Nissan-owned Infiniti will bring a new SUV model to the market for the 2021 model year and we are speaking about the 2021 Infiniti QX55. The new model follows the trend of the Coupe-style SUVs. It is the brand’s rival for the models such as the BMW X4 and Mercedes GLC Coupe. The arrival of the Infiniti’s new SUV coincides with the brand’s 30 years in the North American Market.
Infiniti released a teaser image of the upcoming, coupe-style SUV showing its profile contours while other details are still unknown. The model is expected to share the architecture with the mid-size Infiniti QX50 and likely similar mechanics.
The interior is expected with a sportier design than the QX50 and with the brand’s new tech and safety features. The QX55 will come well-equipped from the base version.
2021 Infiniti QX55: Design
Infiniti hasn’t yet revealed many details about the upcoming 2021 Infiniti QX50 but a teaser image and spy photos give us insight into the model’s design.
The new, sleek Infiniti SUV will likely share the platform with the mid-size QX50 which was redesigned for the 2019 model year. It is a front-wheel-drive-based architecture and two models should have similar dimensions.
Styling-wise, the coupe-like Infiniti SUV will sport elegant and graceful lines as seen on the teaser image. An image shows a sloping roofline but not radical as on the BMW X4 and Mercedes GLS Coupe.
The front section of the new, stylish Infiniti SUV will share design cues with the QX50 including the grille and headlights style. The model should get a more sculpted and sportier front bumper.
The creases on the hood and profile sections should also follow the pattern of the QX50 except for a sloping roofline.
The rear should have cleaner design than the QX50 with the similar taillights and sporty rear bumper with dual exhaust tips.
Interior, Equipment:
The cabin of the 2021 Infiniti QX55 will trade some of the headroom and interior comfort. This will benefit the sleeker appearance while it should share a similar design with the recently redesigned QX50. The model should, however, get sportier seats and steering wheel.
A dual-screen infotainment setup should be used like in the QX50 equipped with Apple Car Play and Android Auto support from the base version. The entry-level version should also come with the leather simulated upholstery, power-adjustable front seats and with variety of driver-assist systems.
A list of active safety systems will include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Lane departure warning, automatic high beam headlights, and blind-spot monitoring will also be included. Adaptive cruise control, active lane control and surround-view cameras should be optional like in the current QX50.
The upper grades will add more premium features such as leather upholstery, heated seats, driver-seat memory setting, premium sound system and more.
2021 Infiniti QX55: Powertrain
Sharing the platform with the second-generation QX50, the coupe-like 2021 Infiniti QX55 should also use similar mechanics.
A 2.0-liter high-tech, turbocharged inline-4 with the variable compression VC-turbo should be under the hood of the all-new QX55. This engine combined with a continuously variable transmission makes 268 hp and torque of 280 lb-ft in the current QX50. The QX55 is expected to get a retuned version of the engine with higher specs.
The fuel economy should be close to that of the QX50 which manages up to 26 mpg combined with the front-wheel drive.
By default, the model will be offered with the front-wheel drive while there will also be an all-wheel drive at disposal. The QX55 should also come with the revised suspension system for a sportier driving feel. It will also employ more capable braking components.
Later in the life cycle, the model should also get an electrified powertrain as part of the brand’s electrified plan.
2021 Infiniti QX55: Release, Price
The 2021 Infiniti QX55 was initially announced to come in June. But Infiniti said that production is delayed for November 2020. The company said that delay is due to the brand’s need to ensure production capability at the Aguascalientes, Mexico plant.
The price of the model should start around $40, 000.However, the top-spec version should close $60,000. More details should appear in the upcoming months but we don’t expect any surprises.