The 2017 Infiniti Q50S Red Sport 3.0L gets 22 MPG combined, a figure that’s neither impressively high nor surprisingly low for a sport sedan. Buyers accept this figure because they prioritize the Q50S Red Sport’s blend of turbocharged power, sharp handling, and distinctive styling over low fuel costs. It’s a car for drivers who enjoy spirited acceleration and responsive handling, and who are willing to trade some MPG for that experience.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates that the 2017 Q50S Red Sport achieves 20 MPG in city driving and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the engine’s hard work in stop-and-go traffic, while the highway number suggests it’s working less. This difference between city and highway MPG is typical, but real-world conditions can significantly impact these numbers. Aggressive driving, heavy traffic, and weather can all lead to lower fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Infiniti Q50S Red Sport 3.0L is $2,650. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs may be higher or lower depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you purchase, and prevailing gas prices in your area. For example, drivers who spend more time in congested city conditions or drive more aggressively will likely exceed the $2,650 estimate. To get a better sense of what fuel costs to expect from the Q50S MPG across all years, consider how the vehicle is driven.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized estimate, the true fuel economy of the Q50S Red Sport often varies by owner. Drivers who frequently use the car’s performance capabilities should expect numbers closer to the low end of the EPA’s range, possibly even dipping below 20 MPG in mixed driving, and who enjoy the feeling you get while exploring all Infiniti fuel economy data. However, those who prioritize smooth acceleration, anticipate traffic, and drive with fuel efficiency in mind might see figures closer to, or even slightly above, the EPA’s combined estimate.

How it compares

Compared to its rivals, the 2017 Q50S Red Sport’s fuel economy is competitive, but not class-leading. For example, the BMW 340i from the same year typically achieves around 25 MPG combined, while the Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG sits in a similar range. The Audi S4 offers slightly better fuel economy, with EPA ratings of around 24 MPG combined. These MPG differences often come with trade-offs in performance or price. The Q50S Red Sport provides a combination of power and luxury for its price point, so its fuel economy is acceptable to its target customer over alternatives that might offer better MPG.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, as these actions significantly reduce fuel economy. The Q50S Red Sport’s turbocharged engine provides a lot of power, so smoother and more gradual acceleration will always yield better MPG. Try to anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed.

Keep your tires properly inflated to the recommended pressure listed on the doorjamb sticker. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Regular tire pressure checks are essential for both fuel efficiency and tire longevity.

Remove unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Excess cargo can negatively impact fuel economy, especially during city driving. Remove any items that you don’t need on a regular basis, such as sports equipment or tools in the trunk.

Consider using the car’s drive mode selector to optimize fuel efficiency. Many Q50S models feature an “Eco” or “Standard” mode that adjusts throttle response and transmission behavior to prioritize fuel economy, which makes a difference when you minimize fuel.