2027 Infiniti QX65 Hands-On Preview: Presence Rejuvenation
Take a quick trip down memory lane with us. The year is 2002 and Infiniti is in a bit of transition. The maker of nice premium vehicles is undergoing a transformation, focusing on sportier, more stylish offerings. First came the G35 and by the end of the year the FX35/45 SUV was launched. A mid-size, two-row luxury SUV, the FX had a swoopy shape and decent performance. But most of all, it had presence.
Fast forward to today and the FX is coming back, at least in spirit. Just introduced is the 2027 Infiniti QX65 which relaunches Infiniti into the mid-size, two-row SUV segment.
What is the QX65?
Towards the end of the FX’s life, it was rebranded. Like all Infiniti SUVs, it gained a QX prefix, labeled the QX70. So why isn’t Infiniti reusing that name? Most likely to differentiate the new model compared to the old. Whereas the FX and QX70 were based on the G/M read-drive-bias luxury car platform, the QX65 is a close sibling to the transverse engined QX60.
Presence and Style
Despite having only two rows, the QX65 measures in at 198.5-inches (5,041 mm) in length, which is fractionally longer than the three-row QX60. The overall shape is FX-inspired, with a more rounded and raked rear window. Infiniti has incorporated some cool design tricks in the vehicle’s styling, like the flowing fastback roofline look integrated into the windows. The chrome strip exudes a more coupe like profile while the actual roof, painted in black on the vehicle we were shown, hides a more traditional roofline.Â
Up front, the QX65 has a three-dimensional bamboo forest inspired grille which is large and prominent. Centered on the grille is a new take on illuminated badging, as just the inner portion of the badge is illuminated along with backlighting. Multiple LED lights make up the running light strips along the hood line with dual beam headlights positioned separately below them.
At the back, the flowing rear roofline features an incorporated spoiler that hides the rear-window wiper underneath it. Below that is a full width light bar consisting of multiple LED lights and 3D design elements. Infiniti claims the overall design of the taillamps is inspired by fighter jets.
Standard on the QX65 will be a large panoramic moonroof, with a power liftgate which is motion activated on higher trims. A new color is offered on the 2027 Infiniti QX65 called Sunfire Red which includes specks of gold-coated glass flecks.
Familiar Power, Uniquely Tuned
Like the QX60, the new QX65 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 268 hp and 286 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. Despite the same output figures, tuning between the two models does differ as the QX65 has been programmed for more response. It’s the same story for the nine-speed automatic transmission which should deliver quicker shifts in the QX65 compared to the QX60.
Big Wheels, Better Control
Arriving with standard all-wheel drive, the 2027 Infiniti QX65 will come with 20-inch wheels wearing 255/50R20 tires or larger 21-inch wheels with wider 265/45R21 tires. Regardless of set-up, the tires are designed more for on-road performance than off-road capability, a fact supported by the QX65’s mere 5.9-inches of ground clearance. That stated, the 4,663-4,715 pound (2,115-2,138 kg) Infiniti can still do SUV tasks, like tow up to 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg).
Comfort Still a Priority
The vehicle we got our hands on is a fully loaded 2027 Infiniti QX65 Autograph edition. Up front there is 40.6-inches (1,030 mm) of headroom and 44.2-inches (1,123 mm) of legroom. The seats feature semi-aniline quilted leather, which have a subtle Kimono-style-fold design in the cross-stitching. Both front seats also come powered, with heat, ventilation, and massage functions.
In the rear, the outboard seats are heated, and passengers get 36.9-inches ( 38 mm) of headroom and 35.7-inches (906 mm) of legroom. These figures are on the small side and when our six-foot tall tester got in the rear seats, he fit as long as the seat back was slightly angled rearward. Behind the rear seats is 35.8 cu ft (1,014 L) of cargo capacity which expands to 67.6 cu ft (1,917 L) with the rear seat backs folded.
Tech Talk
Standard on the 2027 Infiniti QX65 will be a three zone climate control, heated steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, ProPILOT Assist, rain sensing wipers, and more. There are dual 12.3-inch screens, one for driver information and the other the infotainment screen.
The available audio systems include 11, 16, or 20 speakers, with the latter being a Klipsch unit that incorporates dual headrest speakers for the front seat passengers. Other options that can be had on Infiniti’s new luxury SUV includes a smart rearview mirror, ProPILOT Assist 2.1, a power telescopic steering wheel, enhanced ambient lighting, 360-degree 3D camera, an invisible hood, a front wide view, and more.
Expect more details on the 2027 Infiniti QX65, including pricing, to be available closer to launch.
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A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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Sorry, SUV's don't do it any more. Maybe one in a thousand people who buy something like this would actually use it to it's full potential, and really these things are basically just people haulers, (and maybe an occasional load of bricks). If I want something fast and with fantastic handling I would not be buying an SUV.