Infiniti is ready for the next step in the evolution of its crossovers and SUVs. Well, it is not quite new to see this carmaker producing a coupe SUV. The QX70 was discontinued a couple of years ago and now a similar platform underpins the 2022 Infiniti QX55. It hasn’t been too long between the first teaser and the world premiere of the new arrival. The Japanese manufacturer stunned its fans and enthusiasts with an image of the coupe crossover SUV. Intels reported the new member of the lineup will be based on QX50 or QX60. Alphanumeric nomenclature shows you where the QX55 position itself.
The styling is polarizing the market. Fans are thrilled with the look of the fresh vehicle. Others are calling it fastback, or the QX50 with the sloped roofline. Well, there are a lot of similarities, but the 2022 Infiniti QX55 is not just a modified version of its older brother. These two are sharing the architecture, but the inspiration for design definitely comes from the old FX concept. The coupe crossover is more aggressive thanks to the bold grille and huge 20-inch wheels. Engineers decided to go with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
Under the Hood
For now, the 2022 Infiniti QX55 is going to get the power from a single unit. It is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. Compared to the competition, the crossover will be more potent. The unit is good for 268 horsepower and the energy is being sent through the CVT transmission. All-wheel drive is standard for the luxury coupe crossover. The bodyline brings a better air flow, but it won’t make the QX55 faster. For example, the vehicle sprints 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds. The QX50 does the same acceleration in 6.1 seconds. The first impressions show the engine is not noisy. At least, sounds are not reaching the cabin. The acceleration is crispy and you drivers are not complaining about turbo lags.
In the future, the company will bring more options. We hope to see the hybrid engine soon. However, engineers will have a hard task – to keep high outputs and improve the gas mileage. On the other hand, Ariya, a concept previewed by the Infiniti owners, Nissan, is an interesting platform, which will lead to more electric crossovers. Besides the Rogue, we could see the QX55 EV as well. But, this is not going to happen in the next couple of years.
2022 Infiniti QX55 Equipment
There are three trim levels available for the new coupe crossover. The entry version is Luxe and it already makes the 2022 Infiniti QX55 pretty luxurious. Leatherette upholstery and dark interior trims are making the cabin elegant and comfortable. Front buckets are heated and the QX55 comes with active noise cancellation. The infotainment system highlights are the 6-speaker audio and four USB ports.
The Essential model is the best value offer. This one adds navigation and an all-around camera view. Cooling is added to seats and Bose delivers a sound system with 16 speakers. Optionally, you can improve safety with the ProAssist package. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring are added. The 2022 Infiniti QX55 Sensory brings the most advanced options for the crossover. Everything is at the next level. Semi-aniline leather replaces leatherette, Bose is using its Performance Series to deliver a stunning sound system, while the ProPilot is offering more autonomous functions. Eventually, the crossover might get Level 4.
Competition
Rivals in the coupe class are not as numerous as in the standard chassis tier. Still, companies are making more of these and Infiniti is the latest manufacturer to join the battle. The best-known models are coming from Germany. Porsche Macan is the high-end version, although Mercedes can go against the super-luxury crossover with its GLC, by upgrading it with the AMG package. BMW X4 is a mechanical twin of the X3. These two could soon become EVs.
2022 Infiniti QX55 Prices
The 2022 Infiniti QX55 is pretty expensive. The base MSRP is not going to start under $47,000, making it more expensive than the QX60 SUV. Well, this is the first edition and the price should go down a bit in the future. Meanwhile, experts predict the Essential model is adding about $9,000 and the Sensory could go up to $60,000 in its base form. Hybrid and other upgrades will make it go over this mark.
The QX55 is official, although the company hasn’t started selling the crossover yet. It will happen soon, probably in the next couple of months. After that, we expect to see an all-new QX80 full-size luxury SUV based on the Monograph concept. The QX60 is redesigned using the same platform.