Why Infiniti’s QX55 Is the Cosmopolitan Crossover du Jour – Robb Report

SUVs have always combined functionality and versatility while remaining vehicles for self-expression. Yet in the last few years, the segment has become increasingly fragmented as it continually redefines itself with models that chase specific demographics—from the initial all-terrain, pseudo-military offerings to off-road sports cars to hip urban transports.  As for the 2022 Infiniti QX55, there’s no question that it falls solely in the latter category.

From the eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, foot planted on the throttle and the engine-mapping selection set to Sport mode, it’s easy to forget that the new Infiniti QX55 is not an agile two-seater, but rather a four-door crossover. At the same time, taking it on fire roads for a mountain-bike outing or kayak excursion seems a bit out of its wheelhouse. If there is a Goldilocks for this model, it’s most likely a musician or fine artist racing to the next gig or gallery showing. Then again, that’s who it’s designed for.

Branded as a luxury crossover coupe, the QX55 takes inspiration from the marque’s pivotal FX model introduced nearly 20 years ago. Made through 2013, the FX became the brand’s definitive SUV and earned an ardent following.

“In the same way the FX provided an instantly recognizable silhouette and helped put Infiniti on the map, the QX55 is, in many ways, our modern-day provocateur,” Infiniti chairman Peyman Kargar recently told Robb Report. “The QX55 will appeal to younger buyers who are confident, fashionable, tech-savvy and place a heavy emphasis on style.”

In a virtual briefing, Infiniti reps went a step further, clarifying that the intended target is someone single with no children, and who tends to be an early adopter with regard to everything from tech to travel. It’s a descriptor that I match only by lacking kids. Not that there isn’t plenty of room for them. The QX55 is deceptively spacious.

“The entire profile we tried to make as sleek as possible and, together with the side-window graphics, there’s that clean dynamic arch,” notes Taisuke Nakamura, Infiniti’s global head of design. “The combination of the silhouette and the graphical impression of the side window make the design impression much sleeker than what it is. This is one of the visual tricks to make the car look sportier, but still maintain enough room for the rear occupants and luggage space.”

Setting out on a solo coastal run, I didn’t take advantage of the 54.1 cubic feet of cargo space (26.9 cubic feet without folding the backseats), but was, instead, content to see how engaging the all-wheel-drive crossover’s handling dynamics would prove to be, as well as how seamlessly the tech, including the ProPilot Assist suite of driver aids, factored into the experience.

The pre-production example, painted Slate Gray and complemented by Monaco Red-and-Graphite cabin accents, had all the exterior and interior polish of one off the showroom floor, at least in appearance. But some of the driver assists in the tester, although intuitive enough to activate, did not perform consistently, and when they did, my confidence was not as high as with others used. The steering assist and lane centering functionality, in particular, lacked the precision expected.

What was pleasantly unexpected was the precision the QX55 demonstrated while navigating canyon roads. The adroit handling is due, in part, to the four-wheel independent suspension and the marque’s Active Brake Limited Slip system, which enhances lateral athleticism by arresting the 20-inch wheels—dressed in all-season run-flat tires—individually, as needed.

What also impressed is the power delivery. Obviously, with 268 hp, the QX55 won’t have owners reserving track time, but it will advance the needle toward a more spirited commute. The innovative variable-compression, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine—making 280 ft lbs of torque—is mated to Infiniti’s Continuously Variable Transmission configuration and its shift-by-wire setup. This translates to just the right measure of punch when needed, even at slower speeds, and seemingly effortless response when paddle-shifting in manual. Four drive modes—Standard, Eco, Sport and the customizable Personal—further fine tune the dynamics.

The real highlight, however, is the cabin. From the prominent line flowing between the dash and center console, reminiscent of a calligrapher’s ink stroke, to the open-pore maple trim, the interior exemplifies Japan’s artful aesthetic throughout. And the two-touchscreen infotainment system, a nine-inch head-up display and the optional 16-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system rival the interior amenities found in models twice the price.

Starting at $46,500, the QX55 is presented in Luxe, Essential and Sensory trim packages, with our top-tier Sensory example fully optioned at $58,770. According to Infiniti, the entry-level model goes after Land Rover’s Range Rover Evoque and Audi Q5, while the premium versions have the BMW X4 and even the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe in their sights. After piloting the Japanese automaker’s new release, two points became clear: why there’s a demand for gentrified crossover coupes, and that Europe’s best should really watch their back.