New Infiniti QX55 flaunts angular body work

The new Infiniti QX55 has been unveiled at an event in Los Angeles. At a glance, the SUV looks in keeping with the company’s existing design style, but there are a number of features to highlight.

At the front, a familiar Infiniti double-arch grille is decorated with a new pattern inspired by origami – it takes on the appearance of delicately folded paper linking together. The grille is outlined by a thick strip of chrome, the top of which borders the bonnet which has two large ridges rising up from the A-pillars and running inwards towards the centre of the bonnet before fading. These lines act as an extension to the sweeping roof line, and are clearly used to shovel air over the car. They are reminiscent of the lines on the bonnet of the Infiniti FX (or QX70).

The left and right upper corners of the grille meet the slitted headlamps with their ‘L’-shaped signature. They are angular, with a sharp line cutting across the upper to create a ledge that runs almost at the same level as the bonnet. Positioned either side of the car under the front lamps are the two air intake vents, both of which have a small arch to mimic the grille. A glossy black metal creates a ‘U’ shape around both, and holds the daytime running lights at the centre.

The raised ridges on the bonnet are particularly visible when looking at the QX55 from the side, as is the sweeping roof. A clear belt line dissects the door handles, but then dissolves due to a very substantial haunch.

There is little space for the small rear window on the chunky back end. It is dominated by the arched body work at the top, angled to create a ledge between the window and the boot. This arch continues as a line that wraps around the car above the rear lamps and wheels to finish on the back doors.

The rear lights have what Infiniti describes as a “piano key” design, with 45 LEDs creating two curves, the outer larger than the inner. The design was first seen on the QX60 Monograph in September 2020 – a large SUV concept that Infiniti said would inform future models to come.

Infiniti has always strived for luxury on the inside of its vehicles, and the QX55 is no different. The interior is adorned with high-end materials, most of which is semi-aniline leather that shows off its natural quality. Chrome is used to break things up, accenting certain areas. There is a chrome line starting on the doors and running the width of the dash, interrupted only by the steering wheel and the small upper screen with adjoining air vents.

The two-tone centre console has an unusual shape. It is dissected in half with a long diagonal line. The black leather part includes the gear stick, parking brake, start button and some storage, while a drive mode dial sits on the red leather section before it narrows and rises to meet the dash, wrapping around one side of the main lower touchscreen. It seems to section the screen and driving area off from the front passenger, putting an emphasis on the driver’s seat and position.

The QX55 is the first model from Infiniti that will be produced since Nissan announced its ‘NEXT’ transformation plan. It will hit the US market in spring 2022. The marque has recently been busy flexing in the concept space, unveiling the QX60 Monograph as well as the Qs Inspiration and the QX Inspiration.