Detroit show: Infiniti uncovers QX Inspiration

INFINITI has previewed its bid at the premium mid-size all-electric SUV segment with the full reveal of its QX Inspiration concept at this week’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

According to Infiniti, the showcar “previews the brand’s plan to launch a range of high-performance electrified vehicles which promise an engaging drive and deliver range confidence”.

Just a design study for now, the QX Inspiration sports boxy proportions and a jacked-up ride height befitting its SUV designation.

Up front, ultra-slim headlights flank a prominent brand logo, while the grille is devoid of any air intakes, alluding to the QX Inspiration’s emissions-free powertrain.

In profile, Infiniti’s latest concept features handle-less doors and what appears to be slender cameras in lieu of traditional side-view mirrors.

Being an SUV, the wheelarches are also clad in black plastic and filled with large-diameter wheels.

The clean and simple body lines continue in the rear with slender tail-lights and a roof-mounted rear spoiler.

Stepping into the QX Inspiration via the suicide doors reveals a hand-crafted interior decked out with “choice materials inspired by a subtle Japanese sensuality”, according to Infiniti.

Front occupants are treated to numerous displays dotted along the dashboard, while the steering wheel is also rectangular in shape.
 
Though details on the all-electric powertrain were not revealed, the QX Inspiration is part of Infiniti’s plan to launch each of its new models from 2021 with an electrified powertrain.

Electrified technology could be drawn from parent-company Nissan or borrowed from fellow alliance members Renault and Mitsubishi, but either way the production version of the QX Inspiration would line up against the likes of Audi’s e-tron and the Mercedes-Benz EQC.

As such, the road-going Infiniti QX Inspiration will have to contend with the e-tron’s up to 300kW/664Nm output and circa-400km driving range, and the EQC’s 300kW/765Nm powertrain and 450km driving range.

Infiniti president Christian Meunier said the brand’s first all-electric model will draw inspiration from the QX Inspiration concept.

 “The QX Inspiration marks the beginning of a new generation of Infiniti cars and establishes a direct blueprint for the brand’s first electric vehicle,” he said.

“Based on a new dedicated electric vehicle architecture and inspired by Infiniti’s Japanese DNA, the SUV concept previews a product portfolio which will offer high performance, ultra-low emissions, and range confidence.”

Meanwhile, Infiniti executive design director Karim Habib said the “QX Inspiration is the manifestation of our electric ambition and has been 30 years in the making”.