Rare & Performance Infinitis: Models, UK History & Buying Guides

Rare & Forgotten Cars

Rare & Performance Infinitis

The ambitious Japanese luxury cars that challenged Britain’s established premium marques with V6 power, hybrid technology and bold engineering.

Every model featured here was officially sold in the UK

Infiniti arrived in Britain in 2009 as Nissan’s premium marque, offering powerful rear-wheel-drive cars and unusually generous equipment. Its network remained small and European sales ended in 2020, leaving a fascinating group of scarce UK-market cars. This hub brings together detailed model histories, specifications, common faults and practical buying advice.

Infiniti model guides

Infiniti EX30d, later known as the QX50

Infiniti EX / QX50

The compact crossover that combined coupé-like styling, rear-biased all-wheel drive and a muscular 3.0-litre V6 diesel.

Read the EX / QX50 guide

Infiniti QX70, formerly sold as the FX

Infiniti FX / QX70

From the FX30d to the V8 FX50, Infiniti’s dramatic performance crossover mixed sports-car attitude with luxury-SUV practicality.

Read the FX / QX70 guide

Infiniti G37 Coupé

Infiniti G37 Coupé & Convertible

A muscular 3.7-litre V6 grand tourer, officially sold in Britain with rear-wheel drive, a rare manual option and distinctive folding-roof convertible.

Read the G37 guide

Infiniti M35h, later renamed Q70

Infiniti M / Q70

The M30d diesel and rapid M35h hybrid offered genuine executive-car luxury, advanced safety technology and striking rarity on British roads.

Read the M / Q70 guide

British-built Infiniti Q30 premium hatchback

Infiniti Q30

A short-lived premium hatchback built in Sunderland with distinctive Infiniti styling and Mercedes-derived engines and transmissions.

Read the Q30 guide

Infiniti Q50 sports saloon

Infiniti Q50 Hybrid & 3.0t

A technologically daring compact executive saloon with steer-by-wire, a 364PS hybrid and a rare 405bhp twin-turbo UK flagship.

Read the Q50 guide

Infiniti Q60 performance coupé

Infiniti Q60

A sculptural rear-wheel-drive coupé offered in Britain with 2.0-litre turbo and 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 power.

Read the Q60 guide

Infiniti QX30 compact crossover

Infiniti QX30

The raised, all-wheel-drive sister to the Q30, built in Sunderland and sold with 2.0-litre petrol or 2.2-litre diesel power.

Read the QX30 guide

Infiniti in Britain

Infiniti had existed in North America since 1989, but the official UK launch came two decades later. Its first British centre opened in Reading and was followed by a small number of purpose-built dealerships. Early cars included the G37, EX and FX, with the M executive saloon arriving soon afterwards.

The range stood apart from German rivals through naturally aspirated V6 and V8 engines, rear-wheel-drive platforms and conspicuous standard equipment. Later products introduced diesel engines for European buyers, the M35h performance hybrid and Direct Adaptive Steering on the Q50.

2009Official British sales began
2020New-car sales ended in Western Europe
Small networkOne reason UK survivors remain scarce

Infiniti announced a withdrawal from Western Europe as part of a global restructuring. That did not make existing cars unusable: servicing continued through appointed channels, while many mechanical parts share Nissan heritage. It did, however, make marque-specific trim, body panels and electronic modules more important considerations for buyers.

Buying and owning a used Infiniti in the UK

These cars can provide exceptional performance and equipment for the money, but the cheapest example is rarely the best one. A documented service history, correct premium tyres and a clean diagnostic scan are more valuable than a high specification alone.

  • Use a knowledgeable specialist: Nissan experience helps, but Infiniti-specific diagnostics and parts knowledge are especially valuable.
  • Test every electronic feature: cameras, adaptive cruise control, seat motors, infotainment and driver-assistance systems can be costly to rectify.
  • Inspect the underside: UK winter use can affect subframes, brake pipes and suspension hardware even when the visible bodywork looks excellent.
  • Check exact specification: imports exist and North American trim names do not always match official UK models.
  • Budget for performance-car consumables: large tyres, powerful brakes, V6 fuel use and road tax can outweigh the low purchase price.

Infiniti UK FAQs

Was Infiniti officially sold in the UK?

Yes. Infiniti launched an official British dealer network in 2009 and sold new cars here until the brand withdrew from Western Europe in 2020.

Can Infiniti cars still be serviced in Britain?

Yes. Routine servicing and many mechanical parts remain available, although marque-specific electronics, trim and body panels may take longer to source. A specialist is recommended.

Are UK Infiniti cars imports?

The models covered on this page were officially offered in Britain. Individual used examples may still be privately imported, so confirm the VIN, original documents and UK specification.

Which Infiniti is the best future classic?

The G37 Coupé, FX50, M35h and high-output Q50 3.0t all have strong rarity and engineering appeal. Condition, originality and history will matter more than the badge alone.

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