Japon
Infiniti
Infiniti is the luxury division of Japanese automaker Nissan. Its history begins in 1985 with the creation of a secret in-house team, nicknamed the "Horizon Task Force," tasked with designing a new upscale brand. The Infiniti name was unveiled in 1987, and the brand was officially launched on November 8, 1989 in the United States, through an initial network of about fifty dealerships. This move was part of a broader trend that began in the early 1980s: Nissan followed the same logic as its rivals Toyota and Honda, which at the same time created Lexus and Acura, in order to attack the North American premium segment without diluting their mainstream lineups. The two launch models were the V8-powered flagship Q45 sedan and the sporty M30 coupe. The logo, a road racing toward the horizon, also evokes Mount Fuji and the brand's Japanese origins. In the 1990s and 2000s, Infiniti built a sportier image thanks to products like the rear-wheel-drive G35 (then G37) sedan and the FX crossover-coupe, which helped give the brand credibility against the German benchmarks. In 2014, Infiniti adopted a simplified naming scheme: the "Q" prefix for sedans and coupes, and "QX" for SUVs. The brand has its global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, after a period when it was based in Hong Kong. North America, and particularly the United States, remains its historic market and one of its most important. Through the 2010s and 2020s, the lineup has largely refocused on sport utility vehicles (QX50, QX55, QX60, QX80), reflecting market demand, while keeping the Q50 sedan as the direct heir to the G lineage. As part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, Infiniti shares platforms and powertrains with Nissan while seeking to distinguish itself through refinement, equipment, and design.
ActiveLuxePerformanceÉlectrique / hybridePopulairesAméricaines
History
History of Infiniti
Infiniti is the luxury division of Japanese automaker Nissan. Its history begins in 1985 with the creation of a secret in-house team, nicknamed the "Horizon Task Force," tasked with designing a new upscale brand. The Infiniti name was unveiled in 1987, and the brand was officially launched on November 8, 1989 in the United States, through an initial network of about fifty dealerships. This move was part of a broader trend that began in the early 1980s: Nissan followed the same logic as its rivals Toyota and Honda, which at the same time created Lexus and Acura, in order to attack the North American premium segment without diluting their mainstream lineups. The two launch models were the V8-powered flagship Q45 sedan and the sporty M30 coupe. The logo, a road racing toward the horizon, also evokes Mount Fuji and the brand's Japanese origins. In the 1990s and 2000s, Infiniti built a sportier image thanks to products like the rear-wheel-drive G35 (then G37) sedan and the FX crossover-coupe, which helped give the brand credibility against the German benchmarks. In 2014, Infiniti adopted a simplified naming scheme: the "Q" prefix for sedans and coupes, and "QX" for SUVs. The brand has its global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, after a period when it was based in Hong Kong. North America, and particularly the United States, remains its historic market and one of its most important. Through the 2010s and 2020s, the lineup has largely refocused on sport utility vehicles (QX50, QX55, QX60, QX80), reflecting market demand, while keeping the Q50 sedan as the direct heir to the G lineage. As part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, Infiniti shares platforms and powertrains with Nissan while seeking to distinguish itself through refinement, equipment, and design.
Public founding or origin of Infiniti.
FX/QX70: launch or first listed period.
G/Q50: launch or first listed period.
Q45: launch or first listed period.
QX60: launch or first listed period.
Technologies
Technologies, innovations and platforms
Infiniti draws on Nissan's parts bin while developing signature technologies. The most emblematic is the VC-Turbo engine: a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder with a variable compression ratio (from 8:1 to 14:1), introduced on the 2019 QX50, which aims to reconcile power and fuel economy. The brand has also made extensive use of the VQ V6 family (notably 3.5L and 3.7L), known for its character and sound, as well as V8s on its top-tier models. On the chassis side, Infiniti has offered Direct Adaptive Steering (an electronic steering control) and adaptive suspensions. In terms of safety and driver assistance, the ProPILOT Assist suite combines adaptive cruise control and lane keeping, complemented by emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and an around-view monitor. Several models have also offered all-wheel drive. More extensive electrification (fully electric lineups) remains in development and is among the brand's announced directions.
Brand image
Identity, reputation, strengths and weaknesses
Positioning
A Japanese luxury brand from Nissan, focused on comfort, equipment, and an attractive price-to-value ratio compared with premium benchmarks.
Reputation
Infiniti enjoys an honorable reputation among luxury brands, often seen as offering a great deal of equipment and comfort for a price lower than that of the German benchmarks. Its reliability is rated fair to good: the brand generally sits around the average in dependability studies, with certain models such as the QX60 earning decent predicted reliability ratings. Reviews highlight the comfort, quiet ride, and equipment-for-the-price value, but sometimes point to an aging infotainment technology and a lineup that is less frequently renewed than the competition's. Resale value is considered reasonable for a premium brand, without reaching the heights of certain Japanese rivals. Maintenance costs remain higher than those of a mainstream brand.
Strengths
Infiniti stands out for a good level of equipment and comfort at a price lower than the German luxury brands, quiet and well-finished cabins, a V6 and a VC-Turbo with strong character, and a sporting heritage (the G lineage, FX). The brand also benefits from the proven mechanical reliability of the Nissan base and from partial North American assembly for certain SUVs.
Points to watch
The Infiniti lineup has shrunk and is renewed slowly, with several models built on older platforms. The infotainment systems and certain technologies lag behind the premium competition, the electrified offering remains limited, and both resale value and brand appeal stay below the German benchmarks or Lexus. Maintenance and repair costs are higher than those of a mainstream brand.
Models
Infiniti models
Current or active models by market
Notable past models
Production and compatibility
Plants, tires and wheels
Production
Infiniti does not have separate factories of its own: its vehicles come out of Nissan's facilities. In North America, the assembly plant in Smyrna, Tennessee, has built the QX60, the brand's best-selling three-row SUV, since the mid-2010s. The powertrains, including the VC-Turbo engines, are notably built at the powertrain plant in Decherd, also in Tennessee. The rest of the lineup comes from Japan: the Tochigi plant, one of Nissan's most advanced, long assembled the Q50 and Q60, while other models such as the QX80 have been produced in Japanese facilities. This American manufacturing presence is why the QX60 is regularly cited among vehicles assembled in the United States.
Tires and wheels
Modern Infinitis, especially the SUVs (QX50, QX55, QX60, QX80) and the sport sedans (Q50, older G models), generally run large-diameter wheels, often in the range of 18 to 22 inches depending on the model and trim, with relatively low-profile tires. The most common bolt pattern on the Nissan base is a 5-lug type, to be verified precisely according to the model and year. In Quebec, where winter tires are mandatory, it is wise to plan for a second winter set, sometimes on smaller-diameter wheels to reduce cost and improve traction. Always confirm the exact size listed on the driver's door before buying tires or wheels.