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. 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 380 Nm of torque
as the QX50.
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.
