The Infiniti Q45 sedan and the M30 coupe hit American shores in the early 1990s, the first market for the new Japanese luxury brand from Nissan. The Q45 was the first car ever produced with Hydraulic Active Suspension, a landmark achievement for its time. Today, Infiniti sells five models plus one recently discontinued in the United States, occupying a small slice of the Japanese luxury market, outsold year in and out by more conservative luxury models from Lexus and Acura. That is no reason to overlook the brand, however, which brings a performance-oriented take to many of its vehicles. Here’s what Infinit has to offer this year.
Q60 Coupe
The Infiniti Q60 coupe occupied the place long reserved for the “G35” and “G37” coupes, which were big sales successes in the 2000’s and 2010’s. The 2022 Q60 was the final year for this sports coupe, which debuted in 2017. According to Car and Driver, Infiniti expects to have unsold models available, “[W]ell into 2023.” Deeply bolstered zero-gravity seats, available in a stunning red/black combo, help with posture while driving. A standard Turbo V6 engine is available with either 300 or 400 horsepower depending on trim, and comes with a fast-shifting 7 speed automatic transmission. The Pure model starts at $43,325 msrp, making this coupe an exceptional bargain relative to 4-cylinder competitors from the likes of BMW and Mercedes.
Q50 Sedan
The spiritual successor to the BMW 3-series fighter, the G35/G37 sedan, the Q50, comes with the same motors as its coupe sibling the Q60, bringing a 300 horsepower twin turbo V6 to the starting point of many four cylinders in the segment. With its msrp beginning at $42,650, you may find dealers more willing to negotiate on the Q50 than its 3-Series and C-Class competitors; the 2023 Q50 is the tenth year for the model, which debuted for the 2014 model year and hasn’t really been redesigned since. All wheel drive is available for $2,000 more, to compete with 4MATIC Mercedes and xDrive BMW’s.
QX50 / QX55
Infiniti has made two models out of one, producing a sporty SUV coupe and a more conventional SUV. Both cars are the same from the front half foward, and both have the same mechanicals. The QX50 is a compact luxury SUV which starts at a reasonable $40,300 msrp in front wheel drive; all wheel drive is optional. A turbo four cylinder is standard with 268hp and 280 lb-ft of torque through a continuously variable automatic transmission. It hits 60 mph in 6.4 seconds. Options include a Bose 16 speaker audio system, 20 inch machined wheels, panoramic moonroof, memory seats, and quilted leather seats. The swoopier and more stylish QX55 charges for its design premium. It is also a bit costlier due to the fact it isn’t available in front-wheel drive. It starts at $49,150 msrp with standard Apple Carplay / Android Auto, all wheel drive, and 54.1 ft of cargo space (vs. 65.1 in the QX50).
QX60
The newest vehicle in Infiniti’s lineup is the QX60 SUV, which debuted for the 2022 model year. As with other Infinity models, there is a standard V6 motor, with 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, hooked up to a 9 speed automatic; there is no base four cylinder. It gets to 60 miles per hour in 6.2 seconds. Front-wheel drive is standard, starting at $49,650 msrp for the Pure trim and includes a standard panoramic moonroof. All wheel drive is a $2,000 option. Upper level trims include optional Open Pore Ash Wood trim, leather wrapped steering wheel, 2nd row captain’s chairs, and quilted leather.
QX80
This Titan of a vehicle competes in the crowded full size luxury SUV space, alongside vehicles like the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and Yukon Denali. A relative value, the QX80 starts at $74,150 msrp for Luxe RWD trim. Infiniti offers three different shades of quilted leather, saddle, sahara, and graphite, along with regular leather options in truffle brown, graphite, and wheat. Three rows of seats accommodate seven or eight depending on captain’s chairs vs. bench for the second row. A 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque 5.6L V8 enabled the QX80 to tow big, up to 8500 lbs, sharing the motor with the likes of the full-size Nissan Titan pickup. Options include 22 inch dark chrome wheels, a Bose Performance stereo, and four wheel drive (instead of standard rear wheel drive). The top of the heap 4WD Sensory trim starts at $88,450 msrp.