This flagship luxury sedan debuted for the 1990 model year and became INFINITI’s first U.S.-market vehicle, arriving as the brand launched in 1989. It was positioned as a distinct alternative to the traditional luxury formula of the time, with clean, minimalist styling and a strong emphasis on driver-focused engineering rather than ornate trim. Early examples became known for their large V8 power, rear-wheel-drive layout, and available advanced chassis technology that helped establish the brand’s performance-oriented identity.
The nameplate went through several major eras during its life. The first generation defined the model’s original personality in the 1990s, combining full-size luxury with unusual restraint in its design. A redesign for the late 1990s moved the car in a more refined direction, and a later update broadened the model’s appeal with newer styling and more contemporary luxury features. Through these revisions, the car remained INFINITI’s top sedan and one of the brand’s most important early statements in the North American market.
The model remained on sale through the 2006 model year, after which INFINITI replaced its flagship role with newer sedan offerings. Among enthusiasts, the nameplate is remembered as the car that introduced INFINITI to the public and helped define the company’s early reputation for performance, innovation, and understated luxury.