Introduced in 2013 for the 2014 model year, the Infiniti Q50 replaced the G series->ke1264 as the company's luxury compact sedan. Inspired by a series of concept cars launched over the last decade, the Q50 is mainly aimed at the BMW 3 Series->ke290, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Audi A4->ke1087. In the United States, the sedan is offered with two different drivetrains, and in either rear-wheel- or all-wheel-drive configurations. The base model is fitted with a potent, 3.7-liter, V-6 engine that delivers 328 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. The range-topping sedan, on the other hand, is motivated by a hybrid drivetrain consisting of a 3.5-liter V-6 and an electric motor. Combined output sits at 369 ponies and a whopping 403 pound-feet of twist. As we're moving closer to the 2015 model year, Infiniti->ke36 is expanding the Q50 lineup by adding a long-wheelbase version.

Dubbed Q50L, the elongated sedan will be sold exclusively in China->ke2090, a market very fond of longer-than-usual vehicles that offer extra legroom in the back. The Japanese luxury sedan will compete against a host of other long-wheelbase compacts that have yet to be launched in the United States, including products from Audi->ke14, Mercedes-Benz->ke187 and even Cadillac->ke18.

Click past the jump to read more about the Infiniti Q50L

2015 Infiniti Q50L

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Infiniti Q50L
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 208
  • Torque: 236
  • Transmission: seven-speed automatic transmission
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Exterior

Aside from a 48mm (1.9-inch) longer wheelbase -- now measuring 2,898mm (114 inches) -- and new "Q50L" badges, the Infiniti Q50L remains unchanged as far as styling goes. Premium options such as the power sliding and tilting sunroof will be transferred over to the long-wheelbase model as well. Exclusive exterior colors are likely to be added too.

Interior

The slightly longer wheelbase will enable the Q50L to provide extra legroom, headroom, and shoulder room, especially in the back. Details are slim as of this writing, but expect the Q50L to be offered with all the goodies available on the standard sedan.

Drivetrain

The Q50L will benefit from the same engine motivating the standard, China-spec Q50. We're talking about a turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder unit that delivers 214 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 236 pound-feet of torque. The engine only mates to a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift-mode. All-wheel-drive will likely be offered as an option.

Competitors

Audi A4L

Launched in 2009, the Audi A4L was the first long-wheelbase, compact sedan to arrive in China. 2.4 inches longer than the regular A4, the L model can be had with a choice of four engines. At the bottom of the range sits a 1.8-liter, four-pot that generates 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, while a 2.0-liter four-banger, is offered with either 180 ponies and 236 pound-feet or 211 horses and 258 pound-feet. Lastly, the top-of-the-league A4L gets its juice from a 3.0-liter, inline-six mill that cranks out 270 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of twist. All engines are available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed S-tronic.

While it's not the most powerful long-wheelbase sedan sold in China, the A4L is definitely impressive as far as technology and convenience features go. A well-established player on the market, the A4L starts from CN¥272,800 ($44,350 as of 08/21/2014).

Mercedes-Benz C-Class L

The C-Class is a much newer addition to the long-wheelbase sedan market. Scheduled to arrive in Chinese dealership for the 2015 model year, the C-Class L is 3.1-inches longer than the regular sedan, making it longer than the Audi A4L, but slightly shorter when compared to the Cadillac Cadillac ATS-L. The C-Class L also benefits from a one-inch longer rear bench and a passenger seat that can be adjusted from the rear for enhanced comfort.

Unlike the A4L, the C-Class L will be sold in two different exterior designs. The entry-level model will be offered with the classic Mercedes front grille, while the more aggressive version will carry a sportier design incorporating various AMG body parts. Engine-wise, the range will begin with a C180 L rated at 156 horsepower, but output will go up into 300-pony territory for the sportier trims. Pricing is not available as of August 2014, but expect the C-Class L to start from around CN¥270,000 ($43,900 as of 08/21/2014).

Cadillac ATS-L

'Murica is joining the long-wheelbase fun in 2015 with the Cadillac ATS-L. The sedan reaches Chinese shores virtually unchanged when compared to the U.S.-spec model, but gains a 3.4-inch longer wheelbase and a slightly wider body. Thanks to these changes, the China-exclusive ATS provides additional legroom, headroom, and shoulder room in the rear compartment, which now offers seating for just two people.

The stretched sedan is motivated by the same engines offered on the U.S.-spec model. First up is the turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder unit that churns 272 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Updated for 2015, the mill delivers an extra 35 pound-feet of torque starting from 3,000 rpm and peaking at 5,500 rpm. The second engine is the ubiquitous, naturally aspirated, 3.6-liter V-6 rated at 321 ponies and 274 pound-feet of twist. Both powerplants mate to six-speed automatic transmissions, while all-wheel-drive can be had as an option. Pricing is expected to start from CN¥270,000 ($43,900 as of 08/21/2014).

Infiniti Q50