Infiniti QX55 made its dramatic debut as the newest face in the automaker’s compelling and capable cast. The QX55 takes the award-winning and innovative Variable Compression Turbo powertrain and launches into an exclusive design direction for luxury SUV buyers. The Infiniti QX55’s racy roofline and silhouette draw deeply from the automaker’s heritage with the Infiniti FX, which was also a design-focused SUV that attracted buyers who wanted expressive vehicles that didn’t sacrifice luxury for looks. The QX55 follows that same spirit, updated for a new generation of discerning, tech-savvy buyers. The new Infiniti QX55 pairs unapologetic style with inspired dynamics, a spacious, decadent cabin, and connectivity for owners. Infiniti’s new star performer will be offered to customers in the U.S., Canada, the Middle East, Russia and select markets in Asia. For customers in the U.S. and Canada, the QX55 is equipped with Infiniti’s Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive system as standard on all grades, wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility, dual touch screens for infotainment and vehicle controls and sliding second-row seats.
The looks and feel of the QX55 are what stand out, from nose to tail. Infiniti designed an SUV for buyers with discerning tastes; this doesn’t sacrifice substance in the name of style. The Infiniti QX55 is a provocative presence for not only drivers but also Infiniti: it’s yet another statement-maker for the brand and complements the range of dramatic vehicles in the automaker’s lineup. With the growing appeal of design-focused SUVs like the QX55, Infiniti is in the driver’s seat with new luxury-car buyers. At its heart, the Infiniti QX55 is a rolling showcase of Infiniti’s bold design and its desire to offer brave, unconventional vehicles. The QX55’s unapologetic shape and decadent interior are rivaled only by its immersive cockpit that coddles passengers and engages drivers. Globally, the all-new QX55 will be offered in up to three comprehensively specified grade levels, LUXE, ESSENTIAL, and SENSORY, and will arrive at dealerships in the lead markets, the U.S. and Canada, beginning in spring 2021 with other major markets to follow.
The Infiniti QX55’s story begins with design. The all-new QX55 SUV connects the brand to its heritage with a modern interpretation of the stunning silhouette created by the Infiniti FX, first on sale in 2003. The QX55 is the latest in a line of Infiniti vehicles that have pushed the envelope of design among Japanese luxury automakers. Its roofline recalls a familiar shape, but its origami-inspired mesh grille design looks ahead to the future. At the front, the Infiniti QX55’s double-arch grille is prominent and unique and announces the vehicle’s arrival. Its depth of geometric inner mesh was inspired by the folds of Japanese origami – where a 2D material is folded to create depth – and asserts the vehicle’s confident and provocative look. The pronounced grille is flanked by Infiniti’s signature human-eye headlights that are as intense as they are alluring. The unique shape mimics an eyebrow, and standard LED headlights on the QX55 project greater detail with its brilliant light, compared to halogen or xenon headlights.
Under the skin of every Infiniti QX55 is an award-winning powertrain designed to deliver precise control and response without sacrificing efficiency or capability. The groundbreaking and world’s first mass-production variable-compression 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine powers the QX55 and produces a competitive 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque thanks to its innovative design. The VC-Turbo engine consistently varies its compression ratio between 14:1 and 8:1 to deliver high-efficiency driving or confident power low in the rev range, depending on need. The key is a patented multi-link system that can imperceptibly raise or lower the pistons’ stroke during operation to suit nearly any driving situation. A turbocharger produces better fuel economy and better response compared to a naturally aspirated engine. Paired to the VC-Turbo engine is a seamless Continuously Variable Transmission that features “shift-by-wire” technology, eschewing the requirement for a mechanical transmission linkage and ensuring driver inputs are transferred almost instantaneously when shifting in manual mode.
In conjunction with paddle shifters and Infiniti’s Drive Mode Selector, the driver is empowered with multiple drive modes to change the driveline’s character, including shift points, steering force, and engine mapping. Standard, ECO, Sport, and Personal modes offer control and personalization depending on circumstances. The engine and transmission shift power to all four wheels via Infiniti’s Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive system, standard on all QX55 models in the U.S. and Canada. The Intelligent AWD system provides peace of mind for all-weather driving and maximum traction when the road gets interesting. At takeoff, the system doles power to the front and rear axles in a 50:50 split for maximum performance. The Infiniti QX55 filters out road imperfections with a four-wheel independent suspension that uses MacPherson struts up front and a rear multi-link setup. Infiniti’s Body Motion Control offers precise handling during high-speed cornering to instill confidence in the driver but quells uneven road surfaces during long journeys to comfort passengers.
