An Infiniti is a luxury automobile brand known for its premium vehicles, offering a blend of style, performance, and cutting-edge technology. Explore What Kind of Car is an Infiniti, including sedans, SUVs, and coupes, renowned for their elegance and innovation.
Infiniti is the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Nissan. The Infiniti brand was introduced in 1989 in response to the growing popularity of European luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The goal was to create a premium marque that could compete globally with these German brands.
Infiniti launched with two models in 1990, the Q45 sedan and the M30 coupe. The early Infiniti models were known for their advanced technology and emphasis on performance and handling. The brand quickly gained respect but struggled to match the sales success of Lexus, which debuted around the same time.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Infiniti continued to expand its lineup with new sedans, coupes and SUVs. Highlights included the sporty G35 coupe, the groundbreaking FX crossover SUV and the powerful Q50 and Q60 sports sedans.
Today, Infiniti has broadened its reach globally, with models tailored specifically for European and Chinese tastes. The company continues to focus on performance, innovation and an upscale ownership experience as it seeks to carve out a niche as a globally competitive luxury brand.
Positioning Within the Nissan Lineup
Infiniti functions as the luxury division of the Nissan Motor Company. This positioning is similar to Toyota’s Lexus brand or Honda’s Acura – a premium marque that allows the parent company to compete in the profitable luxury market.
Nissan’s mainstream, mass-market models serve as the foundation of the brand. These models cater to typical consumer needs with their focus on affordability, reliability, fuel efficiency and safety. Mainstream Nissan cars and SUVs sell at moderate price points and production volumes.
Above the main Nissan brand sits Infiniti, presenting customers with a more upscale option. Infiniti models boast performance-oriented engineering, lavish interiors with premium materials, and the latest high-tech features. Buyers pay a significant premium for these qualities.
The positioning allows the Nissan company to satisfy diverse segments. Mainstream Nissans appeal to everyday practicality and budget, while Infinitis are aspirational purchases centered on luxury experience. This two-prong brand strategy is similar to those employed by Toyota/Lexus, Honda/Acura and other major automakers.
Shared Technology Between Brands
While Infiniti aims for a distinct luxury identity, it also benefits from sharing technology, components, and even some underlying platforms with parent brand Nissan. This basic sharing helps reduce costs and improves economies of scale for both brands.
For example, the Nissan Altima midsize sedan shares some chassis components and its base 4-cylinder engine with the Infiniti Q50 luxury sedan. Likewise, the Nissan Murano crossover SUV shares technology bits with the more upscale Infiniti QX60.
Infiniti distinguishes its products through more potent powertrains, luxurious interiors, and performance tuning. But the use of some common components is an efficient way to developing premium vehicles. This strategy helps keep costs manageable compared to dedicated-luxury brands who can’t share underlying architectures with high-volume mainstream models.
Infiniti Vehicle Categories
The Infiniti lineup covers many of the major automotive segments with its own take on luxury vehicles. Like most automakers, Infiniti organizes its lineup into broad categories or divisions:
Sedans
Infiniti sedans include the compact Q50, the midsize Q60, and the full-size Q70. These models place an emphasis on sporty driving dynamics while also delivering luxurious ride comfort and features. Powertrains are focused on strong acceleration and performance. Interiors offer abundantpassenger space with high-end materials and the latest tech interfaces. Exteriors have a sleek, flowing design language. Pricing ranges from around $35,000 for the Q50 up to over $70,000 for the top Q70 models. The sedans aim to appeal to singles, couples and executives looking for driving excitement from their luxury vehicle.
Coupes
On the more emotional side of the lineup are the Infiniti coupes. Currently, this category includes only the two-door Q60, offering swoopy styling and performance capabilities. Infiniti coupes compete against rivals like the BMW 4 Series. Again, powertrains favor power over fuel efficiency. Pricing starts around $40,000 and reaches over $60,000 for the high-performance Q60 Red Sport 400 version. Infiniti coupes appeal to lifestyle buyers looking for styling flair meshed with strong acceleration and nimble handling.
Crossovers & SUVs
Reflecting market trends, crossovers and SUVs make up a significant chunk of the Infiniti lineup. The QX50, QX60 and QX80 cover the compact, midsize and full-size segments, while the new QX55 delivers a coupe-like twist. Infiniti SUVs emphasize luxury appointments, family-friendly utility and passenger space. Powertrains offer respectable V6 power rather than hardcore performance. Pricing ranges from the $40,000 QX50 up to $70,000-plus for the QX80. Infiniti SUVs appeal to upscale families and those who desire luxury attributes in a versatile utility package.
Infiniti’s Identity: Combining Performance and Luxury
Infiniti has always straddled the line between luxury and performance. The brand aims to combine high-end accommodations and styling with the acceleration, handling and driving excitement of a sports sedan. This blend is integral to the Infiniti identity.
Several qualities contribute to the brand’s unique luxury/performance formula:
- Powerful engines – Most Infiniti models are available with V6 engines that prioritize smooth, strong acceleration over thriftiness at the gas pump. Sport models like the Q50 Red Sport 400 have engines tuned for maximum output.
- Performance steering and suspension – Infiniti engineers carefully hone steering feel and suspension dynamics on sedans and coupes to enhance agility and handling precision. The driving experience leans towards sporty rather than cushy.
- High-tech features – Infiniti packages cutting-edge tech like advanced safety systems, dual touchscreen interfaces and semi-autonomous driving capability. The brand avoids tech gimmicks, focusing instead on useful driver-centric features.
- Upscale interiors – Cabins convey luxury through extensive use of soft leather, real metal accents, and premium trim. Ergonomics and comfort get priority over sporty austerity.
- Distinctive styling – Exterior design provides an elegant, contemporary athleticism through flowing lines, muscular fenders and a signature grille shape. The look leans more towards refined than aggressive.
Blending these qualities gives Infiniti broad appeal – buyers get luxury, status and comfort paired with performance capabilities. This formula aligns with Infiniti’s identity as an engaging, driver-centric premium brand.
How Infinitis Are Positioned Against Rivals
The luxury sport sedan and SUV market provides no shortage of prestigious European and Japanese players. So how does Infiniti position its offerings among competitors? Here’s a brief look at how key models stack up:
Infiniti Q50 vs. BMW 3 Series – The Q50 competes directly with BMW’s renowned compact sports sedan. The Infiniti promises nearly equal driving enjoyment for less money and more included equipment. Buyers also gain edgier, more modern Infiniti styling. However, the BMW rates higher for interior materials and prestige.
Infiniti QX60 vs. Acura MDX – Among three-row midsize luxury SUVs, the QX60 battles Acura’s popular MDX. The Infiniti can’t quite match the MDX for driving refinement and all-around polish, but it counters with a roomier third row and higher towing capability. The QX60 also significantly undercuts the MDX on pricing.
Infiniti QX80 vs. Lexus LX – Full-size luxury SUV shoppers will find the QX80 stacks up well against the formidable Lexus LX. The Infiniti comes from more humble Nissan roots but still provides lavish accommodations, potent V8 power and serious trailering abilities. It gives up little in luxury qualities for a significantly lower price than the Lexus.
Infiniti Q60 vs. Audi A5 – Among sporty compact luxury coupes, the Infiniti Q60 promises driving excitement on par with the acclaimed Audi A5. It also features more dramatic, eye-catching styling compared to the conservative Audi. However, the Q60 still doesn’t fully match the A5’s meticulous fit & finish and interior refinement.
While Infinitis may not claim best-in-class honors across the board, the brand has carved out an appealing niche emphasizing value, performance, and a distinctive blend of styling and amenities. The lineup presents buyers with a unique alternative to prestige brands from Germany and Japan.
The Driving Experience: Balancing Performance and Comfort
A core part of Infiniti’s identity lies within the driving experience delivered by its sedans, coupes and SUVs. At its best, an Infiniti channels both sports car-like performance abilities and luxury car ride comfort.
Several key engineering elements contribute to this balance:
- Driver-centric steering – Infiniti performance models tend to have quick, responsive steering ratio that provides a connected, engaging feel. The steering communicates clearly with the driver.
- Dialed-in suspension – Sophisticated multi-link suspensions provide both responsive handling and compliant ride quality. Sport models have firmer tuning for flatter cornering, while SUVs favor comfort.
- Refined powertrains – Strong V6 engines supply smooth, potent acceleration. Advanced transmissions quickly deliver the right gear. Active sound enhancement pipes in the right audible notes.
- Performance tech – Vehicle stability systems allow drivers to push the performance envelope with confidence. Options like active steering and drive mode selectors enhance capabilities.
- Comfort features – Cabins are well-insulated from noise. Climate control systems coddle occupants. Infotainment, connectivity and active safety features reduce stress.
Bringing this all together results in cars that feel prepped for back road excitement yet refined enough for cross-country cruising. Balancing these contradictory qualities is an art Infiniti’s engineers have largely mastered. Drivers can amp up the excitement factor by opting for a Q60 coupe or Q50 Red Sport 400 sedan. But even the SUVs provide confident road manners along with expected comfort.
Overall, Infinitis deliver driving experiences well-suited for someone who craves luxury with an enjoyable dynamic character. That combination is integral to the brand’s ethos.
Infiniti’s Formula for Luxury and Craftsmanship
For a relative newcomer to the luxury game, Infiniti has carved out a distinctive identity in terms of interior environment and craftsmanship. The brand combines high-end accommodations with sporting flair better than most competitors.
Several specific qualities characterize Infiniti interiors:
- Inviting seating – Chairs designed for long-haul comfort feature soft, quilted leather and powers adjustments. Spinal support and bolstering mesh with cushiness. Rear seats pamper passengers.
- Thoughtful ergonomics – Angled center stacks bring controls closer. Supportive steering wheels come wrapped in leather. Buttons, knobs and switches provide intuitive tactile feedback.
- Elegant trim – Cabins forgo austerity for elegance with liberal use of stained maple, aluminum and carbon fiber accents. Ambient interior lighting sets the mood.
- Technical flair – Infiniti often adds unique touches like analog clock faces and asymmetrical dash designs. The vibe balances warmth with technical sophistication.
- Fine details – Materials and assembly exhibit meticulous attention to detail. Double-stitching, precision gaps and minimal squeaks and rattles reinforce quality.
- Custom options – Personalizing your Infiniti is encouraged through varied color schemes and the ability to choose from special trim, upholstery and equipment packages.
The result is a tangible upscale environment evocative of Infiniti’s Japanese artisanship blended with international flair. Surroundings coddle and reassure drivers without sacrificing a sporting bent.Infiniti interiors ultimately express that performance and luxury can wonderfully coexist.
Infiniti’s Future: Pushing Further into Electrification
Like all automakers, Infiniti faces challenging questions going forward about powertrains, autonomous driving, connectivity and competing within an evolving global luxury auto market. The brand appears to be responding with a strategy centered on electrification.
Signs pointing toward an electric future for Infiniti include:
- QX Inspiration Concept – This all-electric SUV concept boasts radical styling and hints at Infiniti’s vision for next-gen EVs. An interior focused on comfort and spaciousness also features the latest connectivity and autonomous driving technologies.
- Increased electrification – Recent models like the QX55 SUV integrate sophisticated hybrid powertrains as a transition towards fully electric Infinitis coming down the road.
- Proposed EV models – Infiniti’s parent company Nissan has hinted at plans for electric crossover SUVs and sedans within the next 5 years. An electric successor to the QX Inspiration concept could become Infiniti’s first dedicated EV.
- Partnerships – Joining forces with companies like NASA and Solid Power, Infiniti is researching advanced battery designs and alternative charging solutions to make EVs more practical.
- New EV platform – Infiniti’s future EVs will likely ride on dedicated electric vehicle platforms shared across the Nissan/Renault alliance. Unique styling and luxury features will differentiate the Infiniti versions.
An electrified future aligns with Infiniti’s identity as a forward-thinking brand. EVs complement the marque’s combination of innovation, performance, and environmental responsibility. As luxury buyers continue migrating toward electric vehicles, Infiniti aims to provide a distinctive high-end option within this new automotive era.
Conclusion
In its 30+ years of existence, the Infiniti brand has carved out a unique niche as an aspirational, performance-oriented luxury nameplate. Infiniti provides an intriguing alternative for buyers desiring something more engaging and adventurous than the typical luxury sedan or SUV. Thanks to competitive pricing and innovative technology, Infinitis deliver excellent value compared to prestige European rivals. As the brand ventures into an electric future, expect it to retain its identity as the dynamic, tech-savvy choice in upscale automotive luxury.