When the Infiniti G35 got here round within the early 2000s, it had the BMW 3 Sequence squarely in its sights. And, in contrast to many rivals, it really 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 modern Nissan 350Z. Rear-wheel drive, a robust 3.5-liter V6, and a six-speed handbook transmission made it an alluring various to BMW 3 Sequence.
By means of the years, whereas energy good points stored the automotive aggressive with lots of the Bavarian’s 3er, little else modified. A low-quality inside and lagging know-how noticed the in any other case first rate automotive undergo within the market. After Infiniti bought simply 6,201 models within the US in 2023 and 5,428 in 2024, the automotive was discontinued with no gas-powered successor in sight. However latest studies from Automotive Information point out that is likely to be about to alter. 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 “folks conversant in the matter,” who declare the Q50 will make a comeback with a handbook transmission and rear-wheel drive. Sure, you learn that proper: Infiniti’s solely sport sedan may have an non-obligatory handbook transmission. Infiniti can be allegedly planning a sportier Pink Sport model. “It‘s a chance to attach again to the roots of the model,” Infiniti Americas Vice President Tiago Castro instructed AN. As is custom, the Q50 might be based mostly on the present Nissan Z. Which means a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 below the hood. NISMO efficiency fashions generate 420 horsepower, and AN’s sources point out energy for the Q50 might lengthen 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 strong 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 lots much less of your pockets. In 2024, the final 12 months it was bought, MSRP was round $44,200. Again then, the M340i began at a relatively fairly excessive $58,595. Even regardless of its shortcomings, we are able to see the place, at present, there is likely to 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 aware of what demographic Infiniti appeals to. He instructed AN that the automotive is “tremendous vital, particularly for bringing youthful consumers again into the model.” Finally, I believe he’s proper. Nissan is in an terrible place proper now, and bringing in younger consumers is best than bringing in no consumers. The automotive is scheduled to land within the second half of 2027.
One factor is for sure: Infiniti has numerous work to do in the event that they need to make the Q50 really aggressive. Re-releasing the identical automotive with the identical shortcomings — however with extra energy and a handbook transmission — shouldn’t be going to be sufficient to recapture a significant viewers. After all, for some consumers, the Q50 will get a straightforward win — it will be the one automotive within the phase to supply a handbook transmission. And if I didn’t have the luxurious of a two-car storage, that will most likely be sufficient for me. The query is — what number of in Infiniti’s demographic can say the identical factor? The reply will very doubtless decide how Infiniti’s stability sheet seems to be within the coming few years.
Supply: Automotive Information
