Mercedes and BMW were the pioneers in introducing what they referred to as the four-door coupe — or something along those lines. The concept was to take a more square and functional vehicle and give it a more sporty, coupe-style appearance while maintaining its practicality. For example, the Mercedes GLA is essentially a Mercedes GLB SUV — but with a lower and more sloping roofline to create a “coupe-like” look.
Certainly, attractive features usually come with a higher price and reduced practicality, and the Infiniti QX55 is no exception in these aspects.
What It Is
The QX55 is a more fashionable, pricier, and less functional variant of the Infiniti QX50, which is a small crossover featuring two rows and space for five passengers. Both models are available through Nissan’s premium brand, Infiniti.
Both models come with the same powertrain and numerous similar features and comforts, but the more fashionable QX55 — priced at $50,150 for the Lux trim — has a base cost approximately $7,100 more than the QX50, which starts at $43,000.
The base Lux model includes 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, leather seating, and a sunroof as standard features. All-wheel drive is also standard.
Upgrading to the Essential trim — $55,100 — includes seat heaters and a heated steering wheel, adaptive headlights that adjust with the steering wheel’s movement, and a 16-speaker Bose high-end audio system.
A premium Sensory trim — $58,650 — includes enhanced leather seating, a driver’s heads-up display, three-zone climate control, and heating elements for the rear passenger seats.
What’s New for 2025
The QX55 remains the same as before. The price has not changed, which implies that Infiniti has effectively reduced the cost due to the continuous depreciation of the dollar; in other words, “inflation.”
What’s Good
— More fashionable in appearance than the QX50.
— Still useful because it remains a crossover with four doors and offers significantly more cargo space thanks to its crossover design.
— Bigger than a Mercedes GLA — and significantly more affordable than a Mercedes GLE “coupe.”
What’s Not So Good
— It costs approximately $7,000 more to begin with than a Mercedes GLA.
— No engine upgrade available.
— Continuously variable transmission.
Under the Hood
Every QX55 (and every QX50) includes the same powertrain as standard. It features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, combined with a CVT and standard all-wheel drive.
The QX55 is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that features a variable compression system, allowing the compression ratio to be adjusted in order to enhance performance and fuel efficiency. This is done through connecting rods that can move relative to the engine’s crankshaft. Nissan/Infiniti is the sole automaker currently offering vehicles with variable compression technology.
Another unique aspect in the luxury crossover category is that the QX55’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is not combined with a hybrid system. Infiniti has been a late entrant in incorporating hybrid technology into its vehicles. However, it was among the first to implement the CVT as a way to meet regulatory requirements.
Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) first emerged in fuel-efficient vehicles, with Honda being one of the pioneers to introduce them. This is because a CVT, which lacks gears and shifts, provides better fuel efficiency compared to a traditional automatic transmission. The CVT functions by constantly adjusting the mechanical connection between the engine and the wheels to enhance fuel economy. The main goal is to maintain the engine at the precise RPM for any specific road speed and load, thereby maximizing its efficiency. In contrast, a conventional automatic transmission has fixed gears, making it less smooth. You’re typically in second, third, or fourth gear — not in between, which is where a CVT excels. That’s why a vehicle equipped with a CVT usually achieves about 3 miles per gallon more in official fuel economy tests than the same vehicle with an automatic transmission.
The issue with the CVT — found in a high-end vehicle — is that its seamless shifting performance frequently doesn’t align with how most luxury car buyers anticipate a premium vehicle to perform (and sound).
On the Road
The QX55 requires approximately 6.4 seconds to reach 60 mph. This is not quite as fast as competing compact crossovers from Mercedes and BMW, but it’s not far behind. slowA difference of 0.2 or 0.3 seconds is typically only perceptible by a stopwatch.
What stands out is the sensation and noise produced by the CVT — it resembles that of an economy car transmission, as that’s its intended purpose. The experience feels like a rubber band, almost as if it’s slipping while accelerating. In reality, it’s smoothly transitioning between ranges continuously. However, this creates a vague feeling and an unpleasant sound. The engine’s RPM increases and remains steady, then slightly drops or rises based on how much pressure the driver applies to the accelerator. It sounds and feels acceptable once reaching a steady speed; it’s the intermediate stages that aren’t ideal. A CVT in a Honda is quite different.
A Continuously Variable Transmission in an Infiniti is unique.
On the positive side, the QX55 doesn’t feature a large driver-distracting LCD screen, and it is among the rare new luxury crossovers that doesn’t include a “digital” dashboard. Rather, it has a cluster of analog-style instruments, which have turned into a symbol of luxury as most vehicles now come with inexpensive-looking smartphone-style displays.
Otherwise, there isn’t much distinction here. This doesn’t mean the QX55 isn’t enjoyable or comfortable to be in. The issue is that they all are; more specifically, that even vehicles from non-luxury brands offer the same level of comfort and enjoyment as those from luxury brands.
The main distinction today is how much each one costs.
At the Curb
The QX55 measures 186.3 inches in length, falling just 2 inches short of the QX50 on which it is built. However, the primary distinction lies in the roof design of the QX55. Additionally, there is a difference in height between the QX55 and the QX50.
The QX55 has a roofline height of 63.8 inches; the QX50 is over 2 inches taller (66 inches). This distinction gives the QX55 a more distinct appearance compared to a typical crossover, leaning towards a sportier design. Naturally, a sportier look often involves certain functional trade-offs, and this is no exception.
The QX55 offers less headroom in both rows compared to the QX50, which provides 41 inches of space in the front and approximately 39.1 inches for rear passengers. The QX55 has 39.9 inches of headroom in the front but only 36.9 inches in the back. Individuals who are 6 feet tall or taller might need to bend slightly to prevent their heads from touching the ceiling in the rear of the QX55.
There is, as expected, a reduction in cargo space. The QX50 offers 31.4 cubic feet of storage behind the second row and 65.1 cubic feet when the second-row seats are folded down. For the QX55, this decreases to 26.9 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row and 54.1 cubic feet in total.
The Rest
Rumors suggest that this will be the last year for the QX55, so if you’re considering purchasing one, now might be an excellent time to look, as dealers may be more open to negotiating on a model that is soon to be discontinued.
The Bottom Line
Sophistication often involves a cost, both in terms of functionality and money. How much do you value standing out?
Eric’s new book, “Doomed: Good Cars Gone Wrong!” is coming out soon. For more information about Eric and to read his previous columns, visit the Muara Digital TeamSyndicate website atwww.Muara Digital Team.
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