Photo: Infiniti
The Infiniti formerly known as FX is now sold as the QX70, as part of the Japanese luxury automaker's new naming scheme. Looking pretty much the same as last year's model, the BMW X5 rival has just received 2015 model year pricing for the US.
In the official statement, Infiniti says "the QX70 is offered in two models – QX70 3.7 and QX70 3.7 AWD." Now that's all fine and dandy, but where does that leave the big V8? Well, it seems it's gone for good, at least until the next generation arrives with some better tech.
Only the 3.7-liter V6 can be had with the SUV, and while it does sound good, we can't help but feel V8 customers are being left out. In addition, pricing is not what you'd expect for an aging SUV model.
The rear-wheel drive QX70 stickers for $45,850, while ordering all-wheel drive means you'll have to pay $47,300. BMW's brand new X5 costs $52,800 when equipped with a 300 horsepower turbo-6 and rear wheel drive, while the xDrive model is $55,100.
But the real blow to Infiniti's 2015MY sales is the Mercedes-Benz M-Class. The German SUV retails from just $47,790. Its 3.5-liter V6 might not be turbocharged, like the BMW's but all-wheel drive is offered as standard, plus there's the badge to consider.
Last month, Infiniti has only managed to shift 369 QX70 SUVs in America, 33% less than in April 2013. For the year to date, sales are down 18% to 2,200. Despite this, overall brand results were up by 15% due to the new Q50 sedan and the QX60 7-seat crossover that's based on the Nissan Pathfinder. Both these models recored sold growth and each sold about five times better than the QX70 did.
This just goes to show badge snobbery is not Nissan's biggest problem right now. With the right product tailored to a specific niche, Infiniti can do quite well.
Only the 3.7-liter V6 can be had with the SUV, and while it does sound good, we can't help but feel V8 customers are being left out. In addition, pricing is not what you'd expect for an aging SUV model.
The rear-wheel drive QX70 stickers for $45,850, while ordering all-wheel drive means you'll have to pay $47,300. BMW's brand new X5 costs $52,800 when equipped with a 300 horsepower turbo-6 and rear wheel drive, while the xDrive model is $55,100.
But the real blow to Infiniti's 2015MY sales is the Mercedes-Benz M-Class. The German SUV retails from just $47,790. Its 3.5-liter V6 might not be turbocharged, like the BMW's but all-wheel drive is offered as standard, plus there's the badge to consider.
Last month, Infiniti has only managed to shift 369 QX70 SUVs in America, 33% less than in April 2013. For the year to date, sales are down 18% to 2,200. Despite this, overall brand results were up by 15% due to the new Q50 sedan and the QX60 7-seat crossover that's based on the Nissan Pathfinder. Both these models recored sold growth and each sold about five times better than the QX70 did.
This just goes to show badge snobbery is not Nissan's biggest problem right now. With the right product tailored to a specific niche, Infiniti can do quite well.
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