BE READY TO BE PAMPERED IN NIMBLE INFINITI QX55

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com
Meet the sportier, coupe-like with a swoopy roofline version of its QX50 sibling – the compact 2024 Infiniti QX55. The SUV is slightly longer and shorter in height to reduce rear headroom but maintains the same wheelbase and width. However, both the vehicles also share the same powertrain.
Under the hood of the QX55 sits a 2.0-liter variable-compression 4-cylinder turbo engine developing 268 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 280 pounds-feet of torque at 4800 rpm. The slick and smooth continuous variable transmission shifts effortlessly. Ensuring stability at quick turns and bumps on the road is a MacPherson strut front and a rear multilink suspension. The variable-assist, direct adaptive steering conveys an unswerving feel. Braking duties are handled exceptionally well by 13-inch vented front and 12.1-inch rear discs. Standard, eco, sport and personal drive modes are at the driver’s fingertips.
Ensconced on a steel unibody structure, QX55 is undoubtedly a boldly attractive vehicle beginning with a long clamshell hood that meets up with a double-arch black-metallic grille, flanked by horizontal LED headlights and fog lamps. Chrome accents deck up the exterior all-round. The cabin is packed with lavish features such as black natural maple wood and aluminum accents on the center console, dashboard, doors; head-up display, push-button ignition, 60/40-split rear seat, eight-way driver and four-way front-passenger power heated/cooled front seats, tri-zone auto a/c, 8-inch upper touch screen for navigation and a 7-inch lower screen for climate, audio and phone controls. InTouch, a rotary knob in the center console, controls the dual screens. Semi-aniline leather perforated seats look elegant. The familiar Infiniti double-wave instrument panel lights up with electroluminescent gauges. A mix of leather and aluminum on the short but easy-to-grip shifter knob convey a stylish touch. As for roominess, there is plenty with a total interior volume of 127.1 cubic feet, and 54.1 cubic feet with the rear seat down. A hidden under-floor bin is a bonus.
Dual front, side and knee airbags, side curtain airbag for both rows, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, vehicle dynamic and traction controls, antiskid system, front/rear crumple zones and parking sensors, front seat active-head restraints, blind spot and lane departure warnings, around-view monitor, hill start assist, rear-cross traffic alert and tire pressure monitor are standard. ProPilot Assist helps drivers to maintain their lane and set vehicle speed and distance to a car ahead.
The lively QX55 is quick on the road, boasting a first-rate ride and splendid handling. Not particularly fuel efficient, the agile and carlike crossover comes with plenty of luxuries to coddle its passengers. Lest we forget is the Infiniti Premium Care maintenance program that includes up to three years of inspections, oil changes, tire rotations, brake fluid change, in cabin air-filter replacement and tire road hazard.
QX55 (SENSORY, AWD)
Tires: 255/45R20
Wheelbase: 110.2 inches
Length: 186.3 inches
Height: 63.8 inches
Width: 74.9 inches
Fuel capacity: 16 gallons
City: 22 mpg
Highway: 28 mpg
Weight: 4,015 pounds
Base price: $58,500
Price as tested: $62,725
Web site: www.infinitiusa.com