Infiniti Q50 2017 pricing and spec confirmed

Infiniti Australia introduced its updated Q50 range this week, with the premium mid-size sedan receiving a refreshed look and extra equipment, while diesel variants have been dropped and the entry-level price has increased by $1000.

Offered across three grades, the Q50 now starts at $54,900 before on-road costs in GT form, with mid-spec Sport Premium variants $500 dearer. The flagship Red Sport retains its $79,900 price.

Each grade now has its own distinct front and rear fascias, with Sport Premium variants featuring a sportier design compared to the GT, while the Red Sport has 'grey spear' front inserts and black rear highlights.

All facelifted Q50 variants have a restyled steering wheel and gear lever, as well as new alloy wheel designs – measuring 18 inches for the GT, and 19 inches for Sport Premium variants and the Red Sport, which also has dark chrome accents.

The GT now gets a digital speedo and Sport Premium variants have interior ambient lighting.

Standard safety and driver assist technologies now include 360-degree cameras, front and rear parking sensors, cross-traffic alert and active lane control.

Lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and mitigation, forward collision warning, auto emergency braking and rear-cross traffic mitigation also feature in Sport Premium variants and the Red Sport.

Equipment levels are otherwise unchanged.

Infiniti's 'Direct Adaptive Steering' enters its second generation, promising levels of feedback that are closer to a mechanical set-up. The driver can adjust steering settings via the Q50's various driving modes.

Four engines are available, with a 155kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol unit used by the GT and one Sport Premium variant.

Alternatively, the Sport Premium grade also has two 268kW/546Nm petrol-electric hybrid variants, with a 3.5-litre V6 and electric motor combination putting power down by either a rear- or all-wheel drive system.

A 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 is employed by a Sport Premium variant and the Red Sport, with the former producing 224kW/400Nm and the latter punching out 298kW/475Nm.

Every Q50 is exclusively mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Options extend to 10 exterior paint colours and three interior trims. A sunroof adds $1990 to the cost of the GT.

Infiniti has sold 121 Q50s in Australia to the end of September this year, representing a 52.9 per cent decrease over the sales it managed during the same period in 2016.

As such, the Q50 is the third-best selling model in the Japanese carmaker’s line-up, trailing the Q30/QX30 (193) and QX70 (147).

Will the updated Infiniti Q50 be able to challenge the Mercedes-Benz C-Class? Tell us what you think in the comments below.