Infiniti confirms QX55 for production

INFINITI will add another SUV to its model line-up next year, with the coupe-style QX55 set to join an increasingly popular segment headlined by the BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, but it will not be heading to Australia anytime soon.

Speaking to GoAuto, Infiniti Cars Australia corporate communications manager Tony Mee revealed that the QX55 has “not been offered” to the company “at this point in time”. It will, however, go on sale in other markets in mid-2020.

While the Japanese prestige brand is yet to confirm whether or not the QX55 is closely related to the QX50 mid-size wagon, its similar nomenclature suggests so.

That said, the external similarities between the two will likely be limited to forward of their A-pillars, with most other body panels likely to be unique.

In fact, the QX55’s exterior design has been teased by a single line drawing that depicts its sloped-back roofline, which Infiniti says is “inspired by its iconic first-generation FX performance crossover”.

Released in 2002, the original FX is often credited with being the first coupe-style SUV, kicking off an emerging segment that was brought to the fore by BMW’s first-generation X6 in 2007.

The second-generation FX large SUV is currently sold in Australia, where it is known as the QX70. It sits in showrooms alongside the QX30 small crossover and QX80 upper-large wagon.

“The Infiniti QX55 is a stunning new SUV coupe in the heart of one of the industry’s fastest growing segments globally,” said Infiniti Motor Company deputy chairman Mike Colleran.

“Customers will appreciate the distinctive design of the QX55, which features a sporty coupe-like roofline.

“We know customers and retailers are eagerly looking forward to the QX55 which will be available next year.”

Assuming that the QX55 will share its underpinnings with the QX50, it will be the second model in Infiniti’s line-up to employ its 200kW/380Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder VC-Turbo powertrain, which is claimed to be the world’s first series-production variable-compression petrol engine.

The brand says the VC-Turbo unit “combines the power of a 2.0-litre turbocharged gasoline engine with the torque and efficiency of a four-cylinder diesel engine”.

For reference, the QX50 is available in front- and all-wheel drive, with the VC-Turbo engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Mr Mee told GoAuto that Infiniti Cars Australia is still “waiting on confirmation for local production” of the QX50, which has had its release date delayed several times since its reveal in November 2017.

Infiniti Cars Australia’s sales this year have been steady, with 351 vehicles sold to the end of a July – a 0.3 per cent increase over the 350 deliveries made during the same period in 2018. As such, the QX50 is shaping up as a breakthrough model for the company.