INFINITI QX55 DEBUTS IN THE MIDDLE-EAST

The Infiniti QX55 is a mid-sized SUV based on the stately, QX50. It targets those buyers who fancy the imposing stance of an SUV but are intrigued by the sloping roofline of a sedan. Going up against cars like the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Coupe, BMW X4 and Audi Q5 Sportback, the QX55 has received a facelift for the Middle-East market and amps up the safety and luxury quotient, even in the base variant to make it more tempting than it was before.

AESTHETICS

Regardless of the choice from an array of three trim levels- Luxe, Essential and Sensory, the car is a striking looker from every angle. Paying homage to its forebear, the FX, the SUV sports a generous dose of chrome on the mesh grille to bring about a brawny charm, as most would want with a typical high-riding vehicle. A ripple of sportiness is loaned by a swooping down hood where the headlights connect in a minimalistic fashion. The fog lamp area, although embellished in gloss-black, now appears a bit obsolete but goes with most Infiniti models’ theme of being simple. The headlights feature interesting engineering as these are available with cube LED lamps that illuminate the road well. The side profile appears to be taut with a rising shoulder line and no superfluous elements. The wheel arches look muscular to contribute to the QX55’s SUV trappings. However, it’s the rear which looks the most ravishing with a stubby glass area, shark-fin antenna, chiseled tail lights and chrome-tipped exhausts. Appliques resembling those of piano keys look rich. Feel-good factor is spouted by LED welcome lights on the rear door handles.

INTERIOR

Those familiar with Infiniti interiors will instantly take notice of the dual-screen theme. It has been made driver-centric with the center console tilting towards the driver side for enhanced visibility. A hallmark here is the “zero gravity” front seats which have been given extra padding on the back rest and squab area to reduce strain after long hours of driving. Essential and higher trims also feature ventilated seats to shade one from being sultry during high temperatures and warm weather. Lifting up the cabin’s aura is a tinted sunroof that allows natural light to pour inside the cabin and absorb the breath-taking views. 

FEATURES

As luxury cars have to, the QX55 impresses with bells and whistles such as dual screens for menus and adjustments, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto and active noise cancellation, now made standard for better NVH and refinement levels. Available with a ProACTIVE package across the bandwidth, the car gets active safety features that monitor the car and its milieu to prevent an obscene event like a collision. Additionally, Essential and Sensory grades flank head-up display where all the driver-related intel is projected onto a 9-inch area of the windscreen. 

PERFORMANCE

The QX55 coupe-SUV comes mated to a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that churns out a robust 268 HP and 380 Nm of torque to make the car breach the 100 Km/h barrier in just 6.6 seconds. Its CVT transmission varies the gear ratios every moment to strike a fine chord between power and efficiency. To personalise the driving experience further, the car features ECO, SPORT, Standard and Individual driving modes. While on the move, features such as Active Brake Limited Slip and its all-wheel drive configuration effectively come into play.

SUMMARY

The QX55 plays in a niche segment of cars with a different design. However, with the feature add-ons it has received with the mid-cycle update and the tweaks made to its already handsome design, the QX55 serves immense value to threaten its competition. Leaving no stone unturned, it’s one to consider if an unconventionally styled mid-sized SUV is next on your list.