OTTAWA: Infiniti has unveiled 2016 QX50 luxury crossover at the New York International Auto Show. While not a complete redesign, the QX50 gets some notable updates for the 2016 model year including more refined exterior styling and more interior space.
Probably the biggest change for the luxury crossover comes in the form of added length. For 2016, the QX50 stretches its wheelbase by 80mm and its overall length by 113mm. That extra length translates to a massive gain (109 mm) in rear leg room to make the previously cramped backseat far more comfortable.
Ground clearance also grows by 20mm, giving the driver a higher vantage point for improved visibility behind the wheel.
Exterior styling updates meanwhile bring the 2016 QX50 more in line with the brand’s current design language. Up front you’ll find a new face with LED Running Lights and LED fog lights in the headlights, Infiniti’s double arch grille along with a new bumper. The rear also gets a new bumper and standard LED taillights.
Inside, the cabin is mostly a carryover from the previous model and retains Infiniti’s signature “double-wave” instrument panel with integrated 7-inch colour display. Heated seats and moon roof are standard, as are power-adjustable front seats and leather upholstery.
Things also stay the same under the hood with the QX50 retaining its 3.7-litre V6 engine making 325 horsepower and 265 lb/ft. of torque. The V6 is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission in both rear and all-wheel drive setups.
Infiniti Design Director Alfonso Albaisa says the QX50. “remains one of the most powerful and versatile personal crossovers you can buy. The enhancements for 2016 keep it fresh and competitive.”
Appearing alongside the QX50 and making its North American debut is the stylish Infiniti QX30 compact luxury crossover concept first shown at the Geneva show in early March.
The QX30 concept closely resembles the earlier Q30 Concept but, thanks to its elevated stance, sits about 30 mm taller, and comes with all-wheel-drive. The sleek styling on the QX30 includes deeply sculpted skid plates, a lower bumper and distinctive roof racks.
“The QX30 Concept’s sleek, exterior shape is composed of bold sections, each marked by deep, upward cuts – intersections that create Infiniti’s hallmark ‘dual wave’ effect,” said Albaisa. “The athletic silhouette is sleek and sinuous, and the aerodynamic design provides a showcase for QX30 Concept’s confident attitude.”
