Farewell to the Q50: Infiniti’s Transition to an SUV-Only Brand
Infiniti recently announced updates to its 2025 vehicle lineup, and the notable absence on the list is the Q50 sedan. After the 2024 model year, the Q50 will no longer be available in the United States and Canada. This move is part of Infiniti’s commitment to transform its vehicle line by introducing four new products, starting with the all-new 2025 QX80 SUV.
The decision to discontinue the Q50 comes after eleven years on the market and one generation. Despite its longevity, the Q50 has become relatively anonymous, overshadowed by other models in Infiniti’s lineup. However, it’s worth noting that the Q50 introduced two significant features: Infiniti’s Q naming scheme and a steer-by-wire system, which, unfortunately, failed to win over fans.
Although the Q50 may not have made a lasting impact in the mainstream market, it has cultivated a devoted following within the tuner community. This niche group of Q50 enthusiasts actively engages in tuning and modifying their vehicles, as evident from the extensive discussions and resources found on Q50 tuning forums. In fact, the number of discussions and posts related to Q50 tuning far surpasses the average monthly sales figures for the Q50 in the United States.
The discontinuation of the Q50 sedan doesn’t come as a surprise, considering Infiniti’s previous decision to discontinue the Q60 coupe in 2022. It seemed evident that the Q50 was stuck in a product cul-de-sac, with no plans for a significant revamp or a new generation. Consequently, the sedan’s value began to decline, making it an attractive option for used car buyers during the pandemic. Many of these buyers have now found their way to the Q50 tuning forums, seeking to enhance their newly acquired vehicles.
Infiniti’s future focus will be on SUVs, following the footsteps of fellow premium brands such as Buick and Lincoln. While the pricing for the 2025 QX50 SUV is yet to be announced, the current model starts at a slightly lower price point than the Q50 sedan. This indicates that the sedan’s biggest competition came from within Infiniti’s own product lineup.
However, fans of Infiniti sedans need not despair, as the brand is planning a follow-up to the Q50 in the form of an electric sports sedan. Infiniti has hinted at this development, stating that the Q50’s spirit will live on in their first electric vehicle, which is previewed by the Vision Qe concept. This upcoming sports sedan, potentially named the Q70, is rumored to share its platform with an electric version of the Nissan Maxima. If all goes according to plan, we can expect to see this electric sports sedan hit the market around 2026.
In conclusion, while the Q50 sedan may have reached the end of its journey, Infiniti’s transition to an SUV-only brand highlights the evolving preferences of consumers. The Q50’s legacy lives on in the devoted tuner community, and with the promise of an electric sports sedan in the future, Infiniti aims to capture the hearts of sedan enthusiasts once again.