2024 Lexus ES vs. 2024 Infiniti Q50 Comparison

Luxury car buyers looking to stretch their shopping budget should consider the Lexus ES 2024 and the Infiniti Q50. Besides having the same dimensions and space for five people, each comes with a long list of standard features and costs thousands less than many of their direct rivals.

With the Lexus ES, you get a quiet driving experience that includes a whisper-quiet and luxurious cabin that feels built to withstand years of driving duty. In contrast, the Infiniti Q50 takes a sporty approach. Buyers have a choice of two powerful turbocharged V6 engines, and, like the ES, the Q50 can be optioned with all-wheel drive (AWD).

Want to know how they compare in head-to-head competition? Let’s examine the key advantages of the premium sedans Lexus ES and Infiniti Q50.

2024 Lexus IS

This generation of the ES was introduced for the 2019 model year, though a series of upgrades have kept it fresh. For the 2024 model year, Lexus has expanded the availability of the Technology Package. This feature package includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen, head-up display and Smart Access keypad card.

Three engines are offered, including a fuel-efficient hybrid, and the base ES 250 has an asking price of $43,190, including destination charges.

Highlights of the Lexus ES

Ample rear room: Choose ES if you plan to drive with full number of passengers in any order. There is 39.2 inches of rear legroom, which is adequate for taller adults.

All-wheel drive is available: The ES can be used in AWD for more grip when the roads are icy, wet or snowy. Lexus limits AWD availability to the base 203-hp 4-cylinder, however. All other versions apply power to the front wheels only.

Powerful and smooth V6 engine: Unless you really need the assurance of AWD, we think the optional 302-hp V6 that comes in the ES 350 is a better fit for this Lexus sedan model. It is equally refined and strong; during road testing, we had the ES zip from zero to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds.

Check out this week’s Fair Trade Price or see ES models near you.

2024 Infiniti Q50

The 2024 Q50 can be found in three trims – Luxe, Sensory, and Red Sport 400 – and prices start at $44,200, including destination charges. Introduced way back during the 2014 model year, the Q50 is a classic among luxury cars.

That being said, it still looks great, and the Infiniti is packed with tons of mod-cons buyers expect. This includes wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a 16-speaker Bose sound system and a moonroof.

Highlights of the Infiniti Q50

Lots of driver aids, too: Infiniti doesn’t force the Q50 to be full of convenience features and technical touches. Every Q50 is equipped with driver aids such as rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, a surround view camera, rear cross-traffic assist, automatic high-beam headlights, cruise control, and rain-sensing electric wipers.

Powerful twin-turbo V6: A 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 300 hp comes standard on the Q50 Luxe and Sensory models. This is one of the most powerful entry-level powertrains in its class, and is more powerful than the base engine in the Lexus ES. For those feeling less adventurous, there’s the Red Sport 400 with bigger brakes and adaptive suspension. The name Red Sport 400 is also a vague hint that its twin-turbo V6 delivers 400 hp. Rear-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive can be added to all trims and both engines.

Aging gracefully: After more than a decade, the Q50 is still a looker. The curvy shape and bold front grille give the Infiniti sedan its unique style.

Check out this week’s Fair Trade Price or see a Q50 model near you.

Similarity

Style and substance, that’s a good way to sum up the Lexus ES and the Infiniti Q50. They have superior interiors, comparable cargo volumes, similar warranties and base prices more than $1,000 apart.

Conclusion

It speaks volumes that the Infiniti Q50 remains competitive after nearly a decade. This is one great sedan that is as fast as it gets down the road, not to mention generous in terms of feature content. Yet its dual-screen infotainment system looks dated, fuel economy is mediocre, and the steering wheel lacks finger-friendly feedback.

The Lexus ES is ideal if you’re looking for a luxury car that performs like a natural butler. Everything is done in a calm and modern way. The excellent reliability record and resale value further strengthens the case for going with the ES. Just keep in mind that the base 203-hp 4-cylinder provides plenty of passing power, even though it comes with AWD. The optional V6 is worth the added utility, in our opinion, and helps make the Lexus ES the clear winner in this comparison.