31 MPG combined is respectable for the 2015 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid, putting it squarely in the sights of drivers who want fuel efficiency without sacrificing the engaging driving experience traditionally associated with a premium sport sedan. This isn’t a Prius competitor, nor does it pretend to be. The Q50 Hybrid caters to a buyer who appreciates performance and luxury, but also wants to use less gas.

City and highway performance

The Q50 Hybrid’s EPA estimates break down to 29 MPG in the city and a notable 36 MPG on the highway. That city rating reflects the benefit of the electric motor assisting the 3.5L V6 engine during stop-and-go driving, while the highway number reflects the car’s ability to cruise efficiently once it’s up to speed. The hybrid system blends the power of the gasoline engine and electric motor, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience that’s particularly noticeable in urban environments. Drivers who frequent the open road will still appreciate the fuel savings, but the city is where the hybrid powertrain truly shines.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid will be $1,850. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel prices at the time the calculation was made. Your individual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of roads you typically drive on, and the price of gasoline in your area. However, the $1,850 figure provides a useful benchmark for comparing the Q50 Hybrid’s fuel costs to those of other vehicles. It’s money well spent for buyers who want a performance sedan that won’t constantly empty their wallets at the pump, making it easy to check all Infiniti fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a helpful baseline, real-world fuel economy can vary. Aggressive driving, frequent hard acceleration, and hilly terrain can all negatively impact your MPG. A more conservative driving style, optimized tire pressure, and regular maintenance can help you achieve or even exceed the EPA estimates. Owners report numbers all over the map, depending on these variables, but most find the 31 MPG combined figure to be generally attainable with mindful driving. Checking up on Q50 MPG across all years is a good idea.

How it compares

The Q50 Hybrid competes with other luxury sedans that offer some level of fuel efficiency. For example, the Acura TLX SH-AWD (non-hybrid) from the same year typically gets around 25 MPG combined, making the Infiniti a clear winner in terms of fuel economy. A similarly equipped Lexus IS 350 earns around 22 MPG combined. The BMW 328d, a diesel-powered option, achieves around 36 MPG combined, slightly edging out the Q50 Hybrid on the highway, but those diesels can present reliability and maintenance concerns that might make the Infiniti more appealing. Buyers in this segment value a balance of luxury, performance, and efficiency, so these MPG differences, while seemingly small, can influence purchasing decisions.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the Q50 Hybrid’s Eco mode, which adjusts throttle response and transmission shift points to prioritize fuel efficiency. This mode is useful for everyday commuting and relaxed highway driving, and can improve your MPG if you’re normally heavy on the accelerator.

Monitor your tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure for your Q50 Hybrid and ensure that your tires are properly inflated.

Drive smoothly and avoid aggressive acceleration or braking. The Q50 Hybrid’s regenerative braking system captures energy during deceleration, but it’s more efficient to anticipate traffic and avoid unnecessary braking in the first place. Gentle acceleration also places less demand on the gasoline engine, allowing the electric motor to contribute more.

Minimize idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. The Q50 Hybrid’s auto start-stop system will do this automatically in many situations, but you can further reduce idling by manually turning off the engine when appropriate. Doing so will preserve gas, especially in frequent stop-and-go traffic.