And I am not really talking about engine size or availability. I am asking more about the intangible stuff like road noise, interior parts and components, etc. Infiniti is marketed as a luxury brand so I'm wondering what makes it so over the Nissan? Like the Q50 vs. the Maxima.

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

Infinity has better suspensions, more sound deadening, typically more tech, is rear drive, etc.

 

 

Infinitis are still largely made in Japan.

 

Options on the Q50 for instance, you want something with 400hp, and can compete both visually and performance wise with European beasts, that "Red Sport" model is a force of nature. As also pointed out, a lot more RWD options then with Nissan...AWD in the sedans too...Nissan doesn't even offer AWD in any car.

 

The 2019 Nissan Altima will have AWD as an option.

 

Also 2019 Altima will offer the VC (Variable Compression) Motor first introduced in the 2019 QX50. It's a step in the right direction, but who wants a $45,000 Altima? The top tier Altima has never been good for Nissan...as it really costs more then it should.

 

Better warranty, better service experience than Nissan (which you pay more for at oil change time etc), tech wise Maxima Platinum offers some things not offered on the Q50 and it's interior is of nicer quality overall than the Q50.

 

Thanks for all the thoughts!

 

Honestly - from a current owner of two Nissans (Pathfinder and Maxima - both Platinum) - the short answer is "negligible." I will say that you can lease an Infiniti QX60 for less than a Nissan Pathfinder if you shop well enough.

We get great service from Nissan - two ground-up new dealerships and service centers - the service costs are manageable, and the features list is better than our two prior BMW 5-series ($70k) and numerous $40k-50k Acura MDX's. Oh, and Nissan doesn't nickel-and-dime $400 for Apple Carplay, $1000+ for radar cruise control, and $1500 for ventilated seats, like BMW and Mercedes do.

The only thing you lose is "brand cache" and materials (although my Maxima seats are a better leather than my BMW w/ Dakota). But my Nissan's haven't been keyed or otherwise scratched. And I haven't bent a single rim (thanks BMW).

I read a recent article on the Genesis G70 (I think) that lumped Lexus, Infiniti, and Acura into the "me too" consumer+ brands. So Infiniti isn't up to snuff of the Germans - there isn't a halo vehicle, and prior halos have failed to even make the market.

Lexus has cracked the upper-tier.

 

Nissan Maxima drivers are more intelligent, considerate and always hold the door for women...

 

 

who said I was joking? I met an Infiniti engineer at a BMW event a few years ago- my son works for BMW at the Jersey corporate offices- and the engineer's quote about Nissan V Infiniti was "we build Infiniti for douchebags"

 

lol..Thats Funny!

I have been struggling with the Q50.....I love the cars looks but went and drove one and compared it to my Altima.....The 50 came with Plastic seats, much smaller interior, tiny trunk....only 30 more HP.....does that make up for the 600+ extra lbs? I dont think so. I am not sure it is worth it....However, Used ones can be had at a bargain due to **** poor resale values.

 

Knowing a bunch of folks in both Nashville and Yokohama (I used to work for Hitachi), the person who said this is an imbecile.
Infiniti's are mostly re-skinned Nissans - the business case isn't strong enough to have a Lexus (or even Genesis in 5-10 years) type model line.
Infiniti never attained and sustained the success they hoped - now it's the Nissan Patrol (QX80), Nissan Pathfinder (QX60), Nissan Skyline (Q50), etc.
Even the names are stupid.
But I take offense if I can spend a couple dollars more (or even LESS) to get a nicer equipped QX60 over my Pathfinder when the lease comes due.
Who would be the douchebag if I defect to Volvo or GMC over some arrogant engineer?

 

Lets face it...the Infiniti line is much more pleasing to the eye.....d-bag or not...good looking vehicles

 

When this statement was made, virtually all of the Infiniti products were,as stated, re- skinned Nissans- the first gen Q being the exception. Infiniti was a marketing concept designed to compete with the fledging Lexus brand, and did not enjoy anywhere near the success of the upscale Toyota product line. They have since diversified and do have a more distinct brand awareness, but the earlier efforts were sadly lacking and reflect the original remark made by that engineer. Current Volvo product far exceeds anything offered by Infiniti, even with the Japanese relying on Mercedes for powertraIn and some technology.

 

 

I agree Fishlet. Beauty of course is in the eye of the beholder, but I totally prefer the Maxima's styling and looks -- both exterior and interior -- to anything Infiniti has to offer.

 

I am with you on the interior...! Max has it there.....especially the Seats!

 

Agree, even three years later the Maxima Platinum styling makes the Q series look downright dated