YOKOHAMA, Japan — Infiniti’s next-generation QX60 crossover will get more muscular, premium styling that heralds a reboot for the brand.
Infiniti Chairman Peyman Kargar expects next year’s arrival of the QX60 three-row midsize crossover, along with the launch of the new QX55 coupe-styled compact crossover, to stoke sales while winning new customers.
“We are beginning a new era for Infiniti,” Kargar said. “We are going to conquest additional customers, clearly. That’s really one of the important objectives we have, and this is related to the additional extra volume we are targeting. We are very confident in this.”
Infiniti previewed the new design last week by unveiling the QX60 Monograph, a platinum-hued, close-to-market design study for the next-generation QX60.
Updating the QX60 is a critical step in rejuvenating Infiniti, said Kargar, who took over as global brand chief in June. The nameplate is the brand’s No. 2 seller worldwide behind the QX50 crossover, with cumulative sales of 400,000 globally since its launch in March 2012.
The QX60 Monograph was to make its auto show debut at the Beijing Motor Show, which was scheduled to start Saturday, Sept. 26. The production version will initially be made in Smyrna, Tenn., alongside its Nissan brand stablemate, the Pathfinder midsize crossover, and be sold in all Infiniti markets.
Infiniti is pitching the next QX60 as a “sophisticated yet functional solution for a busy, modern family.” The overall design is more stout, sleek, futuristic and, importantly, premium.
Kargar said the QX60 will get upgrades in information technology and quality in interior and exterior accoutrements. Details on the drivetrain will be announced later.
The Monograph’s raised hood profile, sculpted shoulder line and bulging rear-wheel arch accentuate the athletic look while lifting the visual center of gravity. The sleeker greenhouse blends into blacked-out pillars and black roof, resulting in a longer-looking cabin.
In the front and rear, the Monograph gets “digital piano key” lighting that projects a futuristic feel, while the rear lamps wrap around the tail in a continuous swoop.
“The current QX60 … is known for offering spacious packaging and comfortable, dedicated three-row seating,” Infiniti said. “The proportions of the QX60 Monograph illustrate Infiniti’s intention to maintain these strengths while transforming the model with a more aerodynamic, muscular silhouette.”