Infiniti QX55: The Faintest Glimpse of the Future

Regular readers of these digital pages are well aware of the pressures facing Nissan’s Infiniti brand. While the premium marque’s status is better than in years past, it is not where the brand would like it to be. U.S. volume has declined since 2017, and the marque recently gave up on Europe.

Perhaps a slinky new crossover will draw eyes — and buyers — in an overly crowded segment?

Offering precious few details aside from the image you see here, Infiniti announced Friday that its next utility vehicle will be a four-door “coupe” crossover. Bearing the name QX55, one can only assume that this upcoming vehicle will borrow its platform and drivetrain from the compact QX50 — a model that hit the market in 2018 and didn’t bounce.

You’ll recall that the QX50, seen below, served as the flag-bearer for the brand’s innovative variable compression four-cylinder engine.

Infiniti’s exaggerated brushstrokes, if made a reality, wouldn’t leave much headroom for occupants, but such drawings are not meant to convey a reality, just a feeling. The brand cites the former FX crossover’s roofline as inspiration for the QX55. Your author personally feels that it looks like the Toyota Mirai, but regardless, drawing on past design exercises is a good way to connect the QX55 to the brand’s heritage. You can also argue that the mid-to-late 2000s was a more visually distinctive era for Infiniti.

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

Okay. Is the desire for a sloped-back Infiniti CUV also present among those who aren’t already Infiniti owners? We’ll see after the QX55 arrives at dealers next summer.

[Images: Infiniti]