It’s no secret that the sedan market has been shrinking as SUV demand rises. However, a few automakers are still eager to developing luxury sedans that rival the best SUVs in performance, technology, and comfort.
We stacked the 2025 Lexus IS up against the 2024 INFINITI Q50 (its last model year before the line was discontinued) to see how they compare. Let’s discover which sedan wins the INFINITI vs. Lexus matchup.
Performance and Handling
The Lexus IS comes with three hefty powerplant options. The base engine, standard on the IS 300, is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with a maximum output of 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters on all three rear-wheel models.
The IS 300 AWD, IS 300 F Sport AWD, and IS 300 F Sport Design AWD come with a 3.5-liter V-6, producing 260 horsepower and 238 pound-feet of torque. This engine is mated to a six-speed paddle-shift transmission. You can also get a tuned-up version of this engine, generating 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, which is standard on the IS 350 F Sport Design and IS 350 F Sport models. It’s paired with an eight-speed transmission on rear-wheel-drive models and a six-speed transmission on all-wheel-drive models.
The top-of-the-line IS 500 F Sport Performance and IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium run on a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V-8 engine, producing 472 horsepower and 392 pound-feet of torque. Both models, which only come with rear-wheel drive, pair this engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
The IS 500 F Sport Performance has impressive acceleration, and the handling is smooth, with excellent responsiveness around San Jose’s corners.
The outgoing INFINITI Q50 has seen few changes over its successful 10 years. The 2024 model comes with two slightly different 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engines. The Luxe rear-wheel drive and Sensory all-wheel-drive version makes 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Red Sport 400 generates 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque for both rear-wheel and all-wheel drivetrains.
The Red Sport 400 makes the 0-to-60 mph sprint in 4.5 seconds. All trims have a seven-speed automatic transmission for smooth, almost imperceptible shifts.
Interior Features and Comfort
The 2025 Lexus IS offers a full spectrum of comfort and luxury features for all trims. Standard interior features on all models include dual-zone climate control, a power-adjustable driver seat, and an illuminated entry system. Higher trims have additional comfort features such as heated and ventilated front seats, four-way power adjustable headrests, and a heated leather-trimmed steering wheel.
The new Lexus IS also has some exciting entertainment and connectivity technologies. An 8-inch Lexus Multimedia system comes standard on most, but you can opt for a larger 10.3-inch display. Other noteworthy standard technologies include Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Bluetooth, and USB smartphone connectivity. You can also choose the 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system option.
The 2024 INFINITI Q50 provides leather seating across its trims; the Red Sport 400 has quilted semi-aniline leather seats for ultimate style and comfort. Eight-way power front seats come standard on all models, while the top Red Sport 400 trim has 12-way driver seat adjustability.
Every Q50 comes equipped with an INFINITI InTouch 8-inch touch-screen display with wireless Apple Car Play integration and Android Auto compatibility. Other standard infotainment and connectivity features include Bluetooth, voice recognition, Sirius XM, HD Radio, and a 16-speaker Bose Performance Series premium audio system.
Safety and Reliability
The 2025 Lexus IS has a comprehensive range of driver-assistance technologies. Standard features on every model include Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, and automatic high beams. Each Lexus IS model also has 10 airbags, an antilock braking system, and a traction control system.
The INFINITI Q50 offers an equally impressive suite of driver-assistance systems to make your drives easier. Key standard features include Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Assist, a lane departure warning system with lane-keep assist, and a forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking.
Pricing and Value
The 2025 Lexus IS starts at an MSRP of $41,360 for the base IS 300 rear-wheel model and goes up to $64,845 MSRP for the IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium. Regarding value, we think the new IS offers sophisticated technologies and premium amenities at a nice price.
The available Comfort and Premium packages add features such as heated and ventilated front seats and a power tilt-and-slide moonroof to the base IS 300 models. These packages let you upgrade the cabin for a fraction of what you’d otherwise spend if you opted for a higher trim with these features standard.
The 2024 INFINITI Q50’s base model starts at an MSRP of $43,050; the price increases as you add more features. The all-wheel-drive variant of the Red Sport 400 has an MSRP of $58,500. While the Q50 sedan provides a lot in terms of power and technology, its interior looks dated compared to the Lexus IS’s fresher and more contemporary cabin.
Test-Drive the 2025 Lexus IS at Lexus of Stevens Creek
Ready to experience real sedan luxury? Visit our dealership in San Jose, California, or schedule a free test-drive of the 2025 Lexus IS. Our friendly and welcoming staff members can’t wait to answer your questions and show you around the lot.
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