Road test: Plush 2024 Infiniti QX55 shows style and substance


Simon Wilgress-Pipe
  • English
  • Arabic

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.

The fastback stylings give the QX55 an aerodynamic edge. Photo: Infiniti
The fastback stylings give the QX55 an aerodynamic edge. Photo: Infiniti

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

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. 

While you're here
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

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Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi

Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser

Rating: 4.5/5

SPECS
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Updated: November 04, 2023, 4:05 AM`