Infiniti looks ready to make the upcoming QX65 more than just another stylish luxury crossover. The new fastback two row SUV is set to arrive shortly with a 268-hp 2.0-liter variable-compression turbo four-cylinder, but the more interesting development is what may follow. A V6-powered version is reportedly already in the plan for 2027, and from an enthusiast standpoint, that is the kind of move Infiniti desperately needs right now. For a brand that once built a loyal following on sharp design and genuine driver appeal, this feels like a welcome step back toward its roots.
On paper, the QX65 already has an important role to fill. It will sit between the now-discontinued QX50 and QX55 and the larger QX60, giving Infiniti a fresh entry in one of the most style-driven segments of the luxury market. But style alone is not going to carry a revival. Luxury buyers today want design, tech, and some level of emotional pull, and that is where a V6 could make all the difference. A coupe-like crossover with roughly 300 hp instantly sounds more aligned with the old Infiniti formula than another premium appliance built around efficiency targets.
That is what makes this rumored powertrain roadmap so significant. The expected 3.5-liter V6, reportedly related to the Pathfinder’s engine but tuned to around 300 hp for the QX65, would give Infiniti something its lineup has been lacking for too long: personality. Better yet, it sets the stage for a future Red Sport variant, which could finally give the brand a halo performance crossover with real credibility. Moreover, Infiniti hinted that they could have a QX80 Red Sport variant very soon to further emphasize the luxury performance case. Infiniti has spent years leaning heavily into family-focused utility, but the market still remembers when the FX and G models gave the brand a distinct identity. The QX65 has a chance to reconnect with that history in a modern format.
There is also a timing element here that matters. Infiniti needs volume, but it also needs excitement, and the QX65 could help on both fronts. Forecasts suggest production will start in April with about 20,000 units expected this year, which is a meaningful number for a brand trying to regain momentum. Launching first with the turbo four makes sense from a regulatory and packaging standpoint, but adding a stronger six-cylinder option soon after could broaden the vehicle’s appeal and keep the QX65 in the conversation well beyond its initial rollout. In a crowded luxury crossover market, staying relevant after launch is half the battle.
From where we sit, Infiniti cannot afford to play it safe forever. The brand’s comeback will not be fueled by conservative product planning alone. It needs vehicles that remind buyers why Infiniti mattered in the first place. If the QX65 gets the rumored V6 upgrade in 2027, it could become more than a gap-filler in the lineup. It could be the first real sign that Infiniti is serious about blending luxury, style, and performance again, and that is exactly the kind of product story this brand needs.
Source: Automotive News
Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience immersed in the world of cars. Whether it’s exploring the latest advancements in automotive technology or keeping a close pulse on breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a sharp perspective and a deep appreciation for all things automotive. His writing blends technical insight with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions both informative and engaging for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the newest models and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
