22 MPG combined probably isn’t the main reason someone buys the 2024 Infiniti Q50 AWD with the 3.0L twin-turbo V6. This car is for drivers who want a powerful, engaging drive in a luxurious package. Fuel efficiency matters, of course, but it’s often less important than performance and style in this vehicle category.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Q50 AWD gets 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect how the engine and transmission behave. The city MPG shows the engine uses more fuel during stop-and-go traffic, which is normal for a turbocharged engine that needs extra fuel for quick acceleration. The highway MPG shows decent efficiency at steady speeds, suggesting that longer trips might give slightly better mileage than the combined figure indicates. This difference is normal for vehicles with turbochargers. The seven-speed automatic transmission, while generally smooth and responsive, isn’t designed for maximum fuel savings like some eight- or ten-speed transmissions in rival cars.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Infiniti Q50 AWD 3.0L is $2,650. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time the calculation was made. Remember that this is just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs can change depending on how you drive, the type of fuel you use (premium is recommended), and local fuel prices. Factor in these possible changes when planning your fuel budget.

Real-world expectations

It’s crucial to compare the EPA estimates with actual driving experiences. Q50 drivers who value performance and often use the engine’s full power are likely to see fuel economy lower than the EPA combined figure. However, drivers who drive more carefully and consistently, especially on the highway, might get closer to the EPA highway estimate. Things like fast acceleration, frequent hard braking, and idling in traffic greatly affect fuel consumption.

How it compares

The Q50’s fuel economy is average for its class. The BMW 330i xDrive, with its 2.0L turbo-four, gets a combined 28 MPG, making it a much more efficient option, and you can check all Infiniti fuel economy data. The Mercedes-Benz C 300 4MATIC, also with a 2.0L turbo, gets about 26 MPG combined. However, the more powerful versions of those models, like the BMW M340i xDrive (25 MPG combined) or the Mercedes-AMG C 43 (21 MPG combined), have fuel economy closer to the Q50’s, and remember to compare Q50 MPG across all years. The Lexus IS 350 AWD, with its naturally aspirated V6, gets around 22 MPG combined, similar to the Q50, but without the benefit of turbochargers. The Acura TLX, especially the Type S, also gets mileage in the low to mid-20s. The Q50 buyer likely accepts this fuel consumption as a trade-off for the reliable power of the twin-turbo V6.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid fast acceleration and hard braking. The Q50’s twin-turbo V6 responds quickly, but try not to constantly use its full potential to save fuel. Accelerating gently and anticipating traffic will make a noticeable difference over time.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Tires with low pressure increase rolling resistance, which lowers fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer. You can usually find the correct pressure on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Don’t idle unnecessarily. Letting the engine idle for a long time wastes fuel. If you expect to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine, especially in warmer weather when you don’t need the air conditioning.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed on the highway can greatly improve fuel economy. Cruise control helps prevent unintentional speeding and changes in throttle position, which can waste fuel.

Follow the scheduled maintenance. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Regular maintenance, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug inspections, helps ensure optimal performance and fuel economy.