Infiniti Unveils QX65 to Revive US Sales Slump

Infiniti, a Japanese manufacturer, has introduced the QX65, a new midsize luxury SUV aimed at regaining popularity in the US market. The QX65 "accelerates INFINITI into its next era," according to Eric Ledieu, vice president of Infiniti Americas. In 2017, Nissan's premium brand, Infiniti, sold a record 153,000 vehicles in the United States, one of the world's most important auto markets. Last year, it sold only a third of that. Sales have fallen nearly every year since its record-breaking year in 2017. Infiniti sales declined 9% in 2025 compared to the previous year. "Now down 65.6% from its peak, and with only two nameplates on dealer lots, INFINITI sits in a tough position," noted the report's authors. Infiniti has been experiencing a "product lull" for quite some time. "They've changed, of course, a couple of times over the last few years," Stephanie Brinley remarked. "And Nissan, the parent company, has had a lot on its plate." The brand introduced the QX65 at New York City's Grand Central Terminal, with NFL stars Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman serving as event hosts.

Why This News Matters:

Infiniti really needs this launch to stay alive. The brand needs to make a comeback after years of falling sales and a small lineup. The QX65 is a big part of that bet. It wants to win back customers in one of the most competitive SUV markets, where brands like Lexus and Cadillac already have a lot of power.

Design, Performance and Technology Features

The 2027 Infiniti QX65 is based on the late-lamented FX, which Nissan's luxury brand manufactured in the early 2000s. The vehicle will have a 268-horsepower VC-Turbo engine with 286 foot-pounds of torque, mated to a 9-speed automated transmission. The mid-size luxury SUV has been modified to have a "more aggressive shift schedule that makes QX65 feel more eager to accelerate, resulting in decisive off-the-line performance and powerful merging capability." The QX65 boasts twin 12.3-inch displays, Google integration, next-generation Qi2 wireless charging, and Klipsch audio with up to 20 speakers. The technology package includes a 3D Around View Monitor, Front Wide View, Invisible Hood View, and ProPilot Assist 2.1 for hands-free driving on compatible freeways. The car has sliding, reclining, and folding second-row seats, with 35.8 cubic feet behind the second row and 67.7 cubic feet behind the first row.

Market Positioning and Competition

Currently, Infiniti has two 2026 models in the United States. The QX65, a midsize SUV, will be the third model, targeting one of the largest categories in the US. With a starting price of $53,990, it is less expensive than the average luxury midsize vehicle's manufacturer's suggested retail price of approximately $77,000. The 2027 QX65 will compete with automobiles like the Lexus RX, Lincoln Nautilus, Cadillac XT5, and Genesis GV80.

Infiniti's overall sales fell 9% in 2025 compared to 2024, but the firm credits the revamped QX60 and QX80 SUVs for sales progress in 2026. "Infiniti is central to Nissan's premium strategy as well as being a key pillar of the company's growth plans," Ledieu told analysts.

Production Plans and Future Strategy

The QX65 will be produced in Smyrna, Tennessee, and will be available in stores early this summer. The 2027 QX65 will be constructed at the company's assembly factory in Smyrna, Tennessee, and will be on sale this summer with a starting price of $53,990. Infiniti indicated it plans to introduce one vehicle every year for the next five years, as opposed to a more rapid pace. "That new era is a shift toward more expressive design, higher craftsmanship, and a more rewarding driving experience," Ledieu told reporters. "Hopefully they can turn this into a turnaround," Brinley added. "But it's going to take some time."

James Thornton

James Thornton is a U.S. business reporter covering markets, technology, and economic policy.