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New QX65 Revives The FX Formula Infiniti Abandoned Seven Years Ago

  • Infiniti has introduced the 2027 QX65 crossover coupe.
  • Channels the spirit of the FX and is essentially a two-row QX60.
  • Model sports a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 268 hp.

Few vehicle designs are truly iconic, but the Infiniti FX comes pretty close. The model was launched nearly 25 years ago, long before ‘crossover coupes’ were a thing. It was a hit and spawned two well-received generations. However, Infiniti made a mistake when they killed the crossover in 2019.

Ever since then, the luxury brand has been trying to replicate the FX magic. The forgettable QX55 was their first attempt but, as they say, the second time’s the charm.

Meet The QX65

Given the failure of the QX55, Infiniti is moving in a new direction with a larger QX65. The mid-sized crossover coupe is based on the three-row QX60 and sports the brand’s familiar Artistry in Motion design.

While it looks instantly recognizable, the QX65 has a unique front end with a three-dimensional grille that is flanked by split lighting units. Digital piano key daytime running lights reside up top, while LED headlights are mounted further below in faux air curtains.

The grille features an illuminated logo, which plays a role in the crossover’s animated welcome lighting sequence. The effect can further be amplified by the available Infiniti Light Path, which projects wing-like patterns onto the ground at night.

Further back, the crossover has a rakish windscreen that flows into a gently sloping roof. It gives the crossover coupe a dynamic design, while only robbing 0.6 inches (15 mm) of second-row headroom.

Other highlights include 20- or 21-inch wheels as well as a full-width LED brake light bar. They’re joined by an angular rear window and a small rear spoiler, which hides a wiper up top.

The crossover will be offered in Luxe, Sport, and Autograph trims. The mid-level Sport has a unique mesh grille as well as gloss black accents. The Autograph goes in a different direction as it adopts a black roof, satin chrome trim, and 21-inch wheels.

On the topic of styling, the QX65 offers a new Sunfire Red paint job inspired by the Regal Red used on the Nissan GT-R. It incorporates gold-coated glass flecks to create an incredible, eye-catching shine.

In terms of size, the model measures 198.5 inches (5,042 mm) long, 86 inches (2,184 mm) wide, and 69.7 inches tall (1,770 mm) with a wheelbase that spans 114.2 inches (2,901 mm). Those dimensions are almost identical to the QX60, but the QX65 is 0.4 inches (10 mm) longer.

A Cozy, Five-Seat Interior

The similarities continue inside as the QX65 is essentially a carbon copy of the QX60. That being said, the crossover coupe ditches the third-row and is a strict five-seater.

Furthermore, the swoopy roof limits cargo capacity as there’s 35.8 cubic feet (1,014 liters) behind the second-row and 67.7 cubic feet (1,917 liters) overall. The latter number is down 7.7 cubic feet (218 liters) from its more practical counterpart.

While space is at a premium, the QX65 comes nicely equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment system with Google built-in. The latter provides easy access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store.

Putting the displays aside, the crossover coupe has heated TailorFit front seats with eight-way power adjustment. They’re joined by a heated leather steering wheel, a 15 watt Qi2 wireless smartphone charger, and a panoramic sunroof. Buyers will also find silver metallic weave trim, a power liftgate, and a power folding second-row. Rounding out the highlights are an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a tri-zone climate control system, and an 11-speaker audio system.

The Sport has a lightly revised interior with a graphite headliner and gloss black carbonite trim. These minor changes are accompanied by additional equipment including heated and ventilated front seats, a power tilt/telescopic steering column, and a 16-speaker Klipsch premium audio system. They’re joined by a 64-color ambient lighting system and a universal garage door opener.

The range-topping Autograph ups the ante with quilted semi-aniline leather seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. They’re joined by heated second-row seats, open-pore wood trim, and a 10.8-inch color head-up display. The model also has a motion-activated liftgate, aluminum scuff plates, and illuminated sill plates.

Another highlight is the 20-speaker Klipsch sound system, which has speakers integrated into the front headrests. This allows for an Individual Audio function that can target phone conversations and navigation directions only at the driver. That’s a cool trick and it’s worth noting the Autograph’s Reference Premiere system has twice the power as the Sport’s audio system.

Turbo Power

Motivation is provided by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine developing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 286 lb-ft (387 Nm) of torque. It’s connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission, which has been specifically tuned to deliver a “sportier, more aggressive shift schedule that makes [the] QX65 feel more eager to accelerate.”

While the QX60 is offered with front- and all-wheel drive, the crossover coupe is available exclusively with the latter. That’s hardly surprising and Infiniti noted the model can tow up to 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg) when properly equipped.

The QX65 also comes with active noise cancellation and active sound enhancement technology. They work to eliminate “undesirable tones while amplifying and exaggerating sportier exhaust harmonics.”

A four-cylinder may be the sole powertrain for now, but that could change. A recent report points to a 3.5-liter V6 joining the lineup in the near future, with an output in the neighborhood of 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS). A higher-performance Red Sport variant has also been the subject of early rumors, though nothing has been confirmed on either front.

Available Hands-Free Driving

A dizzying array of driver assistance systems come standard including ProPILOT Assist and Intelligent Cruise Control. They’re joined by Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The model also has Blind Spot Warning / Intervention, Lane Departure Warning / Prevention, and a Rear View Monitor.

That’s an impressive list, but the Autograph is notable for offering ProPILOT Assist 2.1. It’s a hands-free semi-autonomous driving system, which enables the crossover to handle acceleration, braking, and steering on highways.

Arrives This Summer

The 2027 Infiniti QX65 will be built in Smyrna, Tennessee and arrive at dealerships early this summer. Pricing starts at $53,990, which means the model is only slightly more expensive than the 2025 QX55 that began at $50,150.

2027 Infiniti QX65 Pricing

Prices exclude a $1,545 destination fee

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