Does The Infiniti Q50 Need More Than A Name Change To Elevate It To Top Tier?

With the launch of its new Q50 sedan, Infiniti is steering a new course as it tries to navigate out of the second-tier of luxury brands and take on better-known high-line marques like Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus.

The Q50 replaces the old Infiniti G series and initiates an all-new alphanumeric naming strategy. It also introduces the world’s first steer-by-wire technology, among a variety of other high-tech features being added to the new sedan.

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genesee - 8/5/2013 12:26:28 PM

+1 Boost

not even close. fail

cidflekken - 8/5/2013 1:34:39 PM

+4 Boost

I think the Q50 will be a very solid product for Infiniti. The brand's issues in getting to the next level extend beyond this new car.

Infiniti certainly offers the "right" products: good designs, RWD/AWD, good performance. All this begs the following questions:
- Are their designs a bit too polarizing? It's good to be different, but when different is off-putting, that could be detrimental. Just ask Acura and its plenum grille. Infiniti's most successful model, by far, was their most conservative design (the G).
- How beneficial would it be to create an Infiniti version of the GT-R? Maybe a high-performance sedan version with more luxury, to distinguish it from the Nissan offering
- How beneficial would it be to invest in a true flagship sedan?
- Is "Infiniti" distinguished enough from "Nissan"? The Infiniti dealership where I live is connected to the Nissan dealership. So, along with the M, JX, and QX, there are Jukes, Cubes, and Sentras. And on that same street, there is Toyota, Honda, Chrysler/Dodge, and Chevy (there is also Cadillac). About a mile away, Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, Acura, Audi, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Land Rover, and now Lexus are in one general area, within walking distance of each other.

knowitall1985 - 8/5/2013 3:01:37 PM

0 Boost

They simply don't have, or can't risk the amount of money it would take to compete with the big 3........

TheSteve - 8/5/2013 8:52:32 PM

+2 Boost

I can't get past the Hyundai-esque styling :-(

iamdabest1 - 8/5/2013 10:37:03 PM

+1 Boost

if it was only the q50 getting a new name it would be news. the fact that it is the entire lineup just makes it lose any excitement about some ridiculous name change.

stargate10 - 8/6/2013 12:16:07 AM

+1 Boost

Infiniti needs to hire a new exterior designer ASAP. They will die soon if the current design is not tatally scrapped.

Lexus - 8/6/2013 1:35:38 AM

+4 Boost

I think this Infiniti Q50 is a very good looking car both in the interior and exterior department. I have not driven it yet so I cannot make judgement myself. I am pretty sure Infiniti will sell ton of this to their current loyal fan base and even maybe get some new one as well.

If someone want to buy a BMW, Audi or MB they will get those car and won't get an Infiniti via verse. I cannot wait to see the new Q60 coupe or G37 coupe replacement. Hopefully it will bring some of the Sexy and Classy design of the original G35 coupe back.

DieselRules - 10/10/2013 11:21:02 PM

+1 Boost

"Your EX-35 model is not selling enough!"
"But sir, with a re-design I can make it competitive. The X3/X5 was our target before, but now Audi's Q5 is eating our lunch!"
"You can't redesign it! We don't have the money."
"So ... what can we do?"
"Hmmmm ... let's call it the Q5 something"
"Great idea sir! I'll get right on it."