Infiniti, Nissan's premium brand, introduced the new QX65 midsize luxury SUV as part of its strategy to improve U.S. sales performance. The company reported selling 153,000 vehicles in the U.S. in 2017, a figure that declined to approximately one-third of that volume in the previous year.
QX65 Vehicle Details
The QX65 features a 268-horsepower VC-Turbo engine with 286 foot-pounds of torque. It includes dual 12.3-inch displays in its interior.
Infiniti Americas Vice President Eric Ledieu stated the QX65 "accelerates INFINITI into its next era."
The vehicle will be positioned in the midsize SUV segment, one of the largest in the U.S. It will have a starting price of $53,990, which is notably less than the average luxury midsize vehicle MSRP of about $77,000, according to Cox Automotive.
Sales Performance and Market Position
Following its peak sales in 2017, Infiniti's sales have decreased almost every year. A report from Haig Partners indicated that Infiniti sales fell 9% in 2025 compared to the previous year.
This decline placed the brand "down 65.6% from its peak, and with only two nameplates on dealer lots."
In contrast, Lexus, Toyota's luxury brand, saw a 7.1% sales increase in 2025 after a record year in 2024. Acura's sales also increased by just under 1% during the same period, highlighting the competitive landscape.
Strategic Plans and Industry Commentary
Stephanie Brinley, principal automotive analyst at S&P Global Mobility, noted that Infiniti has been in a "product lull" and that Nissan, its parent company, has faced internal challenges. The QX65 will be Infiniti's third 2026 model in the U.S.
The brand plans to release one new vehicle annually over the next five years as part of its revitalization strategy. Brinley mentioned that the QX65 draws inspiration from Infiniti's early 2000s FX line of SUVs, which she described as stylish and performance-oriented.
She added that a turnaround for the brand would likely take time.
The QX65 was unveiled at New York City's Grand Central Terminal, an event hosted by NFL athletes Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman.
Manufacturing and Availability
The QX65 is scheduled for manufacturing in Smyrna, Tennessee, with vehicles expected to arrive at retailers in early summer.