Infiniti hopes this has marked a major turning point in its American ambitions. The luxury Nissan brand has started assembling its 2027 QX65 luxury SUV at its Smyrna, Tennessee plant, giving it a key role in the launch of a crucial new model.
The start of production helps Infiniti’s product renaissance and reinforces the company’s confidence in American manufacturing, according to Eric Ledieu, vice president of Infiniti Americas. Ledieu also highlighted the QX65’s “sporty fastback design and thoughtfully designed cabin.”
The QX65 is expected to reach US dealers in early summer 2026. Its starting price is $53,990. The $55,690 Sport adds an aggressive look with 20-inch wheels, while the $62,590 Autograph trim brings 21-inch wheels and a more luxurious interior that includes massaging front seats and quilted leather.
- Basic tuning motor
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2.0L Turbo inline 4
- Base Fit Transmission
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9 speed automatic
- Base trim powertrain
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All-wheel drive
Why the QX65 is so important to Infiniti
A return to the roots of the brand
The QX65 is not only Infiniti’s first genuinely new model since 2021, but also a return to the brand’s reputation for sporty luxury – specifically, the FX SUV that helped cement its reputation 20 years ago.
Where the QX60 It is a three-row square SUV, the QX65 It is a mid-size, two-row fastback SUV that emphasizes performance. It revolves around a 268-horsepower variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engine that, combined with a nine-speed transmission, promises performance and fuel efficiency. The absence of rear seats also gives it a wide 35.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
The QX65 is more expensive than the QX60 despite the same engine, similar cabin technology and fewer seats. However, it also comes with all-wheel drive as standard, where it’s a $2,000 option for the QX60 Pure. The QX65 also comes with Luxe features by default, where they add another $7,000 to the QX60.
Infiniti’s new mission statement
While most of Infiniti’s current cars are family-oriented SUVs (the QX55 crossover coupe is a notable exception), the QX65 is for empty nesters, young professionals, and anyone more interested in a thrill ride than the daily school run.
That, in turn, could revitalize Infiniti and, along with Nissan revamps like the Rogue Hybrid e-POWERrevitalize the Nissan group as a whole.
Fountain: Infiniti
