The Q50, Q60, and Q70 are all in dire need of generational evolution. But, don’t expect to see any of them until 2021 because Infiniti is still developing a new electrified platform with all-wheel drive that will take the reins from the aging FM rear-drive platform that’s currently underpinning all three models. Over the next three years, however, all three models will have to soldier on and hold the fort for Infiniti as it develops the next-generation platform that will underpin Infiniti’s models moving forward.

It’s a tough thing to ask models like the Q50, Q60, and Q70 to remain as they are for the next three years

It’s a tough thing to ask models like the Q50, Q60, and Q70 to remain as they are for the next three years. All three models have some years on their belts and the platform that currently underpins all three models actually debuted all the way back in 2001. In other words, it’s old and in desperate need of a next-gen version. The automaker is determined to have a replacement platform in the coming years, but it understands the importance of developing the next-generation platform properly given that all new products it plans to launch after 2021 will have some form of electrification included in them.

Infiniti’s Product Strategy Vice-President Francois Bancon told GoAuto that it’s important for Infiniti to have a new platform in place that will allow it to proceed with its electrification plans in the next decade. The problem is that developing that platform is going to take some time, and Infiniti isn’t about to take any shortcuts to make it available sooner. “We are going to have to shift because this platform is not an electrified platform,” Bancon said. “You need a battery, you need an electric motor, it’s a different package.”

As much as Infiniti wants to get its EV lineup launched ASAP, it’s not possible with the current platform because engineers will have to completely overhaul it, including changing the manufacturing system

That’s the most important priority for Infiniti because this new electrified platform is going to underpin a lot of models, including next-generation versions of its three sedan models. As much as Infiniti wants to get its EV lineup launched ASAP, it’s not possible with the current platform because engineers will have to completely overhaul it, including changing the manufacturing system. That’s easier said than done, so instead of taking that route, Infiniti is opting for the more conservative approach by taking its time in developing its next-gen platform and hope that its current lineup of sedans can hold the fort for the next three years.

It’s anyone’s guess if the Q50, Q60, and Q70 are all up to the massive task, but if they can pull it off, their next-gen versions should be leaps and bounds better and more evolved than their successors. On top of getting all-electric versions, the new platform is also going to make all-wheel drive a standard feature across the whole model lineup. That should satisfy the growing calls among Infiniti owners of the lack of an all-wheel-drive option on their cars. More importantly, it would set up a better future for most of the automaker’s models, including the three aforementioned sedans.

“All new products we do after 2021 is going to be electrified and it should be in sync with the new package or platform,” Bancon said. “We are going to have to shift because this platform is not an electrified platform. You need a battery, you need an electric motor, it’s a different package.”

References

Read our full review on the 2018 Infiniti Q50.

Read our full review on the 2017 Infiniti Q60.

Read our full review on the 2018 Infiniti Q70.

Read more Infiniti news.

Source: Go Auto