2027 Infiniti QX65 First Drive: A Bold Return to Form for Infiniti's Sporty Crossover

# 2027 Infiniti QX65 First Drive: FXing the Problems **AutoTickers.com** | Luxury Crossover Review Infiniti has long struggled to find its footing in the highly competitive luxury crossover segment. The original FX series had a devoted following thanks to its bold, coupe-like silhouette and sporty driving feel — but over the years, the nameplate lost its edge as competitors sharpened theirs. With the all-new 2027 Infiniti QX65, the Japanese luxury brand is making a confident and well-executed attempt to reclaim the spotlight. ## What Is the 2027 Infiniti QX65? The QX65 is Infiniti's sporty, fastback-style five-door crossover — the spiritual successor to the beloved FX35 and FX50, which were later rebranded as the QX70. After a prolonged absence from the market, the QX65 arrives as a thoroughly modernized vehicle built to take on rivals like the BMW X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, and Porsche Cayenne Coupe. It sits on an updated platform shared with the Nissan and Infiniti family, but engineered specifically to deliver the kind of dynamic, driver-focused experience that made the original FX legendary among enthusiasts. ## Design: Bolder and More Purposeful The most immediate impression of the 2027 QX65 is its striking visual presence. Infiniti's designers have pushed the envelope with a dramatically sloped roofline that flows into a short, muscular rear end. The double-arch grille — a hallmark of the brand — has been reimagined with a wider, more aggressive stance, flanked by sharp LED headlights that give the front fascia a predatory look. The side profile is where the QX65 truly shines. The flowing lines and sculpted body panels create a sense of motion even when standing still. Twenty-inch alloy wheels fill the arches confidently, while the available two-tone paint options add a premium flair that rivals costing significantly more would envy. At the rear, sleek LED taillights stretch across the full width of the vehicle, connected by a light bar that gives the QX65 a distinctly modern and upmarket appearance. The dual exhaust tips and diffuser-style rear bumper hint at the performance character within. ## Interior: Where Infiniti Finally Gets It Right One of the most consistent criticisms of recent Infiniti models has been the interior — technology that felt dated, materials that didn't quite match the price tag, and ergonomics that left something to be desired. The 2027 QX65 addresses these complaints head-on. Step inside and you're greeted by a cabin that feels genuinely premium. Soft Nappa leather wraps the seats, door panels, and dashboard, while genuine open-pore wood trim and brushed aluminum accents add tactile sophistication. The front seats are spacious, supportive, and available with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The centerpiece of the dashboard is a new 12.3-inch curved infotainment display paired with a separate 10.8-inch digital instrument cluster. The system runs on Infiniti's latest software platform, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates, and a crisp, responsive interface that finally feels on par with German competitors. Rear-seat passengers, however, will want to be aware of the compromises that come with the coupe-like roofline. Headroom in the rear is noticeably reduced compared to a traditional SUV, and those over six feet tall may find longer journeys uncomfortable. That said, legroom is generous, and the panoramic sunroof helps the rear cabin feel less claustrophobic. Cargo space stands at a competitive 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 56.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded — respectable numbers for a vehicle of this style. ## Powertrain: Two Engines, Both Impressive The 2027 QX65 is offered with two powertrain choices, both designed to balance performance with efficiency. The standard engine is a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 300 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission and Infiniti's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, this engine propels the QX65 from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.8 seconds — a strong number for a vehicle of this size and weight. For those wanting more, the available performance upgrade package includes a retuned version of the same engine pushing out 400 horsepower, along with sport-tuned suspension, larger Brembo brake calipers, and a sport exhaust system that delivers a deeply satisfying soundtrack under hard acceleration. Fuel economy for the base engine is estimated at around 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway — reasonable for a vehicle in this segment. ## Driving Experience: Back to Its Roots This is where the 2027 QX65 makes its strongest case. On the road, the QX65 feels alive in a way that many of its luxury crossover rivals simply do not. The steering is well-weighted and communicative, the chassis is taut without being harsh, and the powertrain delivers its performance with confidence and smoothness. Infiniti's engineers have clearly prioritized the driving experience here, and it shows. Body roll is well-controlled, transitions are crisp, and the QX65 attacks corners with genuine enthusiasm. The available adaptive suspension does an admirable job of switching between a comfortable boulevard cruiser and a genuinely engaging sport mode at the push of a button. On the highway, the QX65 settles into a refined, quiet long-distance cruiser. Wind and road noise are impressively suppressed, and the ride quality over imperfect surfaces is smooth enough to keep occupants comfortable on extended journeys — an improvement over some of the harsher rides offered by German competitors. For Azerbaijani drivers navigating Baku's mix of smooth highways and occasionally rougher urban roads, the QX65's balance of comfort and dynamic ability makes it a particularly compelling choice. ## Technology and Safety The 2027 QX65 comes well-equipped with Infiniti's ProAssist suite of driver assistance technologies. Standard features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane centering assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trim levels add a surround-view camera system, a head-up display, and Infiniti's ProActive AI driver assistance system, which uses predictive algorithms to anticipate and respond to potential hazards before they become dangerous. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen supports wireless charging, and the available 17-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system delivers concert-hall sound quality that will impress even the most discerning audiophiles. ## Trim Levels and Pricing The 2027 Infiniti QX65 is expected to be offered in three trim levels: Pure, Luxe, and Sport. While official pricing for markets like Azerbaijan has yet to be confirmed, in the United States the QX65 is expected to start around $55,000 for the base Pure trim, with the fully loaded Sport variant likely exceeding $75,000. For Azerbaijani consumers considering the QX65, it's worth noting that import duties and local taxes will affect final pricing. Prospective buyers are encouraged to contact authorized Infiniti dealers or importers in Baku for the most accurate local pricing information. ## Verdict: Is the 2027 Infiniti QX65 Worth It? After spending time behind the wheel, the answer is a confident yes — with some caveats. The 2027 QX65 is the most complete and compelling Infiniti in years. It fixes the most significant complaints about the brand's recent lineup: the interior is now genuinely premium, the technology is competitive, and the driving experience is exactly what Infiniti's heritage demands. The compromises — rear headroom, a slightly firm ride in Sport mode, and pricing that puts it squarely against very strong German rivals — are real but manageable. For buyers who want a sporty, stylish, and driver-focused luxury crossover that stands out from the sea of BMW X5s and Mercedes GLE SUVs, the QX65 is a genuinely exciting proposition. For Azerbaijani car enthusiasts and luxury SUV buyers who value individuality, performance, and refinement in equal measure, the 2027 Infiniti QX65 deserves serious consideration. --- *Article prepared by AutoTickers.com editorial team based on international first-drive reports and manufacturer specifications.*