Infiniti is late to the game on electric vehicles, but the automaker hopes its first showing will be a spectacular one. Previewed here by the lovely Vision Qe concept that debuts this week at Japan Mobility, Infiniti says its first EV will be a “sleek” electric sedan that, hopefully, retains a lot of the visual cues you see on this concept.
The big note here is that the Vision Qe introduces an updated version of Infiniti’s “Artistry in Motion” design language with the automaker’s signature single fluid motion feature – the line that runs from the hood, over the fenders, and onto the rear. The Infiniti “double arch” grille motif carries over too, but designers ditched the traditional grille insert in place of unique lighting elements that span the width of the front bumper.
Ultra-slim, hook-like headlights extend onto the front fenders as part of what Infiniti dubs the “digital piano key” design. The massive lower chin on the front bumper is aggressive and uses LEDs to outline its angular shape – even the Infiniti logo on the hood is illuminated.
Details on the important stuff, like horsepower, battery capacity, and range, are nonexistent. But Infiniti promises this will be a “performance” vehicle with an “engaging all-electric drive.” These days, the most powerful and engaging cars in the Infiniti lineup are the Q50 and Q60 Red Sport models, which have 400 horsepower. So there’s certainly room for improvement.
The Vision Qe will be the first production EV for Infiniti, but it’s unclear exactly when the company plans to debut it. An electric SUV will follow the sedan, and two other gas models will join the Infiniti range beginning next year.
A new Infiniti QX80 will debut in 2024, inspired by the QX Monograph concept from earlier this year. A new Infiniti QX65 crossover coupe will also join the lineup in 2024, based on the current QX60, but with styling akin to the QX55.
