Compact luxury sedans present many options for buyers, especially the feeling of wealth and quality combined with impressive performance at the best price.
The 2024 Lexus IS and 2024 Infiniti Q50 may include those features better than most in this class. Both offer sporty outer styles with a little zipper from under the hood. Each also has impressive driving manners that come with rear-wheel drive – although both also offer the option of all-wheel drive.
Let’s take a closer look at these two contenders in the small luxury sedan class.
2024 Lexus IS
Although the Lexus IS in its current form may be a decade old now, its modern styling makes it relevant, which is important since there is new competition from the Genesis G70 as well as the old guards – BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Lexus’ entry-level sedan has also benefited from frequent updates in the short term.
Lexus continues to tweak the IS, such as making the F Sport package available on the IS 300 level, and that’s served well. There are several different levels of reduction to allow you to get the IS you want. It comes standard with a peppy 241 horsepower Turbo 4-cylinder; however, you can step up to the 260-hp or 311-hp V6 and get all-wheel drive as well. If you want a rocket car, step up to the 472-hp 5.0-liter V8 stuffed into the Lexus IS 500.
Like its older siblings the Lexus ES and Lexus LS, the materials in the IS’s cabin are high-quality, and the interior is well-designed, although it’s a little cramped in the back seat. Pricing starts at $41,235, including destination charges.
Highlights of the Lexus IS
Security technology: All Lexus models come with a comprehensive array of active safety features that include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking and more. Adding the Panoramic View Monitors for $1,365 gets you a 360-degree camera system paired with parking sensors as well as a rear emergency brake.
Amazing sound: The optional Mark Levinson sound system delivers 1,800 watts through 17 speakers.
Performance: The V8-powered IS 500 is a beautiful anomaly in today’s world. Lexus boosts its power with improved hardware such as suspension parts, stronger brakes and a limited slip differential.
Check this week Fair Purchase Price or see IS examples close to you
2024 Infiniti Q50
The Infiniti Q50 boasts an athletic exterior that makes it look like a performance machine. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 under the hood as standard equipment. To make sure it doesn’t just look the part, the basic version of the engine puts out 300 hp. However, the optional variant of the same V6 is rated up to 400 hp. It doesn’t quite match the performance of the Lexus IS F, but it’s no slouch.
The Q50 comes in just three trim levels: Luxe, Sensory, and Red Sport 400. All are rear-wheel drive, but AWD is optional. The Red Sport 400 offers a Black Opal Edition, now in its second year. It comes in Black Opal Metallic color, which shimmers and changes between shades of blue, green and purple depending on the lighting and viewing angle. The sedan also gets a black front grille with an embossed Infiniti logo, black rear Infiniti, Q50S, and AWD logos (on AWD-equipped cars), as well as a carbon fiber rear spoiler.
The Q50 cabin offers plenty of space, along with high-quality materials such as leather-trimmed seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum trim and more. Red Sport models also get aluminum pedals and black carbon fiber trim. They are compatible with many technologies for convenience and security. Pricing starts at $44,200, including destination charges.
Highlights of the Infiniti Q50
Driver technology: All three trim levels feature standard, high-resolution dual-screen displays with wireless Apple CarPlay and USB-based Android Auto compatibility, as well as Infiniti’s InTouch Services.
Great performance: There is more power and power: a twin-turbo 3.0-liter turbo V6 that puts out 300 hp or the same engine tuned to develop 400 hp. Plus Infiniti’s Intelligent AWD is available on all three trims.
Loud voice: The Q50 enjoys a 16-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system that provides an immersive experience for passengers. It is comparable to the Mark Levinson system available in the Lexus IS.
Check this week Fair Purchase Price or see Q50 models close to you
Similarity
The Lexus IS and Infiniti Q50 boast athletic exteriors, making them look like strong performers. Each one offers driving manners, numerous safety technologies, and modern technology.
Conclusion
The Infiniti Q50 has a few advantages on paper, especially the more powerful base engine. However, it is overdue for a redesign and it feels dated. The Lexus IS has stood up to the best of times while maintaining a solid reputation for reliability and resale value. It also has a low starting price. You can’t go wrong with either luxury sedan, so the right one for you may come down to personal preference regarding the two.
| 2024 Lexus IS | 2024 Infiniti Q50 | |
| Starting Price | $41,235 | $44,200 |
| Popular powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter Turbo 4-cylinder | 3.0 liter V6 turbo |
| Horse Power | 241 hp @ 5,200 rpm | 300 hp @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm |
| Contagion | 8-speed automatic | 7-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 21 city/31 highway/21 combined mpg | 20 city/29 highway/23 combined mpg |
| Also Available | AWD 3.5-liter V6; 5.0-liter V8 | AWD; put the top-out turbo V6 |
| Measurements | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 6 years/70,000 miles | 6 years/70,000 miles |
| NHTSA General Safety | 5-Star | N/A |
| Maximum Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| The base of the wheels | 110.2 inches | 112.2 inches |
| Total Height | 185.4 inches | 189.6 inches |
| Width | 72.4 inches | 71.8 inches |
| Height | 56.5 inches | 57.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 34.2 feet | 36.7 feet |
| Bedroom, Front | 38.2 inches | 39.5 inches |
| Bedroom, Back | 36.9 inches | 36.8 inches |
| Leg room, front | 44.8 inches | 44.5 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 32.2 inches | 35.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 55.9 inches | 56.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Back | 53.4 inches | 56.1 inches |
| Amount of Cargo | 10.8 cubic feet | 13.5 cubic feet |
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