The First Ever Infiniti QX65 is Built To Spoil You. And It Just Might
Built on the foundation of the Infiniti QX65, this coupe-style fastback SUV ups the luxe factor for the post-kid (or pre-kid) buyer.
Last summer, Infiniti had a curious car on the stage at Monterey Car Week’s The Quail, one of the loftiest luxury car shows on the calendar. A sleek coupe-style SUV, it was painted matte lavender gray and named the Infiniti QX65, along with the “Monograph” designation, indicating it was a concept rather than a new model being introduced.
With a buff, muscular body and a sloped roof, it reminded me of the BMW X6, the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and the Genesis GV80 Coupe—three of my very favorite SUVs on the road. Fast forward just a few months, and it’s here, introduced among much fanfare just ahead of the New York Auto Show. And while the QX65, which is priced from $53,990, is an all-new model for Infiniti, it also draws on some of the company’s most popular design, tech and features.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. Additionally, I was Infiniti’s guest for this new model preview, but all opinions are my own.
A Full-Size SUV Without the Baggage—But Room For Luggage
For drivers who love SUVs, and yes, that’s me, a full-size SUV that sits high above the traffic and has room for the large things you need to bring—Tables? Chairs? Oversized luggage?— is a great thing. But many of us find that after driving a 3-row SUV, we’d rather upgrade to something that’s more in tune with what we want and need in terms of luxuries and features rather than a family-focused car.
That’s the mission of the Infiniti QX65: it’s actually built on the same frame as the QX60; it has the same dimensions and engine, though it refines the trim levels and, of course, offers that sleek, coupe shape that sets it at a level somewhat above the QX60.
The QX65 Trim Lineup Adds More Luxuries For Less Money
This might be the best reason to take a long look at the QX65: Infiniti deleted the entry-level Pure model from the lineup, which now starts with Luxe, and without a 3rd row, reduced the price by $3,000. Still, the Luxe model is just that: Loaded with luxuries.
These include 20” wheels, a 12” multimedia touchscreen, a 12” digital driver display, standard all-wheel drive, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android auto, a panoramic sunroof, a lighted front badge, Google Built-in (three years included and by subscription afterward), a wireless phone charger, heated, power front seats and leatherette upholstery.
The rear seat is still adjustable; seats can move forward and back and recline, which will certainly help taller passengers feel more comfortable with the reduced headroom due to the sloped roofline. I sat in the rear seat and can say it felt quite comfortable to me and I had plenty of headroom for my 5’8” frame.
This New Wireless Phone Charger Is a Game Changer
“I love this wireless phone charger,” said no one, ever. Great idea, but in reality, they aren’t great. Most of the time, they overheat your phone faster than they charge it. So when Infiniti said their phone charger was new and improved, I was skeptical. Then I saw it.
It’s magnetic, meaning it’ll grab your phone and hold it in place. It charges faster, it’s elevated a bit to allow for air flow and it has a built-in fan to circulate air around the phone. I use my nightstand wireless charger every day and it works great, so inefficient phone chargers in cars have been frustrating. Until now. This one is truly novel and thankfully, it’s standard.
Still Great for Children Passenger Car Seats
Probably the nicest thing, though, since the rear seat is adjustable and the frame of this SUV is large, is that it’ll easily accommodate child passenger car seats. I had more than 32” of space between the back of the driver’s seat and the shoulder of the rear seat; that’s plenty for a rear-facing car seat and, of course, ample for a forward-facing seat or a booster.
I can completely see choosing the QX65 for the double duty of family driving and a chic commute.
The large cargo area will also accommodate families nicely; with 35.8 cubic feet of cargo space, there’s lots of room for strollers, luggage and the Costco haul, all at the same time (maybe even a golf bag, but the golfer will have to figure that one out for himself).
Same Engine, Different Drive Experience
In addition to a shared chassis, the QX65 shares its powertrain with the QX60. That means it’s powered by a 4-cylinder 268 HP engine. As is becoming the magic in new cars, however, a 4-cylinder engine is simply a framework for how the power is produced; car makers are able to tune them to deliver more or less power and a distinctly different drive experience from one 4-cylinder engine to the next.
In this case, Infiniti didn’t increase the power, but they did change how the QX65 accelerates and shifts to give a more sporty feel behind the wheel and a throatier sound on the road. You’ll be able to hear the engine as you drive.
Our preview didn’t include drive time, so I haven’t been able to try this out, but I will in the coming weeks and will report back on that experience. However, Infiniti is known for developing innovative engines and this is one I look forward to driving.
Three Levels of Luxury To Choose From
In addition to the Luxe trim, the QX65 is offered in Sport and Autograph. The Sport model, priced from $55,690, will be offered with sport details including black wheels and accents, heat and vented front seats, puddle lights, a 16-speaker Klipsch sound system, ambient lighting and a surround view camera. Sport offers two leatherette interior colors: graphite and stone. The Dusk Blue, which is exclusive to this trim in the QX60 is not offered.
The Autograph model, priced at $62,590, takes it all up a level with 21” wheels, leather upholstery with an exclusive red option, head-up display and a 20-speaker Klipsch sound system with headrest speakers for phone call privacy. While Infiniti hasn’t yet released details on option packages, buyers will be able to add ProPilot Assist 2.1 to offer hands-free driving on some limited-access highways, such as interstates. I’ve used this system in other Infiniti models, including the QX80 and find it’s very good; if you sit in a lot of stop-and-go traffic, it’s absolutely worth the investment.
The White Glove Experience Is Included, Too
This is a little-talked-about feature of Infiniti ownership, but one worth considering: Buyers will get a one-to-one onboarding with the QX65 (or any Infiniti, for that matter) so you completely understand your new car. There’s no handing you your keys and then ignoring you afterward. The onboarding session will also help buyers to set up the Infiniti app, set up their driver profile and connect their devices.
And then, when the car needs service (three years included with purchase), they’ll come get it and leave you with a loaner. That is exactly what a luxury experience should be, right?
Chic Design Is Everything in the Infiniti QX65
Not that I don’t love the design of the Infiniti QX60. I do. But when can I have all that in a more stylish and refined, and lower-priced, more sophisticated fastback coupe-style SUV? I’ll take it.
The front grille and rear taillight bar reflect Infiniti’s new design language; the large wheels and toned look add a more refined feel. And the new paint color, Sunfire red, incorporates real gold-coated glass flecks—gold that is delivered to the Smyrna, TN plant in an armored car— in the paint. Combined with layers of paint and gloss, the look is fiery; look closely, and you’ll see the gold.
If I’m being totally honest, this red isn’t my favorite, though I do love the back story. I’d be more likely to go with the lavender gray of the concept model or white with a black roof, probably in the Sport edition with a gray interior. For me, that is the combination that best sets off this silhouette and creates a desire to see what’s inside. Which is delightful and elegant, luxurious and sophisticated, just as promised.
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