Can you fall for an SUV based on looks alone? If so, there’s the Infiniti QX55.
A really cool thing happened about seven or eight years ago, and that was a whole bunch of small and midsize crossover SUVs suddenly becoming a lot more fun to drive.
We first noticed it with the Mazda CX-5, but other companies soon followed suit, realizing that their most popular form factor might not survive on perceived practicality alone, and that driving satisfaction is an important part of the overall equation.
So manufacturers began taking seriously the driving part of the crossover segment, and the vehicles got better as a result. The Infiniti QX55 takes the plan to another level by removing some of the U from the SUV equation and lopping some of the rear roofline off of the QX50, creating what Infiniti refers to as a “crossover coupe” design.
While you might not be able to get a 66-inch flat-screen in the back anymore, you’re still going to get a nice 50-inch in there, as the only real utility that’s lost is for long, tall loads.
I can’t really comment as to how the truncation changes driving dynamics–I suspect negligibly–but it does cut a striking figure, and if you think the looks of a car don’t matter, just visit any internet comment section where the Honda Civic Type R is mentioned.
And the driving portion of the event is certainly satisfying by crossover standards, if not even by car standards. The QX55 will never be mistaken for a sport sedan, but it’s definitely not a carred-up truck.
Like many manufacturers, Nissan/Infiniti uses a common, modular platform for the QX55, and the D-platform underpinning this crossover is shared with such diverse vehicles as the Maxima, Murano, Pathfinder and even the Renault Laguna. Configured into the QX55, it makes for a satisfying ride.
Inside the QX, driver and passenger are treated to typical Infiniti appointments, which is to say comfortable and classy, but not garish. Nissan is actually doing a great job with control interfaces right now–Lexus could take a few lessons here–and all of the common controls have nice, easily accessible dash buttons or dials with no DIC menu diving required.
Outward visibility is also a treat, which is something we don’t always get to say in these days of sky-high crash standards that have brought tall dashes and thick, airbag-filled pillars. But the QX escapes the tank-slit outward view and instead provides a good perspective of all four corners of the car in traffic.
Maybe our only complaint with the QX55 is the seats, which is something we’ll rarely write off a car completely for since they’re such a personal matter. But we heard from more than one person that the seats felt… weird. Tall, narrow, with a position more attuned to getting a haircut than driving a car. Again, your shape may fit this shape better than our drivers and passengers, but I’d definitely recommend you try it before you buy.
Yes, yes, yes, I totally get that the sloped rear window decreases utility. If you’re looking for utility, make it boxy, right?
But hear me out: The QX55 is one of the prettiest SUVs out there. Yes, I said it.
The lines flow nicely–no weird haunches, nothing that looks like a Transformer about to pounce.
And the face doesn’t resemble an electric razor, Predator or a Cylon warrior. If anything, there’s some Jaguar in there.
How’s it drive? Nice. The spec sheet lists just a 2.0-liter enigne, but through the magic of turbocharging it delivers nearly 270 horsepower.
The chassis feels a little light–so more Nissan than Benz–but the interior appointments feel rich. Thank you, Nissan, for a gear shift, although I’d love to have it include park. Not sure we need the separate button for that. But it beats a knob.
Here’s perhaps the biggest thing: I could drive this one day in and day out. It’s the right size, has plenty of power, and actually features real knobs and buttons. Thank you, again, Nissan.
Does that sloped rear end make this GRM material? It’s likely not your next autocrosser. But if you think that you need an SUV but you’re not hauling the Apple Dumpling Gang, it’s a quiet, upscale people-mover.
View all comments on the GRM forums
You'll need to log in to post.
