Infiniti Is Canceling the QX50 and QX55 As It Moves Upmarket
Like its parent company, Nissan, Infiniti hasn’t had the best time over the last few years. Sales tumbled in 2024, leading the automaker to eye aggressive measures to right the ship. Part of that plan includes discontinuing one of its best-selling models, as the popular QX50 and QX55 will soon be no more.
Infiniti told dealers that production of the two vehicles would end in December, but it noted that it would build enough inventory to supply retailers into the summer of 2026. Nissan wants to move the brand upmarket, with the automaker’s chef product planner telling Automotive News that, “If you go into a showroom and you have cars like the qX60, the QX80, the special versions we have planned – QX50 and QX55 start looking dated. So we have to make the tough call to focus on the new lineup and then talk about the new vehicles in the C and D segments in the next couple of years.”
Nissan’s product planner, Ponz Pandikuthira, believes that the brand can satisfy customer demand with its new QX60 three-row and upcoming QX65 two-row due in 2026. He said that dealers might see fewer entry-level luxury buyers as a result but made it clear that the brand is no longer aiming at the lower half of the market.
Dealers aren’t as confident in the plan, with one telling Automotive News that the move would help maintain sales volume but not increase it: “QX65 will help us keep the volume where it is, which isn’t anywhere near enough. We need a true car as an entry-level, something smaller off of the Nissan Rogue.”
[Images: Infiniti]
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Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
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I previously owned a G35 and G35. Great cars for the time but that was a decade ago. No Infiniti since then has registered in my consciousness. There is no chance that Infiniti can move upmarket against German, Korean, or even domestic competitors.
Hi I own a Q35x & a Q37x, both great cars. I am very disappointed when I want to buy a new Infiniti the 50, 55 or comparable won't be there to buy. The cars are comfortable, safe & very reliable. They are always serviced by the dealers for routine servicing. Nissan is making a grave mistake by selling out to another manufacturer. Infiniti is a great car at fair prices that needs to be promoted far better by Nissan's Sales Division. Don't give up!