The current Infiniti lineup is shrinking fast, only offering the QX50 and QX55, the QX60, and the biggest QX80 SUVs, and it will lose the two smaller models that are built in Mexico by the end of this year. So what is the company planning to do to refill its lineup and keep sales up? Stealing Nissan’s top-selling SUV is one solution, and with this likely to be made in America soon, it’s the ideal place for Infiniti to expand.
- Base Trim Engine
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1.5-liter 3-cylinder
- Base Trim Transmission
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CVT
- Base Trim Horsepower
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201 hp
The Dealers Want More
According to Automotive News, an April 30 dealer meeting discussed the possibility of the new SUV, which is internally coded as the i33C. At the dealer meeting, Nissan Americas manufacturing boss David Johnson was doing the talking, suggesting the new i33C could be assembled in the US for that market. It was reported that discussions of this new model have been ongoing for five years or more, with concern that a compact Infiniti SUV would eat into sales of the top Platinum trim Rogue, which sells well.
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“We are giving strong consideration to a new, electrified compact SUV for Infiniti as we look to expand the brand‘s lineup,” Nissan spokesperson Brian Brockman told Automotive News in a statement. “We are fully committed to building a stronger, more competitive Infiniti business, driving sustained growth and ensuring success in the marketplace.”
A Plug-In Hybrid Seems Likely To Join The Party
AutoNews reports this new, electrified compact SUV is planned to be built on a shared platform with the next-gen Nissan Rogue compact SUV, which is getting an updated version of the Japanese automaker’s e-Power hybrid powertrain technology. The report claims Infiniti is also considering a plug-in hybrid option with a bigger battery, as well.
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The current generation of Nissan’s e-Power hybrid tech features a 1.2-liter gas engine that works as a generator to charge a small 1.8 kWh battery pack, which then energizes electric motors that power the wheels; the gas engine is not directly connected to the axles, it just juices a small battery for essentially an BEV driving experience. There hasn’t been an e-Power model sold in the US yet, but Nissan and Infiniti seem to have prepped the third generation of the tech for more markets, including the States.
A Game Changer For Infiniti
If Infiniti goes through with it, it could be a game-changer for the brand. Most luxury automakers offer smaller, compact models as a means of offering lower prices and to get more customers in the dealership. If they buy the most affordable, smallest model first, they’re more likely to go back to Infiniti when they need an upgrade by building customer loyalty early. Mercedes offers the GLA, BMW offers the X1 and X2, Audi offers the Q3, and even Lexus offers the UX and NX.
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The next-gen Nissan Rogue with e-Power is anticipated to go on sale in the U.S. in early 2027, and this new Infiniti model based on that would come a little later, but likely in the same year.AutoNewsreports Infinti would target selling around 50,000 units per year, and will do more to differentiate its luxurious models from the Nissan vehicles they are based on. Expect a price premium of around $10,000 over the Rogue. Infiniti will first introduce a two-row mid-size SUV next year.
Source: Automotive News
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