The 2020 Acura TLX and 2020 Infiniti Q50 luxury compact sedans are vying for first place in a friendly duel that will show you which one deserves a place in your driveway.
Even if their popularity is lagging a bit compared to SUVs, luxury compact sedans are alive and well, and in this segment, there are two very elegant ones. Here's the 2020 Acura TLX and the 2020 Infiniti Q50, the first one on the market since 2014, the second one a year earlier. Both are refined, comfortable and inviting, yet one of them will appeal to you more not only because of its magnificent profile, but also because of its performances and technologies. Let's get to the heart of the matter and begin this comparison featuring the 2020 TLX and 2020 Q50.
The versions
Available in 4 variants, Pure, Signature Edition, Sport Proactive and I-Line Red Sport Proactive, the Infiniti Q50 offers two engines. The first is a 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged engine developing 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, and the second is another 3.0-litre V6 turbo of 400 horsepower for 350 lb-ft of torque, both paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. The 300-horsepower V6 powers the Pure, Signature Edition and Sport Proactive models, while the 400-horsepower V6 is designed specifically for the I-Line Red Sport Proactive version. Each features all-wheel drive.
Available in 7 models: A-Spec, Tech A-Spec, SH-AWD A-Spec, SH-AWD Tech, SH-AWD Tech A-Spec, SH-AWD Elite and SH-AWD Elite A-Spec, the TLX also features two engines. The A-Spec and Tech A-Spec versions required the services of the 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine of 206 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed transmission, and both are front-wheel drive. The others rely on the 3.5-litre i-VTEC V6 engine generating 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. A 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system complete the powertrain.
You'd think that because it's more powerful, the engine of the Q50 engine would be more fuel-hungry. Well, you should know that both vehicles offer combined average fuel consumption ratings of about 10 L/100 km.
Better equipped
In this class of luxury sedans, comfort is at the forefront, as is the finesse and quality of the materials and components. In this regard, the superb Infiniti Q50 spoils you a little more with, among other things, thigh extensions on the front seats, perfect for tall people, for unequalled comfort, even on long rides. Add to that the power torso bolster and power lumbar support for an ideal driving position.
Impressive range
Other features that make the Infiniti sedan an oasis of peace include Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, Voice Recognition for the audio system, Bluetooth and Vehicle Information Centre, Cruise Control, Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control, two HD LCD touchscreens of 7" and 8", heated steering wheel, heated front seats, hands-free text messaging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Siri and Google Voice, two 12V outlets, two USB ports, and so much more.
Aside from a few features like heated front seats, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth, cruise control and air conditioning, Acura doesn't offer as much. And then there's the silhouette, the Q50 exudes an aura of sportiness married to elegance, with its eye-catching front end and headlights running along the menacing hood, sleek bumper, aerodynamic flowing lines and low stance, it's definitely sportier than its opponent.
Luxury and refinement
What about the interior, where every detail, like the sport-inspired steering wheel for a good grip, the centre console where every control, every button, is remarkably well placed to provide you with the most ergonomic space, and the impeccable quality trims and elements, all so that you can savour an exceptional driving experience every time you enter this oasis of peace.
But instead of talking about it, come and try the Q50 at your Infiniti dealer in Montreal, halfway between the South Shore and Laval. You'll see how much more the Q50 has to offer over the TLX. More power, more choices, more features, not to mention more refinement and sexiness. In short, if you want to stand out on the road, the choice is more than obvious. So we await you for a test drive of this stunning sedan with remarkable qualities.