Close followers of the automotive world have voiced a common complaint over the last few years: the Infiniti lineup has grown stale.<\/p>\n
But the company has a plan for that.<\/p>\n
Nissan\u2019s luxury marque used last week\u2019s Japan Mobility Show (formerly the Tokyo Auto Show) to show off a brand renaissance of four new models, one a preview of its electric future. The slate of new cars doesn\u2019t completely replace the existing Infiniti lineup. But it comes close.<\/p>\n
Plus:<\/strong> Buying a new car? Don\u2019t expect a bargain, even with more vehicles on dealership lots.<\/p>\n The luxury arm of Nissan Then Infiniti seemed to rest. Our editors rate the\u00a0QX50,\u00a0QX55, and\u00a0QX60 SUVs\u00a0all around four out of five stars for 2023. But most ride on architecture older than key competitors. The brand\u2019s flagship Q80 rides on the bones of the\u00a02010 Nissan Armada.<\/p>\n And, while car shoppers in general have been slow to embrace electric vehicles, luxury buyers are the exception.\u00a0Studies show they\u2019re going electric faster than mainstream shoppers\u00a0and are more likely to buy a second EV.<\/p>\n But Infiniti dealers have nothing to offer them.<\/p>\n That\u2019s all about to change.<\/p>\n This summer, the brand unveiled a series of design themes that weren\u2019t actual cars, including a signature scent and a master track of sounds, meant to convey where Infiniti is headed. Last week, it followed up with glimpses of new cars.<\/p>\n Infiniti unveiled last week what it calls \u201ca comprehensive range refresh, signaling a product renaissance.\u201d<\/p>\n It includes four new models, two of which are officially concept cars and two of which are headed for showrooms, as you see them here.<\/p>\n Plus: <\/strong>Check out Kia\u2019s new EV concepts: Could the weird-looking EV4 replace the Soul?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Earlier this year, Infiniti showed off a concept car, the\u00a0QX Monograph, that seemed destined to be the next QX80. Last week, the company confirmed the inevitable.<\/p>\n The production QX80 looks almost identical to the concept. It\u2019s purposefully bulky, with intimidating lines. Hidden door handles make its curved slab sides look like the biggest thing on the road, capped off by a tall greenhouse. Organic vertical lines in a tall grille are meant to mimic a bamboo forest, Infiniti says.<\/p>\n Infiniti has not offered any mechanical details. But the brand calls out a different model as its first EV, so this is likely a gas-powered model.<\/p>\n Check out:<\/strong> 10 new SUVs coming soon\u2014and worth the wait<\/p>\n Infiniti will join the Euro trend of SUV Coupes with the QX65.<\/p>\n Infiniti promises \u201ca stylish two-row alternative in the cluttered mid-size crossover segment.\u201d It seems likely to be a sleek take on the QX60, sacrificing some cargo space for style.<\/p>\n The sole image of the car so far is the heavily-shadowed shot of all four of the reveals. There, it seems to have a higher beltline and lower roofline than even many European SUV coupes, suggesting a particularly aggressive stance. But it likely uses all the mechanical parts of the QX60, meaning a 3.5-liter V6 engine rated at 295 horsepower and optional all-wheel drive.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Infiniti Vision Qe is the brand\u2019s first electric vehicle, though the final product may not look exactly like this. This one is officially a concept car.<\/p>\n It\u2019s dramatic, with a fastback roofline arcing down to meet a sweeping curve of light reaching to almost touch the rear tires. Up front, Infiniti says, the lighted false grille is inspired by piano keys. A massive plow-like lower fascia is outlined in thin LEDs. If this pulled up behind you at night, your eyes would be glued to the rearview mirror.<\/p>\n But that detail may not make it to production without some design changes to prepare it for a world of fender benders and parking bollards.<\/p>\n Infiniti has no technical details to offer. So, this one may be a while from showrooms. But we think something much like it is headed for dealerships. In the same press release calling this a concept car, Infiniti revealed plans to build its first EV in Mississippi.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t miss:<\/strong> 10 new cars worth waiting for<\/p>\n The most mysterious of the four new vehicles is the Vision QXe Concept. All Infiniti will say is that it \u201cblends the practicality of a crossover body style with Infiniti\u2019s latest design form and a suite of advanced technologies.\u201d<\/p>\nAn aging lineup with a few gems<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\n Infiniti was once known for sharp-handling sedans and coupes that threatened BMW
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\n with their athleticism. A decade or so ago, it made a name for itself with lovely, well-thought-out interiors with elegant nods to Japanese heritage.<\/p>\nFour new models<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Remade QX80 flagship<\/strong><\/h2>\n
New QX65 crossover coupe<\/strong><\/h2>\n
The \u201call-electric sedan of the future\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n
All-electric crossover to follow<\/strong><\/h2>\n