Infiniti’s QX65 brings back the coupe-like SUV vibe — and a nudge of FX nostalgia

What just launched

Infiniti has taken the wraps off the 2027 QX65, a two‑row, coupe‑like mid‑size luxury SUV that slides in alongside the QX60 but swaps its third row for a swoopier roofline and a big cargo hold. At launch, it comes in three trims — Luxe, Sport, and Autograph — all with standard all‑wheel drive and a 268‑hp 2.0‑liter VC‑Turbo four‑cylinder paired to a 9‑speed automatic. US sales begin in early summer, with pricing starting at $55,535. If you’ve ever muttered “bring back the FX,” this is Infiniti politely saying: we heard you.

The essentials (in plain English)

- It’s a QX60 under the skin, but styled like a sportier “coupe SUV,” so you lose the kid‑sized third row and gain everyday practicality: 36 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, 68 cubes with the seats folded. Translation: more room for strollers, skis, or the world’s most ambitious Costco run.

- Inside, you get twin 12.3‑inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available niceties like a head‑up display, massaging front seats, heated rears, and a Klipsch 16‑speaker audio system. Even the grille emblem can light up — because nothing says “I’ve arrived” like your logo literally glowing.

- Infiniti retuned the powertrain for the QX65 to sound a bit richer and downshift more eagerly under braking. It’s not a track toy, but it should feel livelier than the three‑row sibling it’s based on.

Why this matters (beyond car‑nerd land)

Coupe‑style SUVs aren’t just about looks; they’re a signpost for where the market keeps drifting — toward distinctive designs that still do daily life without drama. By trimming the third row, Infiniti is betting many buyers prefer style and cargo flexibility over occasional 7‑seat duty. If that sounds like the Audi Q8-to-Q7 playbook, you’re not wrong — and that’s the point.

How it connects to the bigger auto story

- Infiniti’s lineup pivot: The brand has been streamlining and reshaping its range; phasing out the QX50 and QX55 created space for a more focused, higher‑impact model like the QX65. In other words, fewer overlaps, clearer identity.

- Performance breadcrumbs: Recent reporting suggests a V‑6 option (and possibly “Red Sport” performance flavors) could follow for QX65 and its stablemates. That would push the model from “stylish and sensible” toward “stylish and spicy,” broadening appeal without abandoning comfort.

Smart take: what’s really going on

Infiniti is threading a needle. The QX65 aims to revive the emotional pull of the old FX — bold shape, premium feel — while staying grounded in pragmatic hardware shared with the QX60. That keeps development costs sane and reliability familiar, but it also risks the “just a dressed‑up sibling” critique. Infiniti’s counter is value and tactility: a competitive entry price, an upscale interior, and tuning tweaks that make it feel more eager. If the rumored V‑6 arrives later, the story gets even stronger for enthusiasts who want more oomph without ditching luxury.

What to watch next

- Real‑world efficiency and refinement: The VC‑Turbo 2.0L is clever; owners will care less about the magic and more about quietness, smoothness, and fuel economy in traffic. Test results and early reviews will tell us if the tuning changes hit the mark.

- Feature creep vs. price creep: The Autograph trim’s massaging seats and premium audio are delightful, but the luxury‑SUV market moves fast. If pricing climbs, buyers will cross‑shop aggressively with German rivals’ lease deals.

- Lineup momentum: Infiniti’s broader push — refreshed QX60, bolder QX80, talk of sportier “Red Sport” models — suggests a brand leaning back into character. If QX65 lands well, expect more confident design and powertrain choices, not fewer.

How this could affect everyday life

For a lot of families, the QX65’s formula may be the sweet spot: easier to park than a three‑row, roomier than a sedan, and nicer to live with than a boxy crossover if design matters to you. Think of it as a “weekday calm, weekend capable” machine — school runs, commutes, and a last‑minute IKEA mission, all without feeling like you’ve chosen a minivan in disguise. And yes, that illuminated badge might even help you spot your car faster in a crowded lot. Small joys count.

Bottom line

The 2027 Infiniti QX65 is a calculated swing at a globally popular niche: distinctive design, premium cabin, and just enough dynamic polish to feel special. If Infiniti follows through with the rumored performance variants, the QX65 could become more than a pretty face — it might be the model that puts Infiniti back on more shopping lists, from Montreal to Madrid.