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INFINITI QX50 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 4
First production year: 2013
Engines: Gasoline
Body style: SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle)
INFINITI QX50 photo gallery

Infiniti introduced the second generation of the QX series in 2016, and, in August 2020, the model was updated for the 2021 model year.

While the first generation of the QX was more like a smaller brother of the big FX series, the second generation looked more like an alternative for the premium compact segment. Therefore, the crossover was improved in many areas regarding comfort and safety. The designers had to do some work as well.

From the outside, the double-arch grille made the car looks bigger than it was. The lack of any gap between the grille and the hood made a clear statement about the product quality. The QX50 featured the Infiniti's signature LED headlights design with daytime running lights on the headlamps' edge. A subtle gap at the back of the hood, on the upper side of the fenders, let the hot air escape from the sides of the car, enhancing the cooling and the aerodynamic.

Inside, there were more differences between the facelift and non-facelift versions. Apart from the base trim level, the Pure, all of the other versions featured panoramic glass-roof. The dashboard was asymmetric, with a focus on the driver. On the center stack, there were two touch-screen displays installed. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration were standard on the entire range. For the sound system, Bose equipment was offered as an option.

The engine was the first variable-compression turbocharged gasoline unit. It offered a compression ratio between 8:1 and 14:1 depending on driver needs for power or fuel-efficiency.

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INFINITI QX50 photo gallery

The road to a premium SUV was not easy for the Infiniti, even if Nissan had a big experience in that area. But it had for the true-blood off-road vehicles.

The 2018 QX50 evolved from the former EX model into a different kind of luxurious crossover vehicle with a stylish interior, a premium exterior look, and a cutting-edge engine technology.

The large grille with a 3D effect was aerodynamically shaped to lower the drag-resistance. The small roof-spoiler was installed to adjust the air-flow behind the vehicle. The new headlights were equipped with an i-LED technology that could direct the light beam according to the driving direction. On the rear of the vehicle, the LED taillights were completing the light-package for the car. New light-alloy wheels design were installed

Inside the vehicle, there was a hand-crafted interior with leather seats and expensive materials used on the dashboard, door panels, and center console. The diamond-stitches on the seats gave the vehicle an exquisite look. For the infotainment system, there were two displays. The one on top of the dashboard was mainly used for the navigation, while the other, that was placed on the center console, was mainly for applications and music. Unfortunately, it didn't support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto at the time of the vehicle's launch.

For the technical part, it was a real revolution with its incredible VC-Turbo engine. The VC stood for "Variable Compression". It was a respectable achievement for the Nissan development team. That allowed the car to change from a lean compression to a higher one, in favor of fuel-efficiency. The gearbox was CVT-type. The QX50 was available as an FWD and as well as an all-wheel-drive.

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INFINITI QX50 photo gallery

At the 2015 New York Auto Show, Nissan's premium luxury brand introduced the refreshed version of its biggest SUV, the QX50. And the changes were not just for the look.

Usually, when a car model receives a facelift, it has some updates on the outside, on the inside, and maybe for the engines. But the Infiniti QX50 facelift was received a longer wheelbase by 81 mm (3,2"). That additional length was needed to provide extra legroom for the rear passengers. The QX50 was based on the previous EX crossover range.

The coupe-inspired look of the 2016 QX50 was enhanced due to its longer overall length by 115 mm (4,5") and the new design of the front bumper. A lower front fascia and new LED daytime running lights visually enhanced the sportiness of the car.

The vehicle's practicality was increased with a bigger length. The cargo space was slightly bigger, and it kept the optional folding and raising the rear seats from the touch of two buttons located on each side of the inner panels inside the trunk.

Under the hood though, instead of a 5.0-liter engine (as may the name suggested), it was the same 3.7-liter V6 engine mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. The power was slightly increased up to a decent 330 hp. It was available as an RWD or all-wheel-drive model.

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INFINITI QX50 photo gallery

-2013 brought new nameplates for the Infiniti’s vehicles, the former EX35 and EX37 becoming the Infinity QX50, as Audi decided to rename them.

The small SUV QX50 had the true spirit of a sports car with luxury included in a crossover body shape.

The exterior design of the QX50 was graceful and luxurious at the same time, with the iconic Infiniti grille. From the back, the small SUV looked more like a station wagon.

The interior was similar to the most Infiniti models, with power heated leather seats, leather wrapped armrest, cupholders, and the classic standard analogue clock. Optionally, the interior would mix a combination of leather and wood, to add to the luxurious design.

Users had USB ports, 12V sockets, a beautiful and stylish steering wheel with intuitive controls such as Bluetooth, voice control, etc.

The power seats had 2 memory settings.

The safety system IBA (intelligent braking assist) could be deactivated through the push of a button located left to the steering wheel.

Plenty of space available for the front and the rear passengers as well and what’s more, the back doors opened at 90 degrees, thus making it easier for parents to handle the baby seat.

The QX50 was not a cheap car in general, but we can say that it was cheap for the luxury segment it’s part of, and even offered more features than its competitors with a better price.

full description and technical specifications