The 2018 Infiniti Q50 with the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 engine gets an EPA-estimated 23 MPG combined. This isn’t a car known for hypermiling capabilities, nor is fuel economy the main reason people buy it. The Q50 3.0t is for drivers who want quick acceleration and a fun driving experience and are willing to sacrifice some fuel efficiency for a sporty sedan that’s relatively affordable. They accept the fuel economy as part of the cost for the performance and the luxury the Q50 offers.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 Q50 3.0t gets 20 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The twin-turbo V6 needs more fuel during stop-and-go driving. The seven-speed automatic transmission is generally smooth and responsive, but it doesn’t have the most efficient gear ratios,. The highway mileage is better, showing the engine can cruise efficiently when it gets up to speed. Keep in mind that driving aggressively will lower that 29 MPG.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Infiniti Q50 3.0t is $2,500. This assumes 15,000 miles driven per year, using average national fuel prices. This is just an estimate, so your actual fuel costs will change based on your driving, location, and local fuel prices. If you have a long commute or tend to drive fast, you’ll probably spend more than $2,500. If you want to spend less on gas, you might want to check all Infiniti fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a good starting point, but real-world MPG often varies. Q50 3.0t drivers often report combined MPG from 20 to 25, depending on how and where they drive. If you drive mostly in city traffic, expect numbers closer to the EPA’s 20 MPG city rating. If you mainly drive on the highway, you might reach or slightly beat the 29 MPG highway rating. The Q50 3.0t’s fuel economy is very sensitive to how hard you accelerate, so drivers who like to put the pedal to the metal should expect lower MPG. Understanding driving patterns is so critical to the Q50 MPG across all years.

How it compares

The 2018 Infiniti Q50 3.0t’s fuel economy places it among similar cars. The BMW 340i xDrive, for instance, gets a slightly better 25 MPG combined with its turbocharged inline-six because of its advanced engine and transmission. The Lexus IS 350, known for its smooth but less powerful V6, is rated at 23 MPG combined, nearly the same as the Q50. The Audi S4, with its turbocharged V6 and quattro all-wheel drive, gets 24 MPG combined. These comparisons are relevant for Q50 buyers, but not as much as the overall value. They want performance, luxury, and styling, and the Q50 is a strong performer compared to more expensive German cars.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Q50 3.0t’s fuel economy is strongly affected by how you drive. Avoid accelerating quickly and keep a steady speed whenever you can. The twin-turbo V6 can really show off its power, but doing so will cost you at the pump. Use the car’s drive mode selector to choose “Eco” mode when performance isn’t your priority. This mode will change the throttle and shift points to focus on saving fuel.

Make sure your tires are inflated properly. Tires that are low on air increase rolling resistance, which lowers fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to the recommended PSI listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Small changes like this can add up over time. And make sure you regularly maintain your car changing the oil, air filters, and spark plugs.

Remove extra weight from the car. Extra weight reduces fuel economy,, particularly in city driving. Take out anything you don’t need from the trunk and cabin. Reducing weight is often the easiest and cheapest way to improve MPG.

Plan your routes to avoid stop-and-go traffic when possible. Use navigation apps with real-time traffic to find routes that minimize idling and quick acceleration. Even five minutes of idling can affect your fuel economy, and driving farther on the highway is generally more efficient.