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 primarily based on, as an alternative 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 handbook 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 expertise noticed the in any other case first rate automotive undergo within the market. After Infiniti bought 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 is perhaps 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 “folks aware of 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 primarily based on the present Nissan Z. Meaning 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 straight 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 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, as we speak, there is perhaps 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 informed AN that the automotive is “tremendous essential, particularly for bringing youthful patrons again into the model.” In the end, I feel he’s proper. Nissan is in an terrible place proper now, and bringing in younger patrons is healthier than bringing in no patrons. The automotive is scheduled to land within the second half of 2027.
One factor is for sure: Infiniti has a variety of work to do in the event that they wish to make the Q50 actually aggressive. Re-releasing the identical automotive 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 patrons, the Q50 will get a simple win — it might be the one automotive within the section to supply a handbook transmission. And if I didn’t have the luxurious of a two-car storage, that might 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 possible decide how Infiniti’s stability sheet appears to be like within the coming few years.
Supply: Automotive Information
