Used 2015 INFINITI Q40

Technically, the Infiniti Q50 replaced the Infiniti G37 when it came out last year. In reality, the old car was simply renamed, and carries on as the 2015 Infiniti Q40. The smaller number means it slots below its successor in price, features, sophistication and technology. However, the Infiniti Q40 is still a fun, comfortable and sharp-looking sedan, available at a very reasonable starting price. However, your options are limited. The 6-speed manual transmission is gone, as is the Sport model from the G37. Instead there are two well-equipped sedans, available in rear- or all-wheel drive (RWD, AWD), with numerous standard features, and just enough upgrades to keep it competitive against other similarly priced entry-level luxury sedans, like the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA.

Despite its age, the 2015 Infiniti Q40 is still a pleasurable car to drive. The interior is comfortable and neatly laid out, there’s a solid sense of refinement to the materials and assembly, and the small size means it’s easy to maneuver. But when you drive briskly, the Infiniti Q40 really shines. The steering feels spot-on, the brakes are strong, and the suspension provides a compromise between ride and handling that’s satisfying even with a lack of switchable modes. The 3.7-liter V6 engine feels strong, especially at mid-to-high revs. The 7-speed automatic shifts quickly but smoothly. The standard stability control is calibrated to let you explore the car’s limits farther than you may realize before reining the car back in. For better dry-weather handling, or if you live in rainy or snowy climates, the all-wheel-drive model offers extra traction.

If you’re a fan of knobs and buttons, instead of the ever-more-present touch screens, then you’re going to love the interior of the 2015 Infiniti Q40. While there is a touch screen at the top of the dash, used for multiple functions, there are actual knobs for the audio system and climate control, and even that touch screen has a knob-based system for many of its functions. Beyond that, the interior also boasts high-quality materials and assembly, and the seats are exceptionally comfortable. While not particularly fancy, it feels upscale and classy inside, and there’s a decently sized rear seat as well.

The Infiniti Q40’s style hasn’t changed one bit since it was introduced as the G37 several years ago. However, that’s okay, as it’s still a good-looking sedan. While it lacks many of the styling cues of the more modern Infiniti lineup, the long hood and short trunk still look sharp and sporty.

7-INCH LCD INFORMATION SCREEN
Whether you order the navigation system or not, the 2015 Infiniti Q40 comes standard with a 7-inch touch-screen display. It offers a visually appealing interface, and serves as the control center for options such as iPod integration, rearview camera and, if you order it, the hard-drive navigation system.

PERFORMANCE VALUE
The 2015 Infiniti Q40 packs a lot of performance into a luxury car with a starting price of around $35,000. To get an equivalent car with a powerful V6, quick-shifting 7-speed automatic, and sharp steering would cost thousands more at a BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Lexus dealership.

The 2015 Infiniti Q40 comes nicely equipped. Aside from the standard V6 engine and 7-speed automatic, there are leather-trimmed seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, and an audio system with Bluetooth, a USB port and a 7-inch touch-screen color display. The front seats are heated, and both come with 8-way power adjustments, with the driver’s side getting an adjustable lumbar support as well. One cool feature is the synchronized adjustment of the gauge cluster with the steering wheel; it tilts up and down as you move the wheel to help ensure you can always see the gauges clearly.

Aside from choosing between rear- or all-wheel drive, the Infiniti Q40 offers a slimmed-down options list. A navigation package includes an upgraded audio system with DVD playback on the screen when the car is in Park, hard-drive-based navigation, voice recognition for the whole works, and something called Driver’s Audio Stage, which orients the sound toward the driver for an optimum listening experience. The only other option package is a moonroof.

The Infiniti Q40 uses a powerful 3.7-liter V6, part of the award-winning VQ family of engines from Infiniti and its parent company, Nissan. Using sophisticated variable valve timing and lift, it achieves the competing goals of additional power and efficiency. The only transmission available is a 7-speed automatic, and with it the Q40 gets fuel economy that’s at least competitive, even if it’s not class-leading. The AWD system takes a noticeable bite out of those numbers, though.

3.7-liter V6
328 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
269 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/27 mpg (RWD), 18/25 mpg (AWD)