Infiniti has revealed the new QX50 ahead of its
world debut at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show next week. The second-generation
Infiniti QX50 promises world-first technologies, stand-out design and
class-leading interior space, it will take on class incumbents BMW X3,
Mercedes-Benz GLC and the Audi Q5.
The new QX50 is 4,693 mm long and 1,903mm wide,
which makes it 37 mm longer and 13 mm wider than Merc’s mid-size SUV, the only
one of the German trio we’re familiar with. The Japanese SUV, which sits on a new platform, has a 2,800 mm
wheelbase, which is 73 mm shorter than the GLC’s. Boot space is huge, at 895
litres, expandable to 1,699 litres with rear seats folded.
The premium SUV will come with the world’s first
production variable compression ratio engine. The 2.0 litre VC-Turbo is twenty
years in the making (according to its maker) and combines the power of a
sprinter and the efficiency of a long distance runner, so to speak.
Producing 272 PS and 390 Nm of torque, the VC-Turbo
engine can adjust its compression ratio from 8:1 (max performance) to 14:1 (max
economy), and is up to 35% more efficient than the old car’s 3.7 litre NA V6.
Hooked up to a CVT automatic gearbox, the QX50 does
0-96 km/h in 6.3 seconds, or 6.7 seconds for the front-wheel drive
variant, with a top speed of 230 km/h. The new body is said to have 23% better
torsional rigidity and is also
6% more aerodynamic.
The new QX50 will come with Nissan’s ProPILOT driver
assistance technology, as seen on the latest Nissan Leaf. On the EV, ProPILOT
is a single-lane autonomous driving tech that can automatically control the
distance to the vehicle in front using a speed preset by the driver (between 30
and 100 km/h), while steering and keeping itself centered in its lane.
The system does braking to a complete stop too,
remaining there till without the driver’s foot on the brakes. To reactivate the
system, the driver just needs to touch the switch again or lightly press on the
throttle.
As for the looks, the finalised QX50 design isn’t a
big surprise, looking very much like a QX50 Concept that has been toned down
for production. We don’t have official rear or interior shots yet, but you can
visualise from the spyshots and concept. Like what you see?
