Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 and BMW M340i sports sedans parked in a showroom
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Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 vs. BMW M340i: Sports Sedan Performance and Ownership Comparison

BySarah Pace

There’s a certain magic in finding a sports sedan that balances raw power with everyday livability—and both the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 and BMW M340i deliver that in spades.

You know that feeling when you’re merging onto the highway and the engine just pulls? The tachometer climbs, the exhaust note hardens, and suddenly you’re doing speeds that would make your mother nervous. That’s what these two cars are all about. But here’s the thing—they go about it in completely different ways, and they’ll treat your wallet very differently over time.

Let’s settle this debate once and for all.

TL;DR

The Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 offers incredible value with 400 horsepower at a used price that undercuts the BMW M340i by a significant margin, but it falls short in driving dynamics and interior refinement. The M340i delivers sharper handling, better fuel economy, and a more premium cabin experience—but you’ll pay substantially more upfront and in long-term ownership costs. The Infiniti is the smart financial choice for budget-conscious buyers who want serious power, while the BMW is for driving enthusiasts who demand the full experience.

Key Takeaways

  • Power Comparison: Q50 Red Sport 400 packs 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, while the M340i makes 382 hp and 369 lb-ft.
  • Fuel Economy: BMW takes the win with 23 MPG city and 31 MPG highway, compared to the Infiniti’s 19 city and 26 highway.
  • Price Gap: The average used Q50 Red Sport 400 goes for about $30,769, while the M340i averages nearly $50,000.
  • 5-Year Ownership Cost: Q50 Red Sport 400 AWD costs approximately $82,187 to own over five years. BMW M340i ownership costs around $93,241 over the same period.
  • The Verdict: Buy the Infiniti if you want maximum horsepower per dollar. Buy the BMW if you prioritize driving feel, efficiency, and prestige.

Head-to-Head: The Numbers That Matter

Let’s cut through the marketing fluff and look at what these cars actually deliver.

Engine and Performance

The Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 is packing a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that produces 400 horsepower at 6,400 RPM and 350 lb-ft of torque at just 1,600 RPM. That’s a lot of muscle for the money. The engine, known internally as the VR30DDTT, is the same unit found in the Nissan Z, and it has a reputation among enthusiasts for being highly tunable.

The BMW M340i counters with a 3.0-liter M TwinPower Turbo inline-6 producing 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It also features a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that provides a 9 kW (12 hp) electric boost for improved response and efficiency.

Here’s the thing—on paper, the Infiniti has more horsepower. But horsepower isn’t everything.

The BMW’s inline-6 is widely considered one of the best engines in the world. It’s smoother, more refined, and the 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission shifts with telepathic precision. The Infiniti’s 7-speed automatic, while capable, feels older and less responsive in comparison.

Acceleration and Driving Feel

The M340i hits 0-62 mph in 4.3 to 4.6 seconds, depending on the source. The Q50 Red Sport 400 is right there too, with 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) times around 4.5 seconds. Both are seriously quick.

But acceleration is only part of the story.

The BMW’s chassis is where it pulls ahead. The Adaptive M suspension, Variable sport steering, and M Sport differential work together to create a driving experience that feels connected, precise, and confidence-inspiring. You feel the road through the wheel. You know exactly what the car is doing at all times.

The Infiniti, particularly on earlier models, uses a steer-by-wire system called Direct Adaptive Steering. Many drivers find it lacks the feedback and connection of the BMW’s setup. It’s not a deal-breaker for daily driving, but if you’re pushing the car hard on a twisty road, you’ll notice the difference.

Real-World Ownership Costs

This is where the comparison gets interesting—and where the Infiniti makes a compelling case.

Upfront Price

The original MSRP for the Q50 Red Sport 400 was around $58,900, while the M340i started at roughly $59,600. They were almost neck-and-neck new.

But used prices tell a different story.

The average used Q50 Red Sport 400 sells for about $30,769. The M340i? Nearly $50,000. That’s a staggering difference. You’re looking at potentially $20,000 less for the Infiniti, for a car with slightly more horsepower.

What are you getting for that extra $20,000 with the BMW? A more premium interior, better driving dynamics, superior fuel economy, and that BMW badge.

5-Year Cost to Own

Let’s look at the long game.

  • Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 AWD (2024): 5-year true cost to own is approximately $82,187. Depreciation is the biggest hit at about $36,121, with fuel costs around $14,448 and maintenance at $8,734.
  • BMW M340i (2026): 5-year cost to own is significantly higher at approximately $93,241. Depreciation is similar at $36,550, but out-of-pocket expenses including insurance ($22,790), fuel ($11,919), and maintenance/repairs ($5,480) push the total higher.

The Infiniti is the cheaper car to own, especially when you factor in insurance and maintenance costs.

Fuel Economy

The Q50 Red Sport 400 gets 19 MPG city and 26 MPG highway, requiring premium fuel. The M340i manages 23 MPG city and 31 MPG highway.

Over five years, you’ll spend roughly $14,448 on fuel for the Infiniti. The BMW’s fuel costs are estimated at $11,919 over the same period. That’s about a $2,500 savings for the BMW, which isn’t nothing.

Interior and Technology

This is where the age gap between these two cars becomes obvious.

Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400

The Q50’s interior hasn’t changed much since its debut in 2016. You get leather seats, a dual-screen infotainment system, a Bose premium sound system, and features like heated and ventilated front seats and a sunroof.

But the dual-screen setup is starting to show its age. The graphics aren’t as crisp as newer systems, and the interface can feel clunky. There’s no head-up display available, and the overall cabin design is more conservative than the BMW’s.

That said, the Infiniti is well-equipped. You get standard navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay compatibility, and a WiFi hotspot. It’s not bad—it just isn’t cutting-edge.

BMW M340i

The BMW interior is more modern and premium. The materials feel richer, the layout is more driver-focused, and the technology is more advanced.

Features like the iDrive infotainment system, which many consider the best in the business, are standard. The BMW also offers a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and a panoramic moonroof as options.

The BMW cabin feels like a more special place to spend time, especially if you’re doing long road trips. The seats are supportive, the ergonomics are spot-on, and everything you touch feels well-built.

Which One Should You Buy?

Let’s be honest about who each car is for.

Buy the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 if:

  • You’re budget-conscious and want the most horsepower per dollar.
  • You’re okay with an older interior and technology package.
  • You prioritize straight-line speed over corner-carving precision.
  • You want a sleeper sedan that doesn’t scream “look at me.”

“The Q50 Red Sport 400 is a true sleeper—a car that anyone could mistake for a normal sedan, until you press the accelerator and that twin-turbo V6 shows what it’s capable of.”

Buy the BMW M340i if:

  • Driving dynamics and steering feel matter more to you than saving money.
  • You want a more modern, premium interior.
  • Fuel economy and efficiency are priorities.
  • You’re willing to pay a premium for the brand and driving experience.

The M340i is the complete package. It’s the car that does everything well, without any major compromises. But you pay for that privilege.

The Bottom Line

Both of these sports sedans are fantastic in their own ways.

The Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 is the value champion. It delivers 400 horsepower, decent handling, and a comfortable interior at a price that’s hard to beat. You can get a clean used example for under $35,000, and it’ll be reliable with routine maintenance. It’s a smart choice for driving enthusiasts who don’t want to break the bank.

The BMW M340i is the driver’s car. It offers sharper handling, a more responsive transmission, better fuel economy, and a more premium cabin. But you’ll pay more upfront and over time. It’s for people who want the full luxury sports sedan experience and are willing to pay for it.

Here’s the thing—you really can’t go wrong with either. Test drive both. See which one speaks to you. And remember: the best car is the one that makes you smile every time you get behind the wheel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which car has more horsepower, the Q50 Red Sport 400 or the BMW M340i?
The Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 makes 400 horsepower, while the BMW M340i produces 382 horsepower.

Is the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 cheaper to maintain than the BMW M340i?
Yes, the Infiniti has a significantly lower 5-year cost to own. The Q50’s estimated cost is $82,187 compared to the M340i’s $93,241.

Which car gets better gas mileage?
The BMW M340i gets better fuel economy, with 23 MPG city and 31 MPG highway, compared to the Q50’s 19 MPG city and 26 MPG highway.

What engine is in the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400?
It has a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 known as the VR30DDTT, which is also used in the Nissan Z.

Is the BMW M340i worth the extra money over the Infiniti Q50?
If driving dynamics, a more premium interior, and better fuel economy are important to you, yes. The BMW offers a more complete driving experience, but it costs significantly more.

Which sports sedan is better for daily driving?
Both are good, but the BMW M340i offers a more refined ride, better technology, and superior comfort for daily use.

References:

What’s your pick—the value-packed Infiniti or the precision-engineered BMW? Drop a comment below and let us know which sports sedan has your heart.

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