The 2016 Infiniti Q50 3.0t’s 23 MPG combined won’t win awards for less gas, but it’s a reasonable compromise if you want a punchy twin-turbo V6 and a stylish, comfortable ride. This isn’t a car for saving fuel. It’s for people who like luxury and engaging performance at a price lower than some German cars.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2016 Infiniti Q50 3.0t gets 19 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The city mileage reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the Q50’s engine works harder, and the turbochargers spool up often, which cuts efficiency.

The highway number is where the Q50 can stretch its legs, benefiting from the smooth-shifting 7-speed automatic transmission that settles into a relaxed cruise. Careful use of the transmission’s overdrive gears on the highway is key to reaching, or even exceeding, the EPA’s estimate. Remember that aggressive acceleration at highway speeds will greatly decrease the MPG and raise fuel costs.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the 2016 Infiniti Q50 3.0t’s annual fuel cost at $2,500. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% in the city and 45% on the highway. It also considers the national average fuel price for premium gasoline, which the Q50’s turbocharged engine needs for best performance.

Your actual fuel costs can change based on your driving, local fuel prices, and how much city versus highway driving you do.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard, but real-world MPG for the 2016 Infiniti Q50 3.0t can vary a lot depending on how and where you drive. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and heavy traffic will all hurt fuel economy.

If you accelerate smoothly, anticipate traffic, and drive more on the highway, you may get closer to, or even slightly above, the EPA estimates. A heavy foot will definitely drop fuel economy.

How it compares

The 2016 Infiniti Q50 3.0t’s fuel economy is competitive in its class, but consider other options. The BMW 340i, for example, had similar performance with an EPA-estimated combined MPG of 25. The Mercedes-Benz C300, with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, got a combined MPG of 28. Acura’s TLX V6 with all-wheel-drive was rated at 25 MPG combined.

If you’re cross-shopping these models, weigh the performance against the fuel efficiency differences. If you want sportiness most, the small MPG dip might be okay. If you want to minimize running costs, you might prefer the Mercedes-Benz. For more information, check all Infiniti fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Infiniti Q50’s 7-speed automatic has a “snow” or “eco” mode, depending on the trim and year. Turn this on and drive gently. The slower throttle will encourage efficient driving and let the system minimize wasted energy.

Correct tire inflation is important for maximizing fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to the recommended levels, found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel.

Avoid unnecessary idling. The Q50 uses fuel even when stopped with the engine on. If you’ll be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine to save fuel. Modern engine start/stop systems do this automatically, but the 2016 Q50 does not have that.

Regular maintenance is critical for best fuel economy. Make sure your Q50 gets scheduled maintenance, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements, per the manufacturer’s recommendations. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently and uses less fuel.

Plan your driving carefully. Minimize stop-and-go driving, which really hurts fuel economy. Choose routes with fewer traffic lights and less congestion when you can. Be mindful of your acceleration at constant speeds, as the Q50’s turbochargers spool up when not needed. Buyers interested in learning more about the Q50 MPG across all years can find further resources on FuelEconomyHub.