When Infiniti re-did its naming system starting with the 2014 model year, it may have fooled some into thinking that the QX50 and QX70 crossovers were all-new models.
But the truth is that Infiniti’s small and mid-size SUVs were dated then, and they’re just plain old now. The QX50 (previously called EX) at least got an update for 2016, but the QX70 (previously FX) hasn’t been changed since the second generation’s debut back in 2008.
So it comes as no surprise to see an Infiniti QX Sport Inspiration concept making its debut at the Beijing auto show. As with the concept versions of the QX30 crossover and the Q60 coupe, Infiniti promises that this QX concept is a close preview of the production QX, which should arrive within the next year.
But which model will it replace? Based on the concept’s dimensions, we’re not exactly sure. The QX Sport Inspiration is not only 10.2 inches shorter overall than the current QX70, it’s also even smaller than the current QX50. That suggests that it won’t be a direct FX replacement; instead, it seems likely to slot in between the new compact QX30 and the three-row QX60. We won’t even hazard a guess for what digits it might wear in production.
Going beyond Infiniti’s jumbled lineup, we at least recognize many of the QX Sport Inspiration’s styling cues. It takes the original 2003 Infiniti FX’s basic formula—a slinky, sporty, coupelike SUV—and applies it to Infiniti’s current design language, which the company calls Powerful Elegance. A pinched-in grille dominates the front end, flanked by intricate LED headlights that sweep along the front fenders. The sides incorporate numerous swooping character lines, and a blacked-out B-pillar and flush door handles dress up the relatively conventional four-door layout. Other interesting design elements include a so-called “crescent cut” C-pillar, LED taillights that appear three-dimensional, and a fully glass roof that blends into the rear spoiler.
The concept’s four-seat interior makes a farther reach than does the exterior, featuring so-called floating seats front and rear. The futuristic dashboard complements the black-and-white décor. The center stack has few buttons. Instead, a central knob controller presumably operates functions via the large central display screen, while steering-wheel controls likely operate the large digital instrument display in front of the driver.
Far-out material choices including matte leather, Ultrasuede, and trim that’s meant to look like armor are unlikely to make it to production; nor are the rear-facing cameras that replace the side mirrors.
Beyond these show-car flights of fancy, the next Infiniti QX looks relatively ready for the showroom. We don’t yet know what platform it will ride on, or anything about its powertrain, but it’s highly likely that it will get a version of Infiniti’s new 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 from the Q50 and Q60. Keep an eye out for more news on Infiniti’s newest crossover—whatever it might be called—within the next year or so as it races to production.
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