The provocatively designed and impeccably plush 2024 INFINITI QX55 arrives in showrooms this month with a starting MSRP1 of $50,000.

Performance

The QX55 shares the QX50 engine, which marked the introduction of variable compression technology on a production vehicle. Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engines are common in the industry, but this is the only one that addresses the compression paradox of turbocharged engines. The paradox is that while a high compression ratio is good for both increased efficiency and power, it is not compatible with turbocharging. 

Because the forced air of turbocharging causes compression of its own, it requires compression ratios to be dialed back. So all other turbocharged engines simply operate with a low compression ratio. On the QX55’s VC-Turbo engine, during acceleration or when the engine is encountering a high load, and the turbocharger is active, the compression ratio will also be about 8:1, which is comparable to most competing turbocharged engines. However when the turbocharger is less active, such as during steady highway cruising, a sophisticated linkage in each piston’s connecting rod enables the VC-Turbo engine to increase compression to 14:1 for increased efficiency. 

With its innovative VC-Turbo engine, the QX55 delivers an impressive 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Paired with the Xtronic transmission, it achieves an EPA-rated city / highway / combined mpg rating of 22 / 28 / 25.

The QX55 has a 4-wheel independent suspension with struts and a stabilizer bar up front and a multi-link arrangement with a stabilizer bar in the rear. The system is tuned for smoothness while retaining quick responses. The rack-pinion steering features speed-sensitive power assist. All models come standard with a brake-actuated limited-slip differential to enhance the QX55’s composure when curves get challenging.

Exterior

Everything about the QX55 draws eyes. The signature INFINITI double-arch grille flanked by low, lean headlights establishes a wide stance. The compound curves on the hood lead into a subtle steady wedge shape of the lower body, above which is the sleek consistent arch of the roof and side windows. 20-inch machine-finished wheels nicely fill the fender arches and twin trapezoid rear exhausts produce a nice parting shot. Exterior colors for the QX55 are the same as on the QX50 with Hermosa Blue, Graphite Shadow, Slate Gray, Black Obsidian, Dynamic Sunstone Red, and Radiant White.

Interior

QX55 cabin features sweeping around the front perimeter and about the center controls stack. The touchscreen is fully integrated into the dash design and is easily reachable. Below is a second touchscreen for climate and audio functions, with plenty of additional physical controls for quick use. Connectivity comes via the INFINITI InTouch infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay®, USB-connected Android Auto™, and a standard wireless charging pad. Passenger devices can stay charged with four USB ports throughout the cabin and a wireless device charging pad that is now standard across the model line along with a revised shifter redesigned center console. 

ESSENTIAL and SENSORY grades immerse you in sound with a 16-speaker Bose® Performance Series Audio System. Besides AM/FM audio sources, Bluetooth streaming audio, SiriusXM® Radio with a trial subscription, and, of course, your integrated Apple or Android smartphone. The front features USB-A and USB-C data ports, with additional USB A & C charging ports for the rear seats. 

All models feature leather seating, with softer semi-aniline leather on the SENSORY grade. With the rear seat up, cargo space is a generous 26.9 cubic feet, expanding to 54.1 when the QX55 becomes a two-seater. 

Safety and Driver Assistance

Every QX55 includes several safety technologies to prevent things from going wrong, including: 

• Predictive Forward Collision Warning
• Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
• Blind Spot Warning and Intervention
• Lane Departure Warning
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Rear Automatic Braking
• High Beam Assist.

Should an impact occur, adding to the expected front, front-side, and curtain airbags are rear-side airbags and knee supplemental airbags for both driver and front passenger. 

ProPILOT Assist, helps you relax on longer trips with Intelligent Cruise Control providing automatic speed regulation both with a set speed on the open highway and a set timed-distance front of a vehicle you are behind in traffic. It will even bring the vehicle down to a full stop during times of heavy congestion and go when traffic starts moving again. Active Lane Keep Assist helps you stay centered in your lane and is particularly useful when you find yourself distracted by reaching for something in the cabin.