Infiniti’s SUV Future

Infiniti’s Path Forward

So, the luxury car market is pretty crowded these days, but automakers like Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes seem to have found their groove with a plethora of SUV options. Lexus has seven SUVs on offer, BMW boasts nine, and Mercedes? They’ve got a hefty lineup of 13 models, even throwing in some ultra-luxe Maybachs to the mix.

Now, Infiniti, Nissan’s high-end brand, has had a bit of a different journey. They’ve transitioned into an all-SUV brand, with current offerings like the QX50, QX55, QX60, and the hefty QX80. But, they’re letting go of the QX50 and QX55 by the end of the year, leaving just two models. But don’t count them out just yet – there’s chatter about a new model coming down the line.

Enter the i33C

According to Automotive News, Nissan’s got a new trick up its sleeve with a compact crossover tentatively named the i33C, slated for a possible 2027 release under the Infiniti brand. Rumors suggest it might share a platform with the Nissan Rogue, but with more bells and whistles. Think advanced tech, snazzier interiors, and maybe an electrified hybrid setup thanks to Nissan’s in-house e-Power series hybrid technology.

Nissan’s reps have noted that they’re seriously considering a “new, electrified compact SUV for Infiniti” as they try to beef up the brand’s portfolio. It’s all about moving towards a stronger market presence and getting competitive.

Dealers Sound Off

This news couldn’t come at a better time for Infiniti dealers watching the lineup shrink. By December, Infiniti’s down to just the QX60 and QX80. The dealers’ advisory board has been quite vocal, urging Nissan to expand the list by any means necessary, even if it means sharing platforms with Nissan models, which has been a thing in the past.

Looking Ahead

The future i33C, if it sees the light of day, will likely be assembled at Nissan’s plant in Smyrna, Tennessee. Given the Trump Administration’s tariff impacts, local production seems to be a strategic move. This wouldn’t be Infiniti’s first rodeo with platform sharing – the QX4 was basically a dressed-up Nissan Pathfinder, for instance.

But all the history aside, an Infiniti SUV sized similarly to a Nissan Rogue could potentially hit a sweet spot in the market, especially if priced right. It may not shake the earth, but it just might pique enough interest to lure more buyers into Infiniti dealerships.