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 an alternative 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 beneficial properties stored the automobile aggressive with most of the Bavarian’s 3er, little else modified. A low-quality inside and lagging expertise noticed the in any other case respectable automobile undergo within the market. After Infiniti offered simply 6,201 models within the US in 2023 and 5,428 in 2024, the automobile 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 “individuals acquainted with 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 can have an non-compulsory handbook transmission. Infiniti can also be allegedly planning a sportier Crimson Sport model. “It‘s a possibility to attach again to the roots of the model,” Infiniti Americas Vice President Tiago Castro informed AN. As is custom, the Q50 will likely 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 immediately compete with the BMW M340i. It might even give the upcoming 2027 BMW M350 a stable run, since that automobile is estimated to make round 420 horsepower. The final Infiniti Q50 weighed round 115 kilos (52 kg) lower than the M340i. It additionally commanded loads 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, at the moment, there is likely to be a little bit of a price proposition there.
Can the Q50 Really Compete?
Vinay Shahani, Senior Vice President of U.S. Advertising and Gross sales appears to be aware of what demographic Infiniti appeals to. He informed AN that the automobile is “tremendous essential, 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 automobile is scheduled to land within the second half of 2027.
One factor is for sure: Infiniti has loads of work to do in the event that they need to make the Q50 actually aggressive. Re-releasing the identical automobile with the identical shortcomings — however with extra energy and a handbook transmission — just isn’t 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 automobile 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 probably decide how Infiniti’s steadiness sheet appears to be like within the coming few years.
Supply: Automotive Information
