Infiniti adds new model QX65, a fastback-shaped mid-size SUV

LOS ANGELES -- A new model from Infiniti aims to bolster the brand's lineup, which did need some bolstering.

"One more SUV, but it's a very special SUV, so we're excited," said Infiniti spokesperson Jannelle Grigsby.

Up until the arrival of the new QX65, there had been just two others in Infiniti showrooms. The large QX80, and the mid-size QX60. This latest entry cuts a different silhouette.

"It's a fastback, and it's a two-row SUV, versus a three-row SUV. The QX60 offers a little more room, but this offers a lot of trunk space for those who don't need the people space," said Grigsby, noting the big difference between the three-row QX60 and the two-row QX65.

Luxury abounds, especially in the top Autograph trim, with lots of isolation from traffic noise. Then add the speaker-filled, high-power Klipsch audio system for an immersive sound experience.

Of course, styling counts as well with premium vehicles. Infiniti officially calls the QX65 a fastback, and it's a shape that you might be familiar with these days in the SUV space. Many brands that offer upscale SUVs have models with similar silhouettes.

Mercedes-Benz calls theirs "coupes." BMW labels their slope-back SUV models the same way. Though Audi uses the term Sportback for theirs. Genesis? They go with coupe as well for their new GV80 variant. So it looks like Infiniti might be jumping on a styling band wagon. Not really, as they did that shape 20-plus years ago.

"Our fastback history goes way back to the 2000s with the FX. There's a homage to that in the back. You can see it in the roofline, you can see it in the back end," noted Grigsby.

The Infiniti FX model may have been ahead of its time, but today its shape is somewhat mimicked in the rear three-quarter view of the QX65. And that shape is really highlighted in a new color called Sunfire Red; there are real gold flecks within the paint. Something to stand out in a sea of new cars often only seen in black, white, and shades of gray.

Infiniti really needs the QX65, getting back to its own roots a bit to roll in a new offering. And overall, catching up, with more new product coming. This premium brand will soon be on more equal footing in more of the segments its competition plays in.