Driven: Infiniti QX60

The Infiniti QX60 is a three-row crossover redesigned for 2022 with a new 9-speed transmission and added improvements for more comfortable driving. Americans can’t seem to get enough of roomy SUVs, and the QX60 is Infiniti’s top selling vehicle, competing in a crowded field. But while some challenger brands attempt to lure buyers with copycat designs, gaping maws, or sharp, polarising lines, Infiniti aims for streamlined, understated elegance.

Car Design News had the opportunity to drive the QX60 in California’s wine country, on a route that stretched from Napa to the Northern California coast. While Infiniti (and parent company Nissan) strives to introduce several electric vehicles by 2030, this QX60 is powered by a 295 hp, 3.5-litre petrol V6 — and endangered species that nevertheless provides more than enough power to tackle winding country roads and highways alike.

The drive is relatively quiet thanks to added acoustic material, and a new 9-speed transmission shifts unobtrusively. There is no sporty exhaust or artificially stiff steering setting, but a stiffer chassis and faster steering rate compared to its predecessor means a more comfortable ride that lets us focus on the scenery.

Infiniti design is based on “Ma,” a Japanese character that literally means gap, or pause, but interpreted in a broader way as negative space, or the emptiness in between. A cultural example of MA is the pause at the end of an introductory bow, allowing a moment for the gesture to sink in. Designers use the principle of MA to focus as much on what to leave out as what to include. “This concept of Japanese minimalism starts with the environment, and then intentionally choosing to add things and then stopping when you’ve added enough,” Infiniti head of design Taisuke Nakamura says. “Japanese luxury does not shout or show off – it’s about anticipating needs, being thoughtful and personal.”

Nakamura cites architect Kengo Kuma as an inspiration, recently named as the world’s most influential architect. In interviews, Kuma talks about wanting to create darkness and spiritual experiences with his designs, known “losing architecture,” buildings that are designed to disappear into the environments in which they’re built.

Michelle Christensen, Senior design manager at Infiniti, (and based at Nissan Design American in La Jolla, CA) led the final exterior design execution of the QX60 Monograph concept, which previewed the production QX60. An Art Center graduate who made her mark as the exterior designer of the resurrected Acura NSX supercar, Christensen spoke to us about the QX60 as part of an Infiniti campaign to highlight its female leaders.

“One of my favorite elements of the QX60 is the proportion. There is a definite statement of confidence in the athletic presence, and the all-black treatment on the upper body, from the door line up give it a very sleek appearance,” she says. “I also love the muscular fenders and beautiful body side surface sculpture. Together, the grille and headlights create such a strong first impression a beautiful, well-balanced face.” Subtle design cues are a nod to Japanese traditionalism, such as the inner mesh of front grille inspired by origami.

The interior changes for 2022 are perhaps the most notable. Nakamura describes the interior design approach as “tailored artistry” and explains, “We wanted to create a sense of openness, warmth, and hospitality.” Where some manufacturers are going toward animal-free interiors and novel fibres for its top-grade vehicles, the top-of-the-line QX60 stays traditional, with semi aniline leather — finished in our test vehicle in a rich caramel — with open-pore ash wood accents. A quilted pattern on the seating and dash features diamonds that expand in size across the surfaces, inspired by ripples on a pond.

A new wide, 12.3-inch touchscreen sits atop the dash, with a sleek digital HVAC display sitting below a sweeping, horizontal air vents — much improved from the previous narrow screen, pinned in by myriad plastic buttons. The centre console gets a smaller, sleeker gear shifter and a wireless charging pad. While Infiniti’s UX lacks some of the advanced digital features found on German and Swedish competitors, a new heads-up display, digital instrument cluster and Apple Auto/Android capability brings the QX60 up to date without overwhelming the user.

During our drive program, Infiniti marketing representatives imagined the 2022 QX60 as being driven by a 40-something, upwardly mobile woman with a family. But Car Design News reckons the QX60 is an alternative for anyone who wants a refined, upmarket crossover that doesn’t scream for attention. When asked whether there is still such a thing as gender-based design in this decade, Christensen says, “There are definitely automotive elements that can be perceived by people as masculine or feminine, but I think the Infiniti design team pushes for strong, memorable, and timeless design. I think the design team strived for a beautifully sophisticated and capable design, and the QX60 effortlessly achieves a balance of both.”