A few months after announcing the coming of a new SUV to its lineup at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance back in August, Infiniti has dropped a second and more illuminating – though, fuzzy, teaser of the QX55.
While the first monochrome sketch was nothing more than a few general brush-strokes cueing the dynamic styling of the Coupe-SUV, the latest (colored) illustration goes into more depth showing the dramatic roofline that ends with a fastback liftgate, as well as the pronounced rear haunches and sculpted hood lines.
According to Infiniti, the roofline is inspired by its first-generation FX crossover, which appears to hold true when comparing the two, albeit more dramatically implemented in the newer model. However, under the side glass panels, the profile styling seems almost identical with the current QX50 premium compact crossover, which makes sense since it is nearly certain that the QX55 is based on the former.
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The 2003 Infiniti FX
Here’s the profile of the 2019 Infiniti QX50 for comparison
That makes it a direct competitor to the existing BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, which in turn are also based on their mainstream X3 and GLC siblings respectively.
As such, we expect the QX55 to maintain the QX50’s standard front-wheel drive and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), with all-wheel drive being offered as an option and/or on higher-spec models. Unless Infiniti surprises us, the QX55 will debut with the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a variable-compression system delivering 268 hp and 280 lb-ft (380 Nm) of torque as the QX50.
2019 Infiniti QX50 interior pictured above
There are no teasers of the interior, but in all likelihood, the Coupe-SUV will share its interior design and parts with its more traditional looking brethren, possibly foregoing some of its interior headroom and luggage compartment space and practicality for the sexier profile.
It’s too early to talk pricing, but expect to pay a small premium over the QX50 that starts from $37,250 in the States when it goes on sale in North America next summer. Nevertheless, it should undercut its German rivals that begin from $51,100 for the BMW X4 and $50,000 for the Merc GLC Coupe.
