When the Infiniti G35 got here round within the early 2000s, it had the BMW 3 Sequence squarely in its sights. And, not like many rivals, it truly did a reasonably good impersonation. It ditched the front-wheel drive platform its predecessor was based mostly on, as a substitute sharing Nissan’s “entrance midship” structure underpinning the up to date Nissan 350Z. Rear-wheel drive, a strong 3.5-liter V6, and a six-speed guide transmission made it an alluring various to BMW 3 Sequence.
Via the years, whereas energy good points stored the automotive aggressive with most of the Bavarian’s 3er, little else modified. A low-quality inside and lagging know-how noticed the in any other case respectable automotive endure within the market. After Infiniti offered simply 6,201 items within the US in 2023 and 5,428 in 2024, the automotive was discontinued with no gas-powered successor in sight. However current reviews from Automotive Information point out that could be about to vary. The Infiniti Q50 is coming again, and a return to kind might imply giving the three Sequence an actual run for its cash.
Particulars: Infiniti Q50 vs. BMW 3 Sequence
AN cites “individuals aware of the matter,” who declare the Q50 will make a comeback with a guide transmission and rear-wheel drive. Sure, you learn that proper: Infiniti’s solely sport sedan could have an elective guide transmission. Infiniti can be allegedly planning a sportier Crimson Sport model. “It‘s a chance to attach again to the roots of the model,” Infiniti Americas Vice President Tiago Castro advised AN. As is custom, the Q50 might be based mostly on the present Nissan Z. Which means a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 underneath the hood. NISMO efficiency fashions generate 420 horsepower, and AN’s sources point out energy for the Q50 might prolong as excessive as 450 horsepower.
With 400 — or extra — horsepower on faucet, it’s clear the Q50 would most instantly compete with the BMW M340i. It will even give the upcoming 2027 BMW M350 a stable run, since that automotive is estimated to make round 420 horsepower. The final Infiniti Q50 weighed round 115 kilos (52 kg) lower than the M340i. It additionally commanded rather a lot much less of your pockets. In 2024, the final 12 months it was offered, MSRP was round $44,200. Again then, the M340i began at a relatively fairly excessive $58,595. Even regardless of its shortcomings, we will see the place, as we speak, there could be a little bit of a price proposition there.
Can the Q50 Actually Compete?
Vinay Shahani, Senior Vice President of U.S. Advertising and marketing and Gross sales appears to be conscious about what demographic Infiniti appeals to. He advised AN that the automotive is “tremendous necessary, particularly for bringing youthful consumers again into the model.” In the end, I believe he’s proper. Nissan is in an terrible place proper now, and bringing in younger consumers is healthier than bringing in no consumers. The automotive is scheduled to land within the second half of 2027.
One factor is for sure: Infiniti has a whole lot of work to do in the event that they wish to make the Q50 really aggressive. Re-releasing the identical automotive with the identical shortcomings — however with extra energy and a guide transmission — shouldn’t be going to be sufficient to recapture a significant viewers. After all, for some consumers, the Q50 will get a simple win — it will be the one automotive within the phase to supply a guide transmission. And if I didn’t have the posh of a two-car storage, that might in all probability be sufficient for me. The query is — what number of in Infiniti’s demographic can say the identical factor? The reply will very seemingly decide how Infiniti’s steadiness sheet seems within the coming few years.
Supply: Automotive Information
