Infiniti: The Rebel of Japanese Luxury

Infiniti is the performance alternative to Lexus. Launched by Nissan in 1989 to fight BMW, it found its soul with the G35 and the legendary VQ engine. Famous for rear-wheel-drive dynamics and the "bionic cheetah" FX crossover, Infiniti builds luxury cars that prioritize the driver over the passenger.

Origin: Japan
Est. 1989
Infiniti Hero Vehicle

Model Lineup

Explore the current production vehicles.

QX80

The commanding, full-size luxury SUV. The QX80 combines a powerful V8 engine with a spacious, three-row interior and a truly commanding presence. It is the flagship of the brand, offering a bold and unmistakable statement of first-class travel.

Production 2014-Present

QX60

The heart of the modern Infiniti lineup. The QX60 is a stylish, comfortable, and family-focused 3-row luxury crossover, known for its serene, beautifully crafted 'Japanese-inspired' interior and a host of clever, practical features.

Production 2014-Present

QX50

The crossover with the revolutionary engine. The modern QX50 is a showcase of technology, featuring the world's first variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engine. It’s a stylish and comfortable compact luxury SUV with a groundbreaking heart.

Production 2014-Present

QX55

The daring and dramatic crossover coupe. The QX55 is a tribute to the legendary FX, blending the practicality of a crossover with a stunning, fastback roofline and a driver-focused attitude. It’s a bold statement of style and performance.

Production 2022-Present

Q50

The modern evolution of the legendary G sedan. The Q50 is a true sport sedan, delivering thrilling performance from its standard twin-turbo V6 engine and an aggressive, athletic stance. The Red Sport 400 is a true 400-horsepower 'sleeper'.

Production 2014-Present

Q60

Arguably one of the most beautiful luxury coupes on the market. The Q60 is a masterpiece of design, a stunning expression of performance and style powered by a potent twin-turbo V6. The Red Sport 400 is a true grand tourer with a muscular soul.

Production 2014-Present

G35 / G37 (Sedan & Coupe)

The car that reinvented Infiniti and defined a generation of sport sedans. The G35 was a true BMW-fighter, a rear-wheel-drive masterpiece with a soulful V6 engine that delivered thrilling performance and incredible value. A true modern classic.

Production 2003-2013

FX

The original 'Bionic Cheetah.' The FX was a revolutionary vehicle that pioneered the performance crossover segment, blending the soul of a sports car with the body of an SUV. With its available V8, it was a true, high-riding muscle car.

Production 2003-2013

Q45

The car that launched the brand. The original Q45 was a minimalist, anti-luxury luxury sedan that challenged the establishment with its powerful V8, active suspension, and a famous ad campaign that showed rocks and trees instead of the car.

Production 1990-2006

M30 / M45

The mid-size luxury sedan with a performance edge. While the original M30 was a quirky coupe, the later M35/45 models were true rear-wheel-drive sport sedans, especially the V8-powered M45 that was a true 'four-door muscle car'.

Production 1990-1992, 2003-2013

I30 / I35

The comfortable and reliable gateway to the Infiniti brand. Based on the Nissan Maxima, the I30 was a front-wheel-drive luxury sedan known for its award-winning VQ-series V6 engine, smooth ride, and high level of standard equipment.

Production 1996-2004

JX35

The original name for the brand's popular 3-row crossover. For one year only, the JX35 introduced the world to its innovative and family-focused design before being renamed the QX60 as part of a brand-wide nomenclature change.

Production 2013

EX35

One of the first-ever compact luxury crossovers. The EX35 was a pioneer, blending a sporty, car-like driving experience with the utility of a crossover, featuring innovative technology like the Around View Monitor. It later became the QX50.

Production 2008-2013

Author

HugeGarage Editor

Published

Updated

7 Min Read

The Anti-Lexus

When Toyota launched Lexus in 1989, they aimed straight for the comfort of Mercedes-Benz. When Nissan launched Infiniti the same year, they aimed for the handling of BMW. The original flagship, the Q45, was a beast. It had a 278-hp V8, active suspension, and—controversially—no front grille (just a giant belt buckle badge). It was cool, but weird, and it struggled to find buyers.

For a decade, the brand drifted. Then, in the early 2000s, they decided to stop being polite. They put a massive V6 engine into a rear-wheel-drive chassis and created a legend.

The Savior: G35 and The VQ Sound

The Infiniti G35 (launched in 2003) is arguably the most important car in the brand's history. It was the first Japanese car that legitimately scared BMW. It was faster than a 330i, cheaper, and more reliable.

But the defining feature was the Sound. The 3.5L VQ35DE engine produced a distinct, hollow "trumpet" exhaust note that is instantly recognizable. You can hear a G35 (or its successor, the G37/Q60) coming from three blocks away. For a generation of enthusiasts, that sound is the sound of Japanese luxury.

The FX: The Bionic Cheetah

Before the "Coupe SUV" was a trend (looking at you, BMW X6), there was the Infiniti FX (specifically the FX35 and FX45).

Designers were told to make a "Bionic Cheetah." It had massive 20-inch wheels pushed to the corners, a long hood, and a tiny greenhouse. It wasn't practical—the trunk was tiny—but it drove like a sports car. It proved that an SUV didn't have to be a boring box.

Technology: Steer-by-Wire

Infiniti loves tech, sometimes to a fault. In the Q50, they introduced the world's first production Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS). This system has no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the tires (though there is a backup clutch just in case).

It eliminates all vibration from the road, which sounds great for luxury but terrible for enthusiasts who want "road feel." It was heavily criticized by the press, but it showed Infiniti's willingness to take risks.

Buying Advice: The Oil Gallery Gasket

The VQ engine is generally bulletproof, but there is one specific gremlin to watch out for in models from roughly 2007 to 2012 (G35 HR and G37).

  • The Galley Gasket: A paper gasket inside the engine's timing cover can blow out, causing low oil pressure. Fixing it requires taking the entire front of the engine apart (thousands of dollars in labor).
  • Dashboard Bubble: Like its Nissan cousins, the dashboards on older FX and G models tend to bubble and crack in the sun.

Infiniti today is a brand in transition, but a clean, manual-transmission G35 or G37 Coupe remains one of the best performance bargains on the used market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the performance specs of the all-new 2026 Infiniti QX80?

The 2026 Infiniti QX80 has moved away from the traditional V8 in favor of a powerful 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 engine. This new powerplant delivers 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, providing more power and better efficiency than the outgoing model.

Paired with a new 9-speed automatic transmission and available Electronic Air Suspension, the QX80 offers a refined driving experience that balances massive towing capability with the smooth ride expected of a flagship luxury SUV in the USA.

How does the Infiniti VC-Turbo engine work?

The VC-Turbo (Variable Compression Turbo) is the world’s first production engine that can physically transform its compression ratio. It can switch between an 8:1 ratio for high performance and a 14:1 ratio for maximum fuel efficiency.

For US drivers in models like the QX50 and QX55, this means you get the power of a V6 engine with the fuel economy of a four-cylinder. The engine’s computer constantly adjusts the piston reach to optimize performance based on your throttle input on the highway or in city traffic.

What is Infiniti ProPILOT Assist 2.1?

ProPILOT Assist 2.1 is Infiniti’s most advanced driver-assistance technology, debuting on the 2026 QX80. It allows for hands-off single-lane highway driving on compatible US interstates.

By utilizing 3D high-definition mapping and a suite of sensors, the system can manage steering, acceleration, and braking while the driver remains attentive. It also includes Lane Change Assist, which helps navigate around slower traffic with the touch of a button.

What is the towing capacity of the 2026 Infiniti QX80 and QX60?

Infiniti SUVs are designed for the American lifestyle, offering impressive towing stats:

  • Infiniti QX80: Features a maximum towing capacity of up to 8,500 lbs, perfect for large boats or horse trailers.
  • Infiniti QX60: Offers a best-in-class towing capacity of up to 6,000 lbs when properly equipped.

Both models feature specialized tow modes and cooling systems to ensure stability and engine longevity during heavy hauls across state lines.

Does Infiniti offer a premium audio system?

Yes, for 2026, Infiniti has partnered with the legendary audio brand Klipsch®. The flagship QX80 features an available 24-speaker Reference Premiere Audio System, including titanium tweeters and a high-performance subwoofer.

Unique to this system is Individual Audio technology, which allows the driver to hear navigation prompts or phone calls through headrest speakers without interrupting the music for the rest of the passengers.

What are the new interior features of the 2026 Infiniti QX80?

The interior of the 2026 QX80 features a "Monolith" display system consisting of two 14.3-inch high-definition screens. It comes standard with Google built-in, integrating Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Play Store directly into the dashboard.

Luxury amenities include first- and second-row massaging seats, 64-color personalized ambient lighting, and a "Biometric Cooling" system that uses infrared sensors to detect if a passenger is hot and automatically directs cool air toward them.

What is Infiniti "InTouch" Services?

Infiniti InTouch™ is a suite of connected services that allows US owners to interact with their vehicle via a smartphone app. Features include:

  • Remote Engine Start/Stop: Pre-condition your cabin temperature.
  • My Car Finder: Locate your vehicle in busy stadium parking lots.
  • In-Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot: Connect up to seven devices to 5G data on the go.
Is the Infiniti QX60 a good family SUV?

The Infiniti QX60 is a top contender for American families, recently earning the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. It features a versatile three-row layout with "One-Touch Tiptoe" second-row seats that allow easy access to the third row, even with a child seat installed.

With up to 75.4 cubic feet of cargo space and available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, it provides the safety, room, and confidence needed for everything from school carpools to cross-country vacations.

What defines the 2026 Infiniti "SPORT" grade?

New for 2026, the QX80 SPORT grade adds a more aggressive aesthetic to the luxury SUV. It features dark-finished 22-inch wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, and a unique sport-tuned suspension setting.

This trim is designed for the US buyer who wants the presence of a full-size flagship with a more modern, sinister look and slightly firmer handling dynamics for a more engaged driving feel.

Why is the Infiniti Q50 still popular in the USA?

The Infiniti Q50 luxury sedan remains a favorite for its "Red Sport 400" variant, which features a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 producing 400 horsepower. It offers a classic rear-wheel-drive sports sedan experience with an available Intelligent AWD system.

Its high resale value and dual-screen infotainment system make it a strong value proposition for buyers who want Japanese reliability combined with high-performance specs that rival European competitors.