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Available in the United States since November 1989, Infiniti - the luxury arm of the number three Japanese carmaker - came into being around the same time Lexus was taking the world by storm with its LS sedan; the first luxury car from Asia that could hold its head high among the usual European suspects.

Carlos Ghosn, the CEO of the Nissan-Renault alliance first announced several years ago that Infiniti will be a world wide up-market brand rather than being exclusive only to the American market.

The 2008 Geneva Motor Show signaled Infiniti's ambitions to be launched across Europe over the next two years. With careful upgrades to interior quality, additional engine options (Diesels in particular) and demanding Euro-driving dynamics, the products from Infiniti will cause headaches to European luxury marques. Well-appointed Infiniti dealerships (ala Lexus style) will pop up all over Europe in double quick time to facilitate sales and services.

Over the years, the Japanese carmakers have been paying more attention than ever to perceived quality and aesthetics as Europeans carmakers have. Already, there are talks that Lexus will become a worthy rival of Mercedes Benz while Infiniti looks set to wrestle for BMW's position as the sportiest luxury carmaker.

There are talks that Infiniti will arrive in Singapore as soon as 2010. We take a look at the Infiniti cars that are currently available in the United States and compare them with its chief competitor, Lexus.

Infiniti G35 (4-Door Compact Executive)
Launched: 2007
What is it?
A rear-wheel drive sedan based around Nissan's front mid-ship platform paired with the highly acclaimed 3.5 liter V-6 engine. Motoring journalists have been raving about the excellent driving abilities of the G35; some are even claiming that BMW's 3-series would need to worry about its status as the ultimate driving machine in the compact executive class.

Styling
Distinctively Japanese with clean zen-like lines that would appeal to young executives or the young at heart. Sporty squatted stance with nice proportions and details.

Lexus Rival: IS 250/IS 300

Infiniti G35: 4.5/5 stars
Lexus IS 250/300: 3.5/5 stars

Infiniti G37 (2-Door luxury Coupe)
Launched: 2007

What is it?
A 2-door coupe version of the G35 sedan. Very similar driving abilities but enhanced with a slightly larger engine with more accessible power and torque.

Styling
The G37 has a sleek coupe profile that is not too different from the Nissan 350Z (Nissan's Halo car) but with more practicality dialed in with room for 2 passengers at the back. A cabriolet version with a folding hard top is rumored to be available soon.

Lexus Rival: None

Infiniti M35/M45 (4-Door Executive)
Launched: 2007

What is it?
A mid-sized executive rear wheel drive sedan based on the same front mid-ship platform as the G35. Targeted at owners of BMW's 5-series and Mercedes Benz's E-Class. The M35 came in second among in an 8-executive car shoot-out done by Cars and Drivers, outpointing key rival, the Lexus GS300.

Styling
Carrying similar family styling cues but looks too similar to Nissan's cheaper offerings like the Nissan Cefiro and Nissan Altima.

Lexus Rival: GS300/GS450

Infiniti M35: 4/5 stars
Lexus GS300/450: 3/5 stars

Infiniti EX35 (Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle)
Launched: 2008

What is it?
Compact Crossover UV that competes with Audi's coming Q5 and Mercedes Benz's new GLK. An important model for Infiniti in European markets. Promises ride and handling not unlike the G35 with the looks of a SUV.

Styling
An attractive and adhesive design that screams Infiniti from every angle, however the existence of the Nissan Qashqai/Dualis does present a huge problem for the EX35. Too close in size and looks, hence a huge question in begging for the premium to be paid for the Infiniti EX35.

Lexus Rival: None

Infiniti FX50 (Coupe Crossover Utility Vehicle)
Launched: 2008

What is it?
A Californian interpretation of a coupe-like SUV. A potent mixture of bling and power. Even the Range Rover Sport which was launched after FX's arrival on the market looks dull and tame in comparison. Rides very hard as a result of the 21-inch alloy wheels, however, the new 5.0 V8 outguns all but supercars.

Styling
In its second incarnation, the FX range continues to be the darling of the Infiniti range. The wild FX has a coupe like profile armed with a very bold grille. It's monsterous looks are mostly retained in the new model with changes kept only to redesigned alloys and headlamps.

Lexus Rival: Lexus RX300/RX 400H

Infiniti FX50: 4.5/5 Stars
Lexus RX 400H: 3/5 Stars

Infiniti QX56 (Full Sized SUV)
Launched: 2006

What is it?
The QX56 is the only vehicle in the entire Infiniti range that is not based on Nissan's front mid-ship platform. Utilising the Nissan Titan's (a pick-up truck) mechanics, the QX56 is not exactly a car meant for attacking bends. Being the only Infiniti model built outside of Japan (Mississippi); the build quality of the QX56 is worryingly not on the same levels of the usual Infiniti products.

Styling
Attempts to imitate the Cadillac Escalade but lands up looking like a over-dressed truck. This monster sized vehicle which happens to the Infiniti's weakest model will not be sold outside of the US market.

Lexus Rival: Lexus LX 460

Infiniti QX56: 2/5 stars
Lexus LX460: 3.5/5 stars