If it’s the very best in Far Eastern style and panache you desire from your next car, then look no further than Inifiniti. The luxury brand has more than a mere foothold outside of its traditional Asian markets, firmly establishing itself as a keen competitor to the cream of Europe’s premium marques in their own back yard. Known primarily for its C-Class and 3 Series-bothering Q50 sports saloon as well as the more compact Q30, Inifiniti is also looking to make its mark in the crossover arena with the Q30’s high-riding new sibling the QX30 on the way in 2017.
Another area in which the Japanese brand is looking to make inroads in the near future is the SUV segment. Currently, the aging QX70 is the only credible option on the table chez Infiniti for anyone in search of all-terrain luxury, but that might not be the case for too much longer. Meet the potential future face of the Infiniti SUV; the QX Sport Inspiration concept.
Crafted and unveiled at the brand’s design studio in Beijing, two days before the city’s annual international motoring extravaganza gets underway, the QX Sport concept sets out on a very different path from any of its SUV or crossover predecessors in the Infinity stable. Sculptural flowing lines abound with the rear portion of the car featuring tapered coupé-like roofline and squinting rear lamps. A diffuser is bookended by twin oblong exhausts, lending the SUV a clear sporty flair. Elsewhere, the QX Sport puts a fresh take on some classic Infiniti design cues, including the signature double-arch grille, ‘human eye’ headlamps and a new interpretation of the crescent-shaped C-pillars seen previously on the Q30 and upcoming QX30 compacts.
Vertical blade-shaped inlets for break cooling sit parallel to the front bumper, whilst a second pair or vents behind the bold front wheel arches form part of the concepts aerodynamic package. Additionally, small rear-facing cameras take the place of conventional rear-view mirrors and a panoramic glass roof extending the full length of the cabin adds one final premium touch.
Predominantly black and white, the QX Sport’s interior seats four in comfort, with a retractable fifth seat in the centre of the rear bench available whenever required.
The leather multi-function steering wheel comes equipped paddle-shifters whilst driving modes are selected via a centre console-mounted dial. For rear-seat passengers, Infiniti have thrown in a small touchscreen panel between the front seats with integrated ventilation controls.
The launches of the Q30 as well as its forthcoming crossover sibling the QX30 have helped increase Infiniti’s reach at the compact end of the market. Now, the QX Sport concept hints at giving the same impetus to its ambitions in the flourishing SUV market.
The QX Sport Inspiration makes its public debut on 25 April when doors officially open at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show.
