The 2018 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 3.0L gets 22 MPG combined, which is acceptable but not exceptional. This isn’t a Prius, and no one buying a twin-turbocharged, 400-horsepower sport sedan expects it to be. The question is whether that 22 MPG is a fair price to pay for the performance and luxury the Q50 Red Sport delivers. Its target buyer probably prioritizes driving experience and stylish looks over saving gas.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2018 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 3.0L show different fuel consumption in different conditions. The 20 MPG city rating reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the turbochargers are less effective and the engine idles more. In contrast, the 26 MPG highway rating suggests the Q50 Red Sport is comfortable and relatively efficient at cruising speed. Accelerating to pass will lower that 26 MPG figure, given how easily the engine makes power. Drive carefully with less heavy acceleration and braking to get the best mileage.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,650 for the 2018 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 3.0L. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices as determined by the EPA. This is only an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use (premium fuel is recommended), and local fuel prices. A lead-footed driver in a city with high gas prices could easily exceed this figure. A more conservative driver who mostly drives on the highway might spend less. Compare Q50 MPG across all years to see how fuel economy has changed.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a baseline, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Q50 Red Sport owners report numbers that vary based on driving style and conditions. Drivers who often exploit the engine’s power in city driving may see numbers closer to the high teens. Drivers who accelerate smoothly and maintain consistent speeds on the highway might exceed the EPA’s 26 MPG estimate. Monitor your own fuel consumption to understand what you can realistically expect.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the 2018 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 3.0L is in the middle. The BMW 340i (25 MPG combined) is slightly more efficient, while offering similar performance. The Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG (21 MPG combined) trades fuel economy for a stronger engine and a sportier drive. The Audi S4 (24 MPG combined) balances performance and less gas. The Q50 Red Sport buyer gets Japanese luxury, unique styling, and strong performance at a price that often undercuts European rivals. This makes up for the slight fuel economy deficit for some buyers. You can compare the Q50 to all Infiniti fuel economy data to see how the whole lineup compares.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the Q50’s Drive Mode Selector. “Eco” mode softens throttle response and optimizes the transmission for fuel efficiency. While it impacts performance, it’s useful for maximizing MPG during normal drives or on long highway trips.

Maintain the correct tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and worsening fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate to the specification on the driver’s side door jamb.

Avoid unnecessary idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly and efficiently. Idling wastes gas without benefit. This is especially useful in cities with frequent stoplights.

Drive with smooth acceleration and braking. Fast acceleration and hard braking consume more fuel than gradual inputs. Pay attention to traffic and maintain a consistent speed. Avoid sudden bursts of speed and abrupt braking.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, which minimizes fuel-wasting speed changes. It’s particularly effective on long, flat stretches of highway with little traffic. Turn off cruise control in hilly terrain or heavy traffic, where it can cause inefficient gear changes.