Automotive
Infiniti is expanding its lineup with the brand new 2027 QX65, a two-row luxury crossover that clearly leans into coupe-inspired styling while drawing a direct line back to the old FX models that helped give the brand some real personality within the 2000s. From a design standpoint, the QX65 is simple to know. It takes much of the visual language introduced by the QX60 and QX80, then reshapes it into something sleeker and a bit more fashion-forward. In profile, that fastback roofline does give it a more distinctive presence, especially in the appropriate color mixtures, and Infiniti seems to know that the emotional pull here is imagined to be style first, practicality second.
Under the skin, though, the formula sounds very familiar. Every QX65 gets the identical 268-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter VC-Turbo four-cylinder engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Infiniti says the powertrain has been retuned specifically for the QX65, with more aggressive downshifts under braking and a revised sound profile, which should not less than help give it a rather different personality from its sibling. Still, this can be where we begin to feel like Infiniti could have done a bit more. For a vehicle meant to channel the spirit of something as memorable because the FX, slightly more power or a more ambitious performance angle would have gone a great distance.
Inside, the QX65 appears to remain very near the QX60 playbook, which will not be necessarily a foul thing. The cabin layout looks upscale, the materials seem appropriately wealthy, and the usual tech package checks the appropriate boxes with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an identical 12.3-inch central touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims add extra polish with a head-up display, massaging front seats, ventilated seating, and a 16-speaker Klipsch audio system. It’s a handsome and cozy environment, but again, it does feel like Infiniti played things slightly secure. For a model attempting to make a picture statement, there’s a way that it could have pushed harder to separate itself from the QX60 beyond just the roofline.
To the QX65’s credit, the sloped shape doesn’t completely destroy usefulness. Infiniti says there’s 36 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 68 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, that are strong numbers for something wearing coupe-SUV styling. The absence of a 3rd row actually works in its favor here, and the claim that it might probably fit 4 golf bags within the back with the seats up tells you exactly who Infiniti has in mind. That practical angle may find yourself being certainly one of the vehicle’s stronger selling points, especially for buyers who want something more stylish than a conventional midsize crossover without totally giving up day-to-day versatility.
Pricing puts the QX65 squarely in premium territory, with the Luxe starting at $55,535, the Sport at $57,235, and the range-topping Autograph at $64,135. It is anticipated to reach in dealerships early this summer, and there isn’t a query it gives Infiniti one other much-needed entry in a competitive luxury segment. Even so, the QX65 appears like certainly one of those vehicles that gets near being truly exciting without fully committing. The design is attractive, the inside seems well executed, and the packaging is smarter than the roofline suggests. But for a brand that also needs some bolder moves to regain its old spark, we cannot help but think Infiniti had a chance here to do slightly greater than just construct a sleeker QX60.
Reporting note: Key details including the 268-hp VC-Turbo engine, standard AWD, interior tech, cargo space, trim walk, and pricing were cross-checked against current automotive coverage and Infiniti’s broader recent product planning.
Darryl Taylor Dowe is a seasoned automotive skilled with a proven track record of leading successful ventures and providing strategic consultation across the automotive industry. With years of hands-on experience in each business operations and market development, Darryl has played a key role in helping automotive brands grow and adapt in a rapidly evolving landscape. His insight and leadership have earned him recognition as a trusted expert, and his contributions to Automotive Addicts reflect his deep knowledge and fervour for the business side of the automobile world.
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