Infiniti Kills Most Affordable Models

Infiniti is preparing to discontinue its two most affordable models, the QX50 and QX55, by the end of 2025.

According to Automotive News, production of the compact crossovers will end in December 2025, with sufficient overstock planned to last into mid-2026.

The QX50, launched in 2019, and the QX55, introduced in 2022, have struggled to keep pace with Infiniti's newer offerings, such as the redesigned QX60 and the upcoming QX65, a coupe-style crossover set to debut next year.

"If you go into a showroom and you have cars like the QX60, the QX80, and the special versions we have planned, the QX50 and QX55 start looking dated," said Nissan Americas product planning chief Ponz Pandikuthira to the outlet.

Infiniti’s lack of fresh products has significantly impacted its sales. In 2024, the brand recorded 58,070 units sold in the U.S., a 10% drop from 2023. Among the retiring models, the QX50 accounted for 10,722 units, while the QX55 managed only 3,721 units.

In contrast, the QX60 three-row SUV led Infiniti’s sales with 27,808 units. “[With the discontinuation of both models] You might lose some of the very deal-focused, lower-end [consumers], but that’s really not what we’re planning to do with Infiniti as a brand.”

With the discontinuation of the QX50 and QX55, Infiniti’s U.S. lineup will be reduced to the QX60, QX80, and the soon-to-arrive QX65. The QX50 and QX55 are manufactured alongside the Mercedes-Benz GLB at a shared facility in Mexico. With GLB production set to end in 2026, the plant’s future remains uncertain,

Despite its shrinking lineup, Infiniti is exploring new opportunities, including plans for two electric vehicles—which have faced repeated delays.

Infiniti’s pivot away from its most affordable options is a deliberate strategy to target higher-end consumers. The strategy is not without its risks—it's all well and good to target the higher end of the market, but that demands more than a price increase.

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