Infiniti QX55: Infiniti recognized the need for group renewals. Nissan’s premium division then started redesigning its selection of SUVs. The cult-favorite QX70 (formerly the FX) crossover coupe, which possibly created the niche with the original FX35/45 in 2002, was discontinued as part of the redesign in 2017. Since fans have cried out for a brand-new replacement, Infiniti took its QX50 last year, lopped a few inches off the roof, and produced the QX55 crossover coupe as the QX70’s purported spiritual successor.
Only leather seating, Nissan’s ProPilot Assist advanced driving system, and assisted cruise control are now standard across all trims (Luxe, Essential, and Sensory) as the QX55 enters its second year of production. However, our dissatisfied opinions haven’t altered, which is unfortunate considering that the basic Luxe trim’s beginning price has increased significantly from last year’s $46,500 to $49,150, even without the $1,195 destination charge.
The QX55 competes on the same footing in size and design with the BMW X4 xDrive 30i, Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe, Jaguar F-Pace P250, and the more recent Genesis GV70. But regrettably, it falls behind, especially when one moves up to the mid-range $54,250 Essential trim. That’s a high expectation for a vehicle that openly displays its beginnings as an economy car, as seen by its uninspired engine, average handling, and too-visible usage of Nissan’s parts bin. It is simpler to look to its more enticing competitors.
All-wheel drive is a standard feature across the board, and the QX55 even beats all its competitors regarding interior room and fuel efficiency. Semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated back seats, a head-up display, and other luxury options are included in the highest Sensory trim, which costs $58,995.
However, none of these highs can hide that the mid-range QX55 Essential, which only receives basic extras like satellite navigation, climate-controlled seats, and a Bose premium sound system, will likely go to your nearest dealer. BMW, Mercedes, or Jaguar can be bought at a similar price. The highly desirable, high-spec Genesis GV70 3.5Ts, among many other SUVs in this price range, are within your reach if you stretch a bit.
The standard, sophisticated driving system is attractive and uses the most significant safety features of Nissan, but the interior technology falls short of the car’s premium designation. Thus, despite being a great vehicle, we saw little value in the top-of-the-line Sensory model. There isn’t much reason to choose it (and its hefty price) over the QX50, even on the base. The QX55 presents a poor case since many SUV alternatives are in this price range, including ones with higher hybrid and all-electric fuel economy.
Performance: Infiniti QX55
The QX55 remains the only vehicle in its class with the 268-horsepower 2.0-litre “VC-Turbo” four-cylinder and continuously variable transmission combination inherited from the QX50. With a zero-to-60 time in the middle of the six-second range, Infiniti claims there is plenty of acceleration and passing power. However, the uninspired eco-no-car sounds of the turbo-four will make you hesitant to push it.
While it’s easy to dislike the QX55’s CVT gearbox, designers have done an excellent job of masking most of its flaws by imitating the characteristics of a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, replete with paddle shifters attached to the steering wheel. So everything appears to be going smoothly regarding essential experiences like getting in and putting the car in gear. The QX55 has excellent body control and a comfortable, well-damped ride both in town and on the highway, thanks to the standard all-wheel drive and reasonable suspension adjustment.
But try to drive spiritedly while pushing the QX55. It will start complaining with severe understeer and sloppy suspension responses, mainly when sudden direction changes and bends occur. Although the turbo-four and CVT have enough power, it won’t be easy to discover anything about the pair that makes them attractive. Any of the QX55’s rivals provide a considerably more sophisticated and enjoyable experience.
Fuel efficiency: Infiniti QX55
Fuel efficiency is the one advantage of the QX55’s CVT. Official ratings show that the vehicle gets 22 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg in the combined cycle, which is competitively on par with the Mercedes’ 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the road but significantly less than the BMW’s 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. However, in our (unscientific) examination over a week, we observed an average closer to 20 mpg.
If fuel economy is the primary concern, Lexus’ more recent NX hybrid and its recently updated RX 350h hybrid are both queens of the gas-saving kingdom. If depending on electricity is something you’re interested in, Volvo’s XC40 Recharge is also reasonably priced.
Safety and driver support technology:
The QX55 utilizes the greatest technology Nissan has to offer regarding safety and driver assistance. Rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, lane-departure and lane-keep assist, front and rear collision avoidance with automatic braking, and pedestrian identification are standard. Like BMW’s Driving Assistance Professional and Mercedes-Benz’s DISTRONIC PLUS radar-guided cruise control with Active Steering Assist, Infiniti standardized ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control for all trims in 2023.
All systems worked as they should through the hectic Christmas season in northern New Jersey. However, we did feel that the lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist systems were a little intrusive and overzealous, so we just turned them off. However, the sophisticated cruise control of the QX55 performed just as well as the competition when ProPilot Assist was turned on on the more open sections of the roadway.
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) continue to evaluate the QX55 in part. The IIHS gave the QX55 an “acceptable” rating for new side-impact testing, while the NHTSA gave it top marks for overall frontal and overlap collision safety. The NHTSA awarded the QX50, on which the QX55 is primarily based, a five-star overall rating.
Comfort and Space
The QX55 lives up to Infiniti and parent company Nissan’s reputation for manufacturing some of the industry’s most excellent automobile seats, both fore and aft. The curved roofline does not affect the headroom in the front, which is more than the competition at 39.9 inches. However, for full-size people, things might feel slightly crowded in the back, much like its main competitors. The QX55 makes up for it by having the biggest back legroom among the group, at 38.7 inches.
Overall, the materials, fit, and finish give the car a pleasantly upmarket appearance. However, if you look closely, you’ll see that the cabin isn’t all that different from a fully outfitted Nissan Murano.
Infotainment: Infiniti QX55
There is no other way to phrase it—by any luxury standard, the QX55’s infotainment is substandard and does little to disguise its background as an economical vehicle. With a dual-screen center console stack, it strives to keep up with the Joneses but falls short due to obsolete graphics and a lack of coordination.
This system includes all expected connection options, including Bluetooth, HD radio, SiriusXM, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. With sat-nav visuals from the mid-2000s on the top panel, it almost seems like a throwback compared to the more up-to-date high-definition touchscreen on the bottom.
The menu structure also doesn’t appear to have any rhyme or purpose, and several frequently used menus, like CarPlay and sound settings, seem like they have been buried behind a bunch of other menus and finger presses.
Storage & Cargo Space:
There is no doubt that style prevails over spaciousness in crossover coupes. As predicted, the rear storage capacity suffers when compared to the QX50’s larger brother, with the area behind the back seats shrinking to 26.9 cubic feet from 31.4. The space increases to 54.1 when the second row is folded down, compared to 65.1 with the QX50.
The QX55, however, holds its own against the competition as the roomiest and virtually uncompromised vehicle, with interior proportions that surpass even an Audi Q5. The new Genesis GV70 prevails on paper because it has 56.8 cubic feet of space when the second row is folded and 28.9 cubic feet behind the seats. There is no contest compared to the BMW’s 18.5 and 50.5 cubic feet and the Mercedes’ 18 and 49.4 cubic feet.
Design: Infiniti QX55
If there is room for improvement, the aesthetics section is it. The QX55 is a classy, handsome-looking crossover coupe with a more fluid and unified overall design than its rivals. Nevertheless, this area has never had a problem with appearance since every product offers clear and distinctive designs.
The QX55’s cabin is pleasant, but it isn’t particularly innovative or unique. It makes no effort to differentiate itself from the competition, even failing to do so in some of the most crucial areas, like the switchgear and the blatantly cloned gauge cluster, where it might have distinguished itself from its inferior Nissan competitors. Therefore, it falls short of what one would anticipate from a more aesthetically focused premium crossover coupe.
Is the Infiniti QX55 worth it?
There isn’t much to justify the more than $ 5,000 premium over the QX50, let alone as a luxury small crossover coupe that can sell for up to $60,000 when fully equipped, unless the QX55’s curb appeal genuinely takes you in. Even yet, consumers may choose the BMW X4, Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, Jaguar F-Type, and Genesis GV70 for the same price, all with more attractive packages.
The QX55’s bargain is most apparent in its basic Luxe trim, which costs $50,345 (including destination fees), beating the BMW X4’s $55,195, the Mercedes’ $55,750, and the Jaguar’s $53,675. However, moving up to the intermediate $55,445 Essential, more expensive than its competitor’s asking rates, is necessary to receive significant additions like sat-nav, the Bose Performance Series sound system, and air-conditioned seats.
The rival already has superior driving experiences, comes well-equipped, and has a far more recognizable brand. In addition, Genesis’s brand-new and alluring GV70 begins at $43,995, making the QX55 seem ineffective.
How Much Does the 2023 Infiniti QX55 Cost to Insure?
The QX55 should be less expensive to insure than most of its competitors. Our statistics show that the average yearly premium for a 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record begins at $2,335. However, this modem covers all 50 states. The annual price goes above $2,500 with the higher models. Owners of the BMW X4 may spend just under $2,600 annually, compared to $2,860 for the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and $2,870 for the Jaguar F-Pace.
Verdict
With just minor revisions to the equipment, the 2023 Infiniti QX55 enters its second year as a more fashionable, less practical QX50 and less expensive alternative to models like the BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe. Although it seems to be a gorgeous specimen and a good automobile, its simple good looks and overt usage of Nissan’s parts bin do nothing to conceal its economy-car origins. The QX55 does not only seem unfinished and half-baked, but it is also not worth your money, particularly considering that it is no less expensive than its competitors. It will disappoint people waiting impatiently for a brand-new, outstanding successor to the cherished but long-discontinued QX70.
