Not exactly the FX successor that Infiniti loyalists expected, the QX55 is different in every respect from its predecessor. The front-biased AWD system and continuously variable transmission are two of the main differences, but The Fast Lane’s Nathan Adlen actually likes this car.
The exterior design helps Infiniti stand out in the segment, especially the clamshell-style hood and sloping roofline that cuts into the cargo space of the QX55. Nathan also makes a case for the sculpted lines on the side profile, taillights, and a small button that opens the hatchback.
When it comes to driving, sightlines are pretty atrocious because of the shape of the pillars in the back. Nathan likes the continuously variable transmission at the beginning of his review but makes a 180-degree turn at the end of the video, where he says that a torque-converter or dual-clutch automatic would improve the QX55 a lot. He isn’t too big of a fan of the dual-screen infotainment system either, which looks outdated.
“This car would be epic, but as it is, it’s quite good.” High praise indeed, and it’s not overstated because Infiniti offers much better value than German rivals, including the Mercedes GLC and BMW X4.
$57,050 before destination and delivery is the starting price of the Sensory trim level that slots at the very top of the range. For that bundle of cash, the Japanese automaker offers ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving technology, a head-up display, semi-aniline leather upholstery, a motion-activated liftgate, Around View Monitor, and premium audio from Bose.
All-wheel drive is a given, and the same can be said about wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. Every Infiniti QX55 trim rocks a 2.0-liter turbo with variable-compression technology, which boils down to a double personality. By changing the stroke of the pistons, the VC-Turbo engine alternates the compression ratio for either power or fuel economy.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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