Infiniti Launches New QX55 Crossover Inspired By FX

It could be quite reasonably be argued that the vehicle that kicked off the wave of so-called SUV “coupes” now produced by so many premium brands was the 2003 Infiniti FX which predated the BMW X6 by five years. On the other hand, the real genetic mutation that was the true progenitor of all modern crossovers and SUVs was actually that mash up of Jeep and Hornet known as the AMC Eagle including the SX/4 liftback model. Regardless, the original FX (later rebadged as the more anonymous QX70) faded away a couple of years ago, but Infiniti is launching the 2021 QX55 as a semi-replacement.

While QX55 features the fastback SUV design ethos of the FX, it’s not actually a full replacement for the old model. The FX was built on the Nissan/Infiniti FM platform that underpins the last couple of generations of Z sports cars and the former Infiniti G among others. That platform gave it a sporting character that belied its taller SUV stance, especially in the V8-powered FX45/FX50 guise. 

The QX55 on the other hand shares its architecture with the more mainstream QX50 crossover that debuted in 2019. That means it has a transverse-mounted engine designed for front or all-wheel-drive. In fact, in the hands of some other brands, this might simply be called the QX50 coupe. Much of the sheetmetal is carried over directly from the QX50 to the QX55. 

Up front, the QX55 gets a slightly more aggressive look with a taller version of the Infiniti signature grille and some extra trim around the fog light pockets. The most obvious change is in the rear roof-line which slopes down, sacrificing some rear head room in favor of a sleeker, sportier look. The tailgate is obviously reworked as well with the license plate pocket moved down into the bumper area. The taillamps retain the same profile, but the interior elements are revamped with the “piano key” look that Infiniti has used on recent concepts lit up by 45 LED elements. 

Overall, it’s a good look that is sufficiently distinct from the QX50 and it will appeal to a different audience. The more traditional long-roof QX50 is more likely to appeal to the family buyer while the QX55 will probably attract younger singles or couples without kids. 

Inside, the QX55 retains the same shapes and surfaces as the QX50, but different color combinations set it apart visually. The two-tone red and black in particular gives a sportier appearance and more visual separation between the driver and passenger areas despite being physically unchanged. For better or worse, the QX55 retains Infiniti’s dual touchscreen infotainment with the upper screen primarily for navigation and media while the lower screen contains other controls. It’s not a terrible setup, but it could use some updating. 

Where the QX55 really diverges from FX/QX70 is under the hood. There is only one powertrain option for the QX55, Nissan’s 2.0-liter variable compression turbocharged four-cylinder mated to a continuously variable transmission. All-wheel drive will be standard on the QX55. At 268-hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, the VC-Turbo is a more than adequate engine and it’s surprisingly smooth given its mechanical complexity. But it’s no match for the visceral appeal of the V8 option. Infiniti hasn’t ruled out a return of a true FX/QX70 successor at some point, but that’s not what we have here. 

The 2021 Infiniti QX55 goes on sale in spring 2021 and while pricing hasn’t been revealed, we expect it to be a bit higher than QX50.