Infiniti pioneered the coupe crossover trend since the launch of the FX and now, they're going back to the trend they've created with the launch of the first-ever QX55. So, what's it all about Infiniti's return to the trend they've started several years ago?
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| 2022 Infiniti QX55 |
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| 2022 Infiniti QX55 |
Priced at $46,500 plus additional costs, the QX55 is basically a second-QX50 with a low-slung roofline. Infiniti is the first to introduce the coupe crossover trend, which later became bread and butter for the luxury German carmakers, and with Infiniti back to the trend they've made in the first place, the QX55 is ready to show the German establishments who's the uncle.
This is the first time an Infiniti vehicle uses the number five at the end of the car name rather than the number zero like most of the lineup nowadays and although the naming is somewhat treated more like an orphan rather than being part of the family, the QX55 really is the relative of the second-generation QX50
While the styling is nearly identical to the QX50, the QX55 has a sloping roofline that shows proof that this is the coupe crossover you are referring to, and if you're in the mood to trace its roots back to the first-generation Infiniti FX, rest assured that the QX55 is smaller and compact compared to its spiritual pop pop, that's for sure.
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| 2022 Infiniti QX55 interior |
Just like its QX50 relative, the QX55's interior features a dual-monitor dashboard that is as tech-savvy as Gen Z cars can be, and although it's less roomy on the back than the QX50 because of the sloping roofline, it still fits just like most coupe crossovers can be and it fits up to five people nicely. There's nothing to go wrong about it.
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| 2022 Infiniti QX55 |
The QX55, like the QX50, is powered by a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo Engine, a petrol engine that is capable of delivering an optimal compression ratio from performance to efficiency, from 8:1 to 14:1 respectively. It produces 268hp of power, 280lb-ft of torque, and annoyingly mated to a CVT with paddle shifters. With this, the QX55 has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22mpg city/28mpg highway.
The CVT really spoils the QX55's driving feel but because it has all-wheel drive by default, this coupe crossover really is capable on almost every road condition, even when you want to go sandblasting at the beach. Although not fun as such compared to the Germans, it's still smooth, dramatic, and worth driving just like what a proper luxury crossover should.
In the essence of safety, the QX55 features a wide array of safety features and when fitted with the Proactive Package, it comes with ProPILOT Assist, Steering Assist, and Intelligent Cruise Control with Full-Speed Range and Stop and Hold, HUD, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Direct Adaptive Steering.
So, while this is cheaper than the BMW X4, the first-ever QX55 is not quite a suitable contender against it but while it's not as enjoyable as such, it's still a silky smooth coupe crossover that deserves the attention it needs. Love it or hate it, the QX55 is proof that Infiniti is back in the trend that started it all.
Photo: Infiniti