Infiniti Q50 2.0T Sport (A) vs Lexus IS250 2.5 F Sport (A)
20 Oct 2014|49,730 views
One of the fastest growing segments in the automotive industry is the compact executive sedan market. There are a lot of fantastic choices out there in this said segment and it can be a daunting decision to make - especially with these two Japanese brands here with us today.
The Infiniti Q50 debuted at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show and certainly has some big shoes to fill, considering that it replaces the well-received G sedan and also headlines Infiniti's new naming convention with the aim of repositioning the brand further upmarket.
Mesh grilles are found on both cars, but it is the spindle grille on the IS (right) that is more visually arresting
On the other side of the ring is the third generation Lexus IS. Launched last year in Singapore, the car takes the fight to its rivals with a striking new look and revamped dynamics.
Exterior
From sculpted fenders to a gaping grille, it's a new design language for the Q50 that has distinct cues from the QX70 (formerly FX) although we reckon it's more of a love it or hate it kind of styling.
The Infiniti Q50 debuted at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show and certainly has some big shoes to fill, considering that it replaces the well-received G sedan and also headlines Infiniti's new naming convention with the aim of repositioning the brand further upmarket.
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On the other side of the ring is the third generation Lexus IS. Launched last year in Singapore, the car takes the fight to its rivals with a striking new look and revamped dynamics.
Exterior
From sculpted fenders to a gaping grille, it's a new design language for the Q50 that has distinct cues from the QX70 (formerly FX) although we reckon it's more of a love it or hate it kind of styling.
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Nevertheless, the Q50 has a greater road presence as compared to the IS thanks to its size. Measuring 4,790mm x 1,820mm x 1,455mm (L x W x H), the Q50 is 125mm longer, 10mm wider and 25mm taller than its rival in this comparison.
On the other hand, the IS is a work of art from the people at Lexus. Drawing focus is the mesh trademark spindle grille and sporty bumper (F Sport trim) that give the IS a bold and fearsome stance, allowing it to stand out from its competitor.
Another prominent feature up front is the pair of detached LED daytime running lights that lend some aggression. Together with distinctive lines that converge with sleek curves, the IS has a more dynamic exterior profile.
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Interior
Moving inside, the Q50 feels more expansive than its other Japanese rival in this shootout. Backseat passengers in the Q50 will also be able to stretch out a little bit more thanks to a 50mm longer wheelbase as compared to the IS. More impressively, the Q50 has a bigger boot - 510 litres to be exact.


The overall shape of the Q50's interior carries certain design traits of parent company Nissan's cars with sound quality. And where the size of an infotainment screen has been an area of advancement in the world of luxury cars, the Q50 goes further by having not one but two displays.
On the other hand, the cabin of the IS does a good job of restricting visual resemblance with Toyotas and is very well designed with good ergonomics as well as driver centric details such as the LFA-inspired instrument panel (F Sport trim only), which tops our list of uber cool features.
Compared to the Q50's dash layout, Lexus' interior designers have grouped the various audio and driving controls logically. As such, we found it a little easier in the IS to find the right knob in a quick and efficient manner.
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It is also worth noting the attention to details in the IS. The way every single material and surface is crafted is remarkable, giving a new meaning to inner charm.
There is adequate room for three Asian adults at the back of the IS although headroom is slightly lesser than in the Q50. Nonetheless, a generous 480 litres of cargo capacity will still see to daily needs.
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The Drive
On the go, the Q50 is a rather punchy one, thanks to the generous 208 horses from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that is paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Place pedal to the metal and the Q50 takes a respectable 7.2 seconds to go from standstill to 100km/h - beating the IS250 in straight-line acceleration by 0.9 seconds.
Round corners, the Q50 is less nimble but is still relatively planted. The steering is rather sharp but there is an unnatural absence of weighting and when you decide to choose Sport mode, it decides to become unnecessarily heavy. Good thing, though, is the Q50 rides over bumps and ruts in a pliant way, serving up a comfortable ride for its occupants.
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In comparison, a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 powerplant that is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox can be found under the hood of the IS250. This wonderful combination allows for smoother and more linear power delivery that propels the IS250 to the century mark in 8.1 seconds.
Cabin insulation from wind and road noise is also excellent, which further heightens the level of refinement. Another area where the IS shines is in its steering and handling.
Essentially using a shrunken version of the well-regarded Lexus GS platform, the smaller IS is noticeably more nimble and more tossable than the larger and heavier Q50 - making it easy to have fun in it. The fact that the IS feels alert and responsive as it steers with great conviction during engagement of the twists and the turns further enhance this very point.
It also helps that the IS' cornering attitude is more predictable and flatter than the Q50's and when drivers decide that they are done playing amateur racer, the IS' velvety ride quality is very much appreciated.


Conclusion
The Infiniti Q50 is a well-built car with a perky drivetrain and decent handling. And at $218,800 (as of 9th October 2014), the car is also the cheaper one - a whopping $41,200 lesser than its other Japanese rival.
In comparison, the Lexus IS is an aggressive-looking car with a beautifully crafted interior (especially in F Sport trim). It may lack the force-fed punch from its naturally aspirated drivetrain but nonetheless it is still rewarding to pilot this refined car. And that is sufficient to justify the IS' leading spot in this shootout.
One of the fastest growing segments in the automotive industry is the compact executive sedan market. There are a lot of fantastic choices out there in this said segment and it can be a daunting decision to make - especially with these two Japanese brands here with us today.
The Infiniti Q50 debuted at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show and certainly has some big shoes to fill, considering that it replaces the well-received G sedan and also headlines Infiniti's new naming convention with the aim of repositioning the brand further upmarket.
On the other side of the ring is the third generation Lexus IS. Launched last year in Singapore, the car takes the fight to its rivals with a striking new look and revamped dynamics.
Exterior
From sculpted fenders to a gaping grille, it's a new design language for the Q50 that has distinct cues from the QX70 (formerly FX) although we reckon it's more of a love it or hate it kind of styling.
The Infiniti Q50 debuted at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show and certainly has some big shoes to fill, considering that it replaces the well-received G sedan and also headlines Infiniti's new naming convention with the aim of repositioning the brand further upmarket.
On the other side of the ring is the third generation Lexus IS. Launched last year in Singapore, the car takes the fight to its rivals with a striking new look and revamped dynamics.
Exterior
From sculpted fenders to a gaping grille, it's a new design language for the Q50 that has distinct cues from the QX70 (formerly FX) although we reckon it's more of a love it or hate it kind of styling.
Nevertheless, the Q50 has a greater road presence as compared to the IS thanks to its size. Measuring 4,790mm x 1,820mm x 1,455mm (L x W x H), the Q50 is 125mm longer, 10mm wider and 25mm taller than its rival in this comparison.
On the other hand, the IS is a work of art from the people at Lexus. Drawing focus is the mesh trademark spindle grille and sporty bumper (F Sport trim) that give the IS a bold and fearsome stance, allowing it to stand out from its competitor.
Another prominent feature up front is the pair of detached LED daytime running lights that lend some aggression. Together with distinctive lines that converge with sleek curves, the IS has a more dynamic exterior profile.
Interior
Moving inside, the Q50 feels more expansive than its other Japanese rival in this shootout. Backseat passengers in the Q50 will also be able to stretch out a little bit more thanks to a 50mm longer wheelbase as compared to the IS. More impressively, the Q50 has a bigger boot - 510 litres to be exact.
The overall shape of the Q50's interior carries certain design traits of parent company Nissan's cars with sound quality. And where the size of an infotainment screen has been an area of advancement in the world of luxury cars, the Q50 goes further by having not one but two displays.
Moving inside, the Q50 feels more expansive than its other Japanese rival in this shootout. Backseat passengers in the Q50 will also be able to stretch out a little bit more thanks to a 50mm longer wheelbase as compared to the IS. More impressively, the Q50 has a bigger boot - 510 litres to be exact.
The overall shape of the Q50's interior carries certain design traits of parent company Nissan's cars with sound quality. And where the size of an infotainment screen has been an area of advancement in the world of luxury cars, the Q50 goes further by having not one but two displays.
On the other hand, the cabin of the IS does a good job of restricting visual resemblance with Toyotas and is very well designed with good ergonomics as well as driver centric details such as the LFA-inspired instrument panel (F Sport trim only), which tops our list of uber cool features.
Compared to the Q50's dash layout, Lexus' interior designers have grouped the various audio and driving controls logically. As such, we found it a little easier in the IS to find the right knob in a quick and efficient manner.
It is also worth noting the attention to details in the IS. The way every single material and surface is crafted is remarkable, giving a new meaning to inner charm.
There is adequate room for three Asian adults at the back of the IS although headroom is slightly lesser than in the Q50. Nonetheless, a generous 480 litres of cargo capacity will still see to daily needs.
The Drive
On the go, the Q50 is a rather punchy one, thanks to the generous 208 horses from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that is paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Place pedal to the metal and the Q50 takes a respectable 7.2 seconds to go from standstill to 100km/h - beating the IS250 in straight-line acceleration by 0.9 seconds.
Round corners, the Q50 is less nimble but is still relatively planted. The steering is rather sharp but there is an unnatural absence of weighting and when you decide to choose Sport mode, it decides to become unnecessarily heavy. Good thing, though, is the Q50 rides over bumps and ruts in a pliant way, serving up a comfortable ride for its occupants.
In comparison, a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 powerplant that is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox can be found under the hood of the IS250. This wonderful combination allows for smoother and more linear power delivery that propels the IS250 to the century mark in 8.1 seconds.
Cabin insulation from wind and road noise is also excellent, which further heightens the level of refinement. Another area where the IS shines is in its steering and handling.
On the go, the Q50 is a rather punchy one, thanks to the generous 208 horses from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that is paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Place pedal to the metal and the Q50 takes a respectable 7.2 seconds to go from standstill to 100km/h - beating the IS250 in straight-line acceleration by 0.9 seconds.
Round corners, the Q50 is less nimble but is still relatively planted. The steering is rather sharp but there is an unnatural absence of weighting and when you decide to choose Sport mode, it decides to become unnecessarily heavy. Good thing, though, is the Q50 rides over bumps and ruts in a pliant way, serving up a comfortable ride for its occupants.
In comparison, a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 powerplant that is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox can be found under the hood of the IS250. This wonderful combination allows for smoother and more linear power delivery that propels the IS250 to the century mark in 8.1 seconds.
Cabin insulation from wind and road noise is also excellent, which further heightens the level of refinement. Another area where the IS shines is in its steering and handling.
Essentially using a shrunken version of the well-regarded Lexus GS platform, the smaller IS is noticeably more nimble and more tossable than the larger and heavier Q50 - making it easy to have fun in it. The fact that the IS feels alert and responsive as it steers with great conviction during engagement of the twists and the turns further enhance this very point.
It also helps that the IS' cornering attitude is more predictable and flatter than the Q50's and when drivers decide that they are done playing amateur racer, the IS' velvety ride quality is very much appreciated.
Conclusion
The Infiniti Q50 is a well-built car with a perky drivetrain and decent handling. And at $218,800 (as of 9th October 2014), the car is also the cheaper one - a whopping $41,200 lesser than its other Japanese rival.
In comparison, the Lexus IS is an aggressive-looking car with a beautifully crafted interior (especially in F Sport trim). It may lack the force-fed punch from its naturally aspirated drivetrain but nonetheless it is still rewarding to pilot this refined car. And that is sufficient to justify the IS' leading spot in this shootout.
Car Information
Lexus IS250 2.5 F Sport (A)
CAT B|Petrol|10.8km/L
Horsepower
155kW (208 bhp)
Torque
252 Nm
Acceleration
8.1sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Lexus IS250Infiniti Q50 2.0T Sport (A)
CAT B|Petrol|13.7km/L
Horsepower
155kW (208 bhp)
Torque
350 Nm
Acceleration
7.2sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Infiniti Q50Thank You For Your Subscription.