INFINITI QX30 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

A beautiful mix of a coupe, hatchback and crossover, the QX30 impressed with its distinctive design.

While it’s not only about the looks, the QX30 nicely blended the versatility of an SUV with an increased cargo capacity, as well as impressive handling that was more specific to a hatchback, even with the taller ride height.

A luxurious compact would better define the QX30 that was available in four trim levels: base, Luxury, Premium and Sport.

The base trim level was really well equipped with great safety and comfort features, thus the buyers would have needed to look for the upper trim levels if they were interested in leather upholstery, heated front seats, a rear seat armrest and driver memory settings (coming with the Luxury trim level).

The Premium trim level offered roof rails, LED foglights and an upgraded 10-speaker Bose sound system.

Moving forward to the Sport trim level, the QX30 came with unique features such as a tweaked suspension and implicitly a lower stance, 19-inch alloys, front and rear parking sensors, specific black side mirrors, as well as rear lowers fascias, a black grille, front sport seats, an automated parking system and a premium Bose audio system.

While the Sport trim level was only available with a front-wheel-drive system, while the other trim levels could have been both four-wheel-drive or front-wheel-drive.

The 2017 model was powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that generated 208 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque, mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

According to a deal between Mercedes-Benz and Renault-Nissan Alliance, some models from a manufacturer had some parts from the other. And this is how the Inifinti QX30 was launched in 2015, based on the first generation of the GLA.

The compact-size premium crossover market was crowded in 2015, so the Infiniti was late to the party. Mercedes-Benz A-Class, BMW 1-Series, Audi A3 and Volvo V40 were already on the market for years.

Created for a new generation of premium buyers, the Q30 had a bold visual statement and joined the Infiniti’s new premium compact model line-up. The specific headlights design and mesh-grille made the car look like a genuine Infiniti from scratch to finish. The sculptured door panels and fenders were according to the Japanese premium brand design language.

The interior design followed the wavy lines from the outside on the dashboard and the door panels. Unlike the GLA that didn't manage to install the infotainment display. It offered enough room for five adults, but with limited legroom especially for the one that sat in the middle of the rear bench seat. A lot of the interior details were carried over from the Mercedes-Benz, such as the climate controls, the seats, or the infotainment system.

Despite having a good platform for the compact-segment, Inifiniti chose to use the Mercedes-Benz's platform instead of the Alliance had on its portfolio for the Megane. The only flaw that platform had was the rear suspension with a twisting beam instead of an independent type such as McPherson or even a multi-link. The engines were taken from the Renault-Nissan Alliance.