The Japanese luxury brand just dropped three head-turning concept vehicles at one of the car world’s biggest events. The QX65 Monograph and two souped-up QX80 variants prove Infiniti isn’t playing it safe anymore.
- QX65 Monograph previews a sleek coupe-SUV that could hit dealers by 2027
- Track Spec and Terrain Spec QX80s show off performance and adventure sides
- Design boss Alfonso Albaisa walked media through the brand’s bold new direction
Finally, a Coupe SUV from Infiniti
Walk around any luxury car lot these days and you’ll see coupe-style SUVs everywhere. BMW has the X6, Audi sells the Q8, and even Genesis jumped in with the GV80 Coupe. Infiniti has been watching from the sidelines for way too long.
The QX65 Monograph changes that story. This concept gives us our first real look at what will become Infiniti’s entry into the coupe-SUV game. Think of it as the QX60’s cooler, more athletic sibling.
What grabbed my attention immediately were those headlights. Infiniti calls them “piano-key” lights, and they really do look like illuminated keys stretching across the front end. The grille has this geometric pattern that almost looks woven, with the Infiniti logo glowing right in the center. It’s the kind of detail that makes you want to get closer for a better look.
The body flows beautifully from those sharp front lines into smooth, sweeping curves along the sides. You can see Infiniti’s design team worked hard to make this thing look fast even when it’s parked. The proportions work really well too – long hood, short overhangs, and a roofline that drops just enough to look sporty without killing rear headroom.
Power and Performance Get Priority
Under the QX65’s skin, expect the same 268-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder that powers the regular QX60. That’s paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Sure, it won’t blow your doors off, but it should deliver smooth, refined power that fits the luxury vibe.
The real excitement comes with the QX80 Track Spec. This concept takes the full-size SUV and gives it the performance treatment. We’re talking about a power bump from 450 to 460 horsepower, following the same formula as the Nissan Armada NISMO.
More interesting are the handling tweaks. The Track Spec gets retuned steering and revised air suspension settings that prioritize sharp handling over marshmallow comfort. That front splitter isn’t just for show either – it hints at real aerodynamic work that could actually help at highway speeds.
Adventure Calls with the Terrain Spec
On the other end of the spectrum sits the QX80 Terrain Spec. This concept targets buyers who want their luxury SUV to handle weekend camping trips and boat launches without breaking a sweat.
The visual changes tell the whole story. Higher ground clearance, wider fender flares, chunky all-terrain tires, and a roof rack with integrated light bar. There are even tie-down points on the fenders for hauling gear. It’s like someone took a standard QX80 and said “what if this thing could actually go places?”
This concept borrows heavily from the Nissan Armada Pro-4X playbook, which means genuine off-road capability rather than just looking the part. For luxury buyers who actually use their SUVs for adventure, this could be perfect.
The Design Story Behind the Metal
Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti’s design chief, walked media through these concepts at The Quail event. Listening to him talk about the design process made it clear these aren’t just styling exercises – they represent a real shift in how Infiniti thinks about its future.
Albaisa has been pushing what Infiniti calls “Artistry in Motion” for years now. These concepts show how that philosophy translates into actual vehicles you might want to buy. The QX65 especially demonstrates how the brand can take their signature flowing shapes and sharp angles and push them into more sophisticated territory.
The timing makes sense too. Infiniti has been struggling to stand out in a crowded luxury market. These concepts suggest they’re ready to take bigger risks and embrace what makes them different from the German competition.
When You Can Actually Buy These
Here’s the timeline that matters. The QX65 Monograph is basically a production preview, just like the QX Monograph was for the current QX80. That concept ended up looking almost identical to the final production vehicle, so don’t expect major changes.
Infiniti says the production QX65 should arrive sometime between 2026 and 2027. That gives them time to fine-tune the design and maybe address some of the packaging challenges that come with chopping the roof on a family SUV.
The two QX80 variants are still officially “design exercises,” which is automaker speak for “we’re testing the waters.” But given how well performance SUVs sell these days, I’d bet at least one makes it to production within a few years.
A Brand Finding Its Voice Again
What impressed me most about these concepts was the confidence they display. Infiniti isn’t trying to copy what BMW or Mercedes does – they’re doubling down on their own design language and taking it in new directions.
The QX65 fills an obvious gap in their lineup. Coupe SUVs are huge sellers in the luxury market, and Infiniti has been missing out on those profits for years. The QX80 variants show they’re thinking beyond just adding models – they want to give people reasons to choose Infiniti over more established brands.
These reveals also demonstrate that Infiniti understands modern luxury buyers want options. Some want track-ready performance, others want genuine off-road capability, and many just want something that looks different from every other luxury SUV on the road.
The Road Ahead
Infiniti’s Monterey Car Week showing proves the brand isn’t content to fade into the background anymore. The QX65 gives them a real competitor to German coupe SUVs, while the QX80 concepts explore how far they can stretch their flagship in different directions.
Whether these concepts translate into sales success remains to be seen. But they definitely succeed in making Infiniti relevant again in conversations about luxury SUV design and capability. For a brand that’s been flying under the radar, that’s exactly what they needed.
The car world moves fast these days, and brands that don’t evolve get left behind. Based on what Infiniti showed at Monterey, they’re not planning to go quietly into the night. These concepts suggest a brand that’s ready to fight for its place in the luxury market again.
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