Infiniti Q40 Vs. Q50: 7 Crucial Differences Between The Classic VQ And Modern VR Platforms

Deciding between the Infiniti Q40 and the Infiniti Q50 in the used luxury sedan market is a choice between two distinct eras of performance and technology. As of late 2025, the Q40 is a short-lived, single-model-year car (2015) that is essentially a rebadged classic, while the Q50 is a modern platform that has been continuously updated, with the latest 2024 models offering a significant leap in power and refinement. This comparison is less about two competing models and more about choosing between a raw, naturally aspirated driving experience and a twin-turbocharged, tech-forward luxury cruiser.

The Infiniti Q40 and Q50 share the same compact luxury sedan segment lineage, originating from the highly successful Infiniti G series. However, they represent a monumental shift in Infiniti’s design philosophy, engine technology, and in-cabin experience. Understanding these core differences is essential whether you are shopping for a budget-friendly enthusiast car or a more modern daily driver.

The Tale of Two Engines: VQ37VHR vs. VR30DDTT

The most significant difference between the Q40 and the Q50 lies directly under the hood. This difference dictates the entire driving feel, performance potential, and even the exhaust note of each sedan.

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1. Q40: The Naturally Aspirated VQ Powerhouse

The 2015 Infiniti Q40 is powered exclusively by the revered 3.7-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine, known by its internal code, the VQ37VHR. This engine is the final iteration of the legendary VQ series that powered the G37.

• Horsepower: 328 hp @ 7,000 rpm
• Torque: 269 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm
• Key Characteristic: The VQ37VHR is famous for its high-revving nature and linear power delivery, requiring the driver to push the engine close to its 7,500 rpm redline to extract maximum power.

2. Q50: The Twin-Turbocharged VR Platform

The modern Infiniti Q50, including the current 2024 model, is powered by the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6, known as the VR30DDTT. This engine is a completely different beast, offering power in two distinct flavors depending on the trim level.

• Standard Output (Luxe, Sensory): 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
• High Output (Red Sport 400): 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.
• Key Characteristic: The VR30DDTT delivers maximum torque much lower in the rev range (as low as 1,600 rpm), thanks to the twin-turbochargers, resulting in immediate, punchy acceleration that feels significantly faster off the line than the VQ.

3. The Q40’s True Identity: A Rebadged G37

The Q40 was not a new car when it launched; it was a transitional model. It was introduced for the 2015 model year as a rebadged Infiniti G37 sedan. This move was part of Infiniti’s new naming convention (Q for sedans, QX for SUVs) to sell the outgoing G37 alongside the all-new Q50 for a single year.

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The Q40, therefore, retains the body style, chassis, and interior design of the fourth-generation G37. This makes it a fantastic value proposition for enthusiasts looking for a reliable, well-engineered chassis with a proven engine, often at a lower price point than the early Q50 models.

4. Interior Technology and Infotainment

The difference in age is most apparent in the cabin technology. The Q40’s interior is functional but dated, while the Q50’s is decidedly modern.

• Infiniti Q40: Features the older, single-screen infotainment system. Many drivers and critics praise this system for its simplicity and use of physical buttons, calling it more intuitive and reliable than the early Q50's setup.
• Infiniti Q50 (Modern): The Q50 introduced a more complex, modern interior featuring a unique Dual Display System. This setup uses a large upper screen for navigation and a lower touchscreen for climate control, audio, and apps. While modern, early iterations of this system were criticized for being slow, but later models have seen significant improvements.

5. Driving Dynamics: Hydraulic vs. Digital Steering

For the driving purist, the steering feel is a critical differentiator:

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• Q40 (Classic Feel): The Q40 uses a traditional, hydraulic power steering system. This setup provides excellent road feedback, giving the driver a better sense of what the front wheels are doing. This is a major reason why many enthusiasts prefer the G37/Q40 chassis for spirited driving.
• Q50 (Modern Tech): The Q50 introduced Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS), a revolutionary steer-by-wire system. This system electronically adjusts the steering ratio and effort. While the technology is advanced and allows for customizable steering modes, many early critics noted that it felt numb and disconnected compared to a traditional hydraulic setup, though later model years have refined the feel.

6. Transmission and Drivetrain

Both sedans utilize a reliable 7-speed automatic transmission, but the implementation is slightly different due to the engines' torque characteristics.

• Q40: The 7-speed automatic is paired with the naturally aspirated VQ engine. It is a solid, proven unit. Drivetrain options included both Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
• Q50: The 7-speed automatic in the Q50 has been updated with stronger internals to handle the significantly higher torque output of the turbocharged VR engine, especially the Red Sport 400 trim's 350 lb-ft. It also features a Sport mode and Downshift Rev Matching. RWD and AWD options are available across the current Luxe, Sensory, and Red Sport 400 trim levels.

7. Size and Weight Comparison

The Q50 is built on a newer platform and is subtly larger and heavier than its predecessor, reflecting the trend toward more substantial luxury vehicles.

The Q50 is slightly longer and heavier, which contributes to its more planted, comfortable ride, while the Q40’s smaller dimensions and lighter weight lend themselves to a more agile, sporty feel.

Final Verdict: Which Infiniti Sedan is Right for You?

The choice between the Q40 and Q50 comes down to your priority in the used car market:

• Choose the Infiniti Q40 if: You prioritize a proven, high-revving naturally aspirated engine, a traditional hydraulic steering feel, a simpler and more intuitive interior layout, and a lower purchase price. The Q40 is the spiritual successor to the enthusiast-favorite G37.
• Choose the Infiniti Q50 if: You want a modern luxury experience, the blistering performance of the 400 hp VR30DDTT engine, advanced safety and driver-assistance features, superior fuel economy, and a technologically advanced dual-screen infotainment system. The Q50 offers a more substantial, refined, and current luxury sedan experience.

Both sedans offer a compelling blend of Japanese reliability and luxury performance, but they cater to fundamentally different drivers. The Q40 is a modern classic, while the Q50 is a contemporary powerhouse.