Infiniti Unveils Refreshed QX50 CUV in New York

Infiniti unveils a refreshed version of its midsize CUV, the QX50 this morning at the 2015 New York International Auto Show.

The current QX50 debuted in fall 2007 in the U.S. as the EX35. In the time since, the small and midsize CUV segment has exploded in popularity, especially in the luxury sector.

However, the aging current QX50 hasn’t kept pace with competitors. Sales were down 12.5% through February to 365 units, WardsAuto data shows. Acura’s competing RDX sold 7,379 units in the same period, up 30.8% vs. like-2014.

One of the top complaints about the EX35/QX50, based on the old G35 sedan/coupe platform, is the CUV’s tight rear seat. Infiniti has added 3.2 ins. (8 cm) to the vehicle’s wheelbase, which helps increase rear legroom to 35.3 ins. (90 cm) from 28.5 ins. (72 cm) in the outgoing model.

Overall length also is up by 4.5 ins. (11 cm) and total interior volume grows by 8.3 cu.-ft. (3.8 cu.-m).

The QX50 also has slightly more ground clearance in both rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive variants than before.

The exterior of the ’16 QX50 is “coupe-inspired,” Infiniti says, and wears the brand’s signature double-arch front grille.

A rear spoiler with an integrated brake light is standard, as are chrome-finish dual-exhaust tips, 18-in. aluminum-alloy wheels and welcome lighting integrated into the driver’s outside mirror.

Interior styling cues including Infiniti’s double-wave instrument panel, high-contrast gauges and hospitality lighting, including a pin-size LED above the center console. Aluminum trim is standard, while maple wood trim is optional.

All QX50 seats are leather-appointed and the CUV’s front seats are heated. Interior colors include Wheat, Graphite and Chestnut.

The QX50 continues to ride on Nissan’s FM (front midship) platform and be powered by the automaker’s 3.7L VQ V-6 engine, still churning out 325 hp at 7,000 rpm and 267 lb.-ft. (362 Nm) of torque at 5,200 rpm.

The engine still is mated to a 7-speed automatic with manual shift mode and downshift rev matching.

The suspension is unchanged, featuring a front double-wishbone and rear multilink designs, both with aluminum-alloy upper and lower links, twin-tube shock absorbers and stabilizer bars.

Infiniti eliminates Base and Journey grades for the QX50, selling either a QX50 or QX50 AWD for ’16, with four available option packages.

Standard equipment on all ’16 QX50s is an 8-way power driver’s seat and 4-way power passenger seat, as well as a power moonroof, rear heating ducts and vents, a 6-speaker audio system, SiriusXM, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, intelligent key, push-button start, dual-level locking front center console, four cupholders and two 12V outlets.

Options include 19-in. wheels, 2-way power lumbar and memory functions on the driver’s seat, power-up folding rear seats, navigation, advanced climate control, 11-speaker Bose audio system, streaming Bluetooth audio, voice recognition and AroundView Monitor with front and rear sonar.

As with the ’07-’15 model, the new QX50 will be assembled at Nissan’s Tochigi, Japan, plant and goes on sale in the U.S. this fall.

Infiniti also brings the QX30 Concept from last month’s Geneva Motor Show to its New York stage. The entry-level CUV, an all-new model for the Infiniti lineup, goes on sale in the U.S. in 2016.

[email protected]