Infiniti first started selling vehicles about three decades ago.
It was launched as a distinct subdivision by Nissan for one purpose – to produce vehicles for the luxury end of the market.
Alas, when it comes to products of any sort, not just cars, some words are difficult to quantify.
Luxury is one of them.
Fortunately, that’s not a tough one to answer when it comes to the QX55, Infiniti’s latest five-door crossover SUV – it’s all about looks, presence and style.
Even though the QX55 is the sportier counterpart of the QX50, it is still not the most powerful vehicle in its class.
Not a problem, as that doesn’t stop it being an entertaining and convivial ride in its own right.
Blind power isn’t necessarily what it’s all about with cars, and the driving experience in the QX55 is testament to this.
Infiniti describes the car as provocative, and many might consider that a reasonable description.
When you get behind the wheel, you’ll trip along nicely in your fancy little QX55, as you would expect to in any cheery looker that handles pleasingly.
Actually, the car is not so little, we should add in the interests of avoiding the use of another word that can be difficult to quantify.
The QX55 is smaller in stature than its siblings in the Infiniti range though. And, as is the case in all car line-ups with distinct size differentials, this gives the new arrival a compact and friendly look on the forecourt.
That’s not to say it’s overly cutesy – Infiniti is keen to underline the exterior of the car has been inspired by the racetrack.
The front splitter has a bold and aggressive look, while the surrounds on the fog lights owe a lot to the kind of lines you see on models veering towards the sportier end of the coupe range.
That fastback silhouette, signified by the way the roof slopes back towards the tail to avoid any blocky looks, also gives the car an emphatic look.
Some Japanese heritage has been adopted into the look of the car as well.
Infiniti says the double-arch grille was designed to resemble a classic garden bridge, complete with an origami-inspired mesh pattern.
SPECS
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Inside, the QX55 retains its quality edge.
Laser-cut stitching is a feature on the faux leather covering the seats, door panels and dashboard (though real leather is available as an option), with the entire layout leaning towards simplicity in a positive way.
There is a dual-screen set-up inside the cabin, with an upper display providing navigation and its lower counterpart providing the infotainment options.
All models are fitted with Infiniti’s ProPilot suite of driver aides.
There are three different trim lines available for the QX55 – Luxe, Essential and Sensory, with that last one living up to its name as it has extra power lumbar massage options.
An Infiniti will always get you a few looks when you drive it, and the QX55 is something you’d be quite happy to be seen in.
Not least because it’s all about those looks, presence and style.
Or, for short, let’s just call it luxury, right?
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In Search of Mary Shelley: The Girl Who Wrote Frankenstein
By Fiona Sampson
Profile
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Sebastian Stefan, Sebastian Morar and Claudia Pacurar
Based: Dubai, UAE
Founded: 2014
Number of employees: 36
Sector: Logistics
Raised: $2.5 million
Investors: DP World, Prime Venture Partners and family offices in Saudi Arabia and the UAE
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
APPLE IPAD MINI (A17 PRO)
Display: 21cm Liquid Retina Display, 2266 x 1488, 326ppi, 500 nits
Chip: Apple A17 Pro, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
Storage: 128/256/512GB
Main camera: 12MP wide, f/1.8, digital zoom up to 5x, Smart HDR 4
Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide, f/2.4, Smart HDR 4, full-HD @ 25/30/60fps
Biometrics: Touch ID, Face ID
Colours: Blue, purple, space grey, starlight
In the box: iPad mini, USB-C cable, 20W USB-C power adapter
Price: From Dh2,099
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Biography
Favourite book: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Holiday choice: Anything Disney-related
Proudest achievement: Receiving a presidential award for foreign services.
Family: Wife and three children.
Like motto: You always get what you ask for, the universe listens.
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
Bio:
Favourite Quote: Prophet Mohammad's quotes There is reward for kindness to every living thing and A good man treats women with honour
Favourite Hobby: Serving poor people
Favourite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite food: Fish and vegetables
Favourite place to visit: London
ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA
Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi
Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser
Rating: 4.5/5
SPECS
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