One year after its introduction, Infiniti has made a few tweaks to its QX55 Crossover Coupe. The 2023 model I drove, available in three trims, now comes standard with leather-appointed perforated seats and the automaker’s ProPilot Assist technology.
The system features Intelligent Cruise Control including Full-Speed Range and Hold with Steering Assist.
The three trims are named Luxe, Essential or Sensory, which is the version I tested recently.
The QX55 has a starting price of $57,505, with the Sensory running you $62,595. As tested, after an $1,200 option for the nice Dynamic Red colour, and other fees, it totals $66,090.
The Sensory has some exclusive features that are nice to have, including a head-up display (HUD), motion-activated liftgate, heated rear seats and enhanced ambient lighting. The seats are also upgraded to semi-aniline leather.
Powertrain: Under the sleek hood of the QX55 lies a small but mighty engine.
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine produces 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, which are pretty good numbers and do give the vehicle plenty of potency.
The engine is paired to a continuously variable transmission that uses shift-by-wire technology, allowing the driver to control it via paddle-shifters.
The QX55 has three drive modes for the powertrain to suit your needs: Standard, Eco, Sport and Personal (custom).
Fuel efficiency for the vehicle is listed at a combined average of 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres (premium fuel), and I averaged 12.3 L/100 km.
Exterior: The QX55 is a pretty elegant looking vehicle, and the Dynamic Red paint is a colour I really enjoyed on this model.
There are a few items that grab your attention, notably the large – really large – front chrome grille. Then you have a really nice set of 20-inch alloy wheels and what Infiniti calls “digital piano key” taillights.
The QX55 has a very pronounced roofline at the back, with a steeply raked rear window. On our Sensory tester, the powered rear hatch features a motion-activated sensor so you can open the door with the kick of a foot.
Interior: I really liked the interior of the QX55 we tested thanks to the elegant colour of the seats and trim. It really pops against the rest of the black in the cabin and makes the vehicle feel sporty and upscale.
The seating is comfortable and supportive thanks to the zero gravity seats from the automaker, and they are heated or cooled. The layout of the cabin has everything easily within reach, with a good mix of physical controls and digital ones via the touchscreens.
Rather than one larger screen in the central stack, Infiniti has opted for a dual screen design.
Legroom in the rear is pretty generous, however headroom could be tight for taller occupants.
Cargo space is very generous as well, although the swooping rear hatch means taller items could also be an issue unless you can lie them down.
Infotainment: As mentioned above, the two-screen setup (8-inch upper, 7-inch lower) allows for information to be shown clearly on either. The top is primarily the navigation/map, while the lower screen is for the radio and other features.
It comes with wireless Apple CarPlay, while Android Audi still requires a USB cable.
The QX55 Sensory features a very sweet 16-speaker Bose sound system, so audiophiles can really enjoy this one.
Drive: The turbo engine in the QX55 is pretty good and delivers plenty of power under your foot, with little hesitation.
The vehicle features standard intelligent all-wheel drive system, which can move up to 50 per cent of the engine’s power to the rear wheels as needed.
2023 Infiniti QX55 Sensory AWD
2023 Infiniti QX55 Sensory AWD
2023 Infiniti QX55 Sensory AWD
2023 Infiniti QX55 Sensory AWD
2023 Infiniti QX55 Sensory AWD
2023 Infiniti QX55 Sensory AWD
2023 Infiniti QX55 Sensory AWD
2023 Infiniti QX55 Sensory AWD
2023 Infiniti QX55 Sensory AWD
I found the ride to be comfortable and well balanced, and handling in corners was good. The steering feel was light and responsive.
Conclusion: The QX55 is still a relative newcomer on the marketplace, but it should put the competition on notice. Looks wise, this is among the top in the segment in my opinion, and the performance and interior make this a very appealing crossover.
2023 Infiniti QX55 Sensory AWD
Price as tested: $65,990.00
Freight: $2,495.00
Configuration: Front engine/All-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 2.0-litre turbo 4-cylinder/ Continuously variable transmission
Power/torque: 268 horsepower/ 280 lb-ft of torque
Fuel (capacity): Premium (60.5 L)
Combined fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 9.5 L/100 km
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 12.3 L/100 km
Warranties: 4-years/100,000 km (basic)
Competitors: Audi Q5 Sportback, BMW X4, Genesis GV70, Mercedes-Benz GLC
Website: Infiniti Canada