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Monterey Debut: Infiniti Shows QX65 Monograph alongside Reimagined QX80
At Monterey Car Week’s highlight event, The Quail, Infiniti unveiled two memorable models: a redesigned QX80—now available in Track Spec and Terrain Spec forms—and the QX65 Monograph concept that teases the automaker’s next design chapter. The QX65 Monograph is presented as a two-row, midsize sportback SUV that draws on Infiniti’s past while pointing to a bolder future.
Design Language and Visual Highlights
Infiniti’s Artistry in Motion philosophy is unmistakable on the QX65 Monograph, but the concept adds several signature touches that give it unique presence. The fastback-style roofline and a series of strong horizontal surfaces create a sleek silhouette that reads both sporty and premium. Exterior detailing emphasizes drama: four 22-inch wheels with twisted spokes are pushed to the corners for a planted stance and finished in gloss black to contrast with the bodywork. The roof rails are also gloss black, harmonizing with the wheel treatment.
Color-Shifting Paint: Twilight
Perhaps the most attention-grabbing element is the color-shifting finish called Twilight. Evolved from the Akane hue introduced on the QX80 Monograph, Twilight is engineered to emulate “the red and gold hues of the moment when twilight fades into night.” At certain angles it reads as a reddish-purple, while shifting light reveals golden, shimmering tones. Bronze accents across the bodywork amplify the shifting effect and reinforce the premium presentation.
Signature Lighting and Grille Treatment
Infiniti reinterprets its bamboo-forest-inspired grille here with a more turbulent expression—designed to evoke the look of a grove in a storm—yet retains the brand’s signature piano-key digital lighting across its full width. At the rear, taillight graphics were influenced by jet aircraft tailfins, lending the sportback a high-tech, aerodynamic finish.
Specifications and Packaging
Official technical specifications remain limited for the QX65 Monograph concept. What we know: it’s positioned as a two-row, midsize sportback SUV with 22-inch wheels and a focus on dynamic proportions. Infiniti’s U.S. lineup currently includes the Q50, QX50, QX55, QX60 and QX80; the QX65—if produced—would become the sixth model in that family. Infiniti expects the production version to arrive around 2027, though that timeline could shift as engineering and market planning progress.
Performance and Powertrain Outlook
Infiniti has not released official details about the QX65 Monograph’s powertrain or performance figures. Given industry trends and Infiniti’s recent development direction, plausible options include turbocharged gasoline engines, hybrid or plug-in hybrid variants, and potentially a full-electric architecture for later model years. Infiniti has indicated it will share powertrain and interior details in the coming months, so enthusiasts should expect additional technical disclosures ahead of any production announcement.
Interior Expectations and Technology
While interior photos and specifics weren’t released with the concept, Infiniti typically highlights premium materials, driver-centric ergonomics, and advanced infotainment systems. Buyers can likely expect a luxury cabin with refined finishes, driver assistance technology, and connectivity features aligned with other vehicles in Infiniti’s range.
Market Positioning and Comparisons
The QX65 Monograph targets buyers who want the visual drama of a coupe-like sportback paired with SUV practicality. Competitors would likely include the BMW X4, Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, and Lexus RX crossover models with coupe-like profiles. Within Infiniti’s own lineup, the QX65 would slot near the QX55 (a coupe-inspired crossover) while offering a larger midsize package and a more pronounced fastback silhouette compared with the QX60 and QX80.
What the QX65 Monograph Means for Infiniti
The concept demonstrates Infiniti’s intent to blend heritage cues—such as the spirit of the early-2000s FX—with contemporary materials, lighting technology, and premium finishes. It’s a statement of design intent: bold colors, strong proportions, and technology-led lighting that helps the brand stand out in an increasingly competitive luxury SUV market. With production hinted for 2027, the QX65 Monograph sets expectations for a sportback that emphasizes style, driver engagement, and upscale appointments.
Infiniti’s next updates should reveal interior layouts, powertrain specifics, and detailed specs. Until then, the QX65 Monograph remains a compelling preview of the brand’s future design and a strong contender in the midsize sportback SUV segment.
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