core pillar of the Q50's identity, and the 2016 Premium model typically came equipped with a capable 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine or a responsive 3.7-liter V6, depending on the market and model year variant. The available 7-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and quickly, maintaining momentum during overtakes. The standard rear-wheel-drive layout provides a balanced weight distribution, translating to predictable and engaging handling. Drivers can adjust the steering feel and suspension firmness, allowing the car to transition from a comfortable cruiser to a sharp handler with the twist of a dial. This duality is one of the Q50's strongest attributes, adapting well to both highway cruising and winding back roads.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Safety and convenience are well-represented in the Premium trim, incorporating advanced systems to aid the driver in various scenarios. Standard features often include adaptive cruise control, which maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, and lane departure warning, which alerts the driver if the car drifts out of its lane. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert provide additional awareness during parking and merging maneuvers. These technologies work together to reduce driver fatigue in heavy traffic and enhance overall security on the road, representing excellent value within the premium sedan class.
Practicality and Daily Usability
Despite its focus on performance, the 2016 Infiniti Q50 Premium retains a surprising level of practicality for a sporty sedan. The rear seats offer decent legroom for passengers on shorter trips, and the trunk provides ample space for groceries, luggage, or everyday items. The rear seats are also split-folding, which significantly increases cargo capacity when hauling larger items. This flexibility ensures the Q50 does not compromise excessively on real-world usability, making it a viable option for buyers who refuse to sacrifice daily convenience for driving excitement. The Premium trim strikes a balance between aspirational design and grounded functionality.
