What is the relationship between Infiniti and Nissan?
3 Answers
Infiniti is a sub-brand of Nissan and also a high-end luxury brand. Infiniti offers a range of luxury SUVs and sedans, and some Infiniti models have been locally produced in China, including the Q50 and QX50. The QX50 is a mid-size luxury SUV with a wheelbase of 2798 mm, and its length, width, and height are 4705 mm, 1903 mm, and 1681 mm respectively. The QX50 is equipped with two types of engines: a low-power version 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and a high-power version 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The front suspension of the Infiniti QX50 uses a MacPherson independent suspension, while the rear suspension employs a multi-link independent suspension.
As an ordinary person who frequently follows automotive news, I have a good understanding of the relationship between Infiniti and Nissan. Simply put, Infiniti is Nissan's premium brand, just like Lexus is to Toyota or Acura is to Honda. When Nissan established Infiniti in 1989, it was to compete with European and American luxury brands, especially in the North American market. Platform sharing is their strength—for example, the Infiniti Q50 shares a similar chassis with the Nissan Altima, but with a more sporty and luxurious tuning, making it feel different to drive. Maintenance costs are relatively low, with good parts commonality, saving money on repairs. I've also noticed their flexibility in global resource sharing—Nissan's strong manufacturing and R&D support Infiniti, while the latter features more stylish and aggressive designs. There have been discussions about mergers in history, but they remain independently operated. Now, in the electric era, a more integrated strategy might be adopted.
I've driven Japanese cars for several years and found that the connection between Infiniti and Nissan is actually very close. Simply put: Infiniti is Nissan's premium sub-brand, sharing a lot of technology since its launch in 1989, such as engines and transmissions that use similar designs to Nissan's but are finely tuned. For example, the V6 engine in the Infiniti QX60 is from the same engine family as the Nissan Pathfinder, with improved performance but the same foundation, making parts easier to find and repairs more affordable. Nissan focuses on mass-market models, while Infiniti targets the premium segment, with slightly higher prices but better reliability, and their brand networks complement each other to cover different customer groups. The driving experience clearly differs, with one being comfortable for family use and the other offering a sporty and luxurious drive.
