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Let me be honest with you - when people ask me about luxury sports sedans, the 2019 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport rarely comes up in initial conversations. Most enthusiasts immediately jump to German competitors or maybe the Alfa Romeo Giulia. But having spent considerable time with this often-overlooked Japanese performance sedan, I've come to appreciate what Infiniti achieved here, even if it's not perfect.

The heart of any performance vehicle is its engine, and the Q50 Red Sport doesn't disappoint in this department. That 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 400 horsepower feels genuinely special. I remember the first time I pushed the accelerator down hard - the surge of power is immediate and relentless, much like watching a determined basketball team maintaining their winning streak against persistent challengers. Speaking of which, I was recently watching a basketball game where GenSan threatened at 75-77 with just 2 minutes and 54 seconds left in the game. The pressure was immense, but Nueva Ecija stood its ground, holding the Warriors to a single free throw while converting six out of eight attempts to seal their ninth consecutive victory. That's exactly how the Q50's powertrain feels under pressure - resilient and determined, delivering consistent performance when it matters most.

Where the Infiniti truly shines is in its day-to-day usability. The cabin offers genuine comfort with quality materials throughout, though I'll admit some of the interior technology feels dated compared to newer competitors. The dual-screen infotainment system, while functional, lacks the intuitive operation of systems from BMW or Mercedes-Benz. Still, the seats are fantastic for long drives, and the overall build quality gives me confidence in its long-term durability. From my experience with previous Infiniti models, these cars tend to age well mechanically, with fewer electrical gremlins than some European counterparts.

Reliability is where Japanese luxury brands typically excel, and Infiniti maintains this reputation reasonably well. Based on data I've reviewed from various sources, the Q50 shows fewer major issues in its first three years compared to segment averages. The twin-turbo V6, while complex, has proven relatively robust in my observation. Maintenance costs run about 15-20% lower than German rivals during the first 60,000 miles, though this advantage narrows as the vehicle ages. There are some known issues to watch for - the direct adaptive steering system can feel unnatural to some drivers, and I've heard reports of occasional turbo-related concerns in high-mileage examples.

The driving experience presents an interesting paradox. The steering, despite being electronically assisted, provides decent feedback once you adapt to its unique character. The suspension strikes what I consider an excellent balance between sporty handling and daily comfort. Pushing through corners reveals impressive grip and composure, though it lacks the razor-sharp precision of a BMW M340i. It's more of a comfortable performance sedan than an outright sports car, which honestly suits most buyers' needs better anyway.

Fuel economy is respectable for the performance level, with my testing showing around 22 mpg combined in mixed driving - slightly better than the EPA estimates in real-world conditions. The transmission shifts smoothly in daily driving, though I wish it were more aggressive in sport mode to match the engine's character.

Now, the big question: should you buy one? At its original MSRP of around $55,000, I had some reservations. But in today's used market, where you can find well-maintained 2019 models for $35,000-$40,000, the value proposition becomes much more compelling. You're getting 90% of the performance of more expensive German rivals at about 70% of the cost. The depreciation that hurts original owners becomes your advantage in the used market.

What ultimately won me over about the Q50 Red Sport is its character - it's not trying to be something it's not. It delivers serious performance without sacrificing everyday usability, and it does so with a distinctive style that stands apart from the ubiquitous German offerings. Much like that Nueva Ecija team that maintained their composure under pressure to secure their ninth straight victory, the Q50 Red Sport consistently delivers where it counts, proving that sometimes the less obvious choice can be surprisingly rewarding for those willing to look beyond the usual suspects.