2022 Infiniti QX55: First Look

© Nissan North AmericaNewest SUV
With much fanfare and a livestream concert from recording artist and music producer Aloe Blacc, Nissan’s luxury brand took the wraps off its latest SUV offering, the stylish 2022 Infiniti QX55. With coupelike lines, a powerful turbocharged engine and a high-tech, attractive interior, the QX55 adds next-level sportiness to the Infiniti SUV lineup.

© Nissan North AmericaInspired by FX
The sleek silhouette of the 2022 Infiniti QX55 is reminiscent of the Infiniti FX, one of the first performance SUVs sold in America. “We set the stage nearly 20 years ago with the FX, and the all-new INFINITI QX55 brings us back, close to the soul of our brand — and it propels us forward,” said Infiniti Chairman Peyman Kargar. “The inspired QX55 is an important step in our journey,” Kargar also noted.

© Nissan North AmericaSUV Coupe
Although we’re not fans of the term SUV Coupe, the QX55 certainly does exhibit coupelike styling. Lines flow smoothly from the base of the windshield to the taillights, with a bump at the rear over the taillights. Standard 20-inch wheels add to the vehicle’s overall sporty nature.

© Nissan North AmericaRecognizable
Up front, the QX55 is instantly recognizable as an Infiniti thanks to its signature double-arch grille with a large Infiniti logo set on an origami-inspired mesh pattern. Surrounded in chrome, the grille flows smoothly into a hood sculpted to match the grille’s proportions. LED headlights are also standard, designed to mimic the human eye.

© Nissan North AmericaPiano Key Taillights
A favorite design element of the 2022 Infiniti QX55 are “piano key” taillights that each use 45 separate LEDs to create a unique light signature. An integrated rear spoiler and dual exhaust complete the look. “The looks and feel of the QX55 are what stand out, from nose to tail. We designed an SUV for buyers with discerning tastes; this doesn’t sacrifice substance in the name of style,” said Eric Rigaux, general manager of product planning for Infiniti.

© Nissan North AmericaUnder the Hood
Infiniti asserts that the new QX55 is more than simply a sporty-looking crossover — it possesses the power to back the looks. Under the hood sits a 2.0-liter Variable Compression Turbo 4-cylinder engine that produces 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Power gets managed via a continuously variable transmission with a manual shift mode. We experienced this engine / transmission combination in the Nissan Altima and came away impressed by its responsive combination of performance and fuel efficiency — a great choice for the new QX55.

© Nissan North AmericaIntelligent AWD
The 2022 Infiniti QX55 sends power to all four wheels via Infiniti’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system. Under “normal” conditions the QX55 operates with front-wheel drive; when additional traction is required, up to 50 percent of the power can be sent to the rear wheels. When launching from a standstill the QX55’s system automatically engages equal power to all four wheels for maximum traction. An active brake limited-slip system independently brakes individual wheels for better grip when needed.

© Nissan North AmericaSupportive Seats
All 2022 QX55 trims will come equipped with Infiniti’s Zero Gravity seats with heating and power adjustment. Leatherette is standard equipment, while higher trim versions can be fitted with leather or semi-aniline leather as well as cooling and power lumbar support. Vehicle appointments are available in dark brushed aluminum or Maple open-pore wood, and a standard power moonroof complements the premium interior.

© Nissan North AmericaDual Screen
Infiniti’s dual-screen infotainment system will be standard equipment on all QX55s, with upper 8-inch and lower 7-inch displays as well as wireless Apple CarPlay (Android Auto is still wired) and multiple USB ports. Infiniti will also offer a 16-speaker premium Bose audio system. “The only thing that could upstage the QX55’s looks is its technology,” Rigaux said. “The carefully crafted interior and connectivity complement each other. We aimed for an immersive experience for every sense, with the convenience and quality luxury buyers expect,” noted Infiniti’s GM of product planning.

© Nissan North AmericaFlexible Rear Seating
Rear-seat passengers will find decent legroom in the 2022 Infiniti QX55, matching the same specs as the current QX50. However, the sloping roof of the QX55 does impinge slightly on headroom, which is about 2 inches less than its SUV sibling. For added flexibility, the rear seat slides almost 6 inches forward or aft to maximize either passenger or cargo space.

© Nissan North AmericaCargo Space
The large rear hatch of the 2022 Infiniti QX55 contributes to easy loading, and the cargo space provides plenty of utility in this sporty crossover. If the sliding rear seat is not sufficient to make space for larger cargo, rear seats also fold flat.

© Nissan North AmericaArriving Next Spring.
The 2022 Infiniti QX55 will be available in three trim levels: Luxe, Essential and Sensory. Look for the newest Infiniti crossover to roll into showrooms in spring 2021. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

The post 2022 Infiniti QX55: First Look appeared first on autoNXT.net.

More from Our Auto Expert

OAE TV