The Infiniti QX50 concept doesn't just reveal the styling direction for a near-future Infiniti SUV, it gives insight to drive-assist technologies to come from the Nissan sibling.
Designed in the vein of Infiniti's "Powerful Elegance" design language, the silhouette brings to mind the curvy—yet taut—lines that can be seen in the evolution of the entire model lineup of the brand. The "cabin-forward" look is said to be dynamic and practical, although we would question the latter given our experience with the similarly swoopy QX30, which loses cargo space and rear-seat access at the expense of styling. Indeed, the design of the QX50 does translate a sporty approach to people hauling.
Infiniti promises to challenge conventional approaches to premium interior design by feathering the QX50's cap with a cabin with elevated levels of modern craftsmanship. In the premium category, where quality can often be compromised by value, we hope that the QX50 fulfills that commitment better than in the Q50 sedan that is half a notch behind the competition in terms of material choice and fit and finish.
Under the hood, the QX50 debuts the first production-ready variable compression ratio engine. The 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine is said to achieve the torque and efficiency of a diesel powertrain—without the inherent headaches of diesel technology. Infiniti engineers are hoping that the engine will see a 27 percent fuel economy advantage over V6 gasoline engines of similar output. Improving efficiency is key for this model to overcome the hit-or-miss efficiencies found across the rest of the Infiniti family.
The QX50 concept also hails a first-look at the possible future of Infiniti self-driving technologies—and more importantly safety. ProPILOT is a system slated for the QX50 that claims to act as a co-pilot to the driver, reducing the amount of road-fatigue-causing effects of monitoring surroundings and navigating traffic. The company says that the ProPILOT system allows the driver to maintain complete control yet refers to the system as an "autonomous drive support technology."
Consumer Reports believes automakers should take steps to ensure that vehicles with autonomous systems are designed, deployed, and marketed safely. As long as these systems require driver engagement, which Infiniti says is a part of this technology rollout, they should also require the driver to keep his or her hands on the wheel.
We look forward to seeing the QX50 move from concept to car lot, and you can bet your bottom dollar that we will buy one and test Infiniti's latest forward-thinking innovations.
