BEIJING MOTOR SHOW: Infiniti QX Sport concept

Infiniti’s Beijing QX Sport Inspiration concept has thrown open speculation the Nissan-owned premium brand is set to widen its SUV portfolio.

At first expected to preview the next-generation QX70, the QX Sport Inspiration is now believed to be targeting a new segment for the marque.

Although officially a concept, QX Sport’s dimensions are all but production-ready.

At 4600mm long and with a 2800mm wheelbase, the concept is more than 250mm shorter and rides on a wheelbase 85mm shorter than the existing QX70.

This and comments from senior Infiniti execs have led to suggestions the QX Sport will spawn a production model for Infiniti to replace the existing US-only QX50 targeted at the likes of Audi’s Q5 and BMW’s X3.

"The QX Sport Inspiration comes at a time when Infiniti continues to expand its product portfolio globally – into new and popular segments, stated Francois Bancon, Infiniti Vice President Product Strategy.

“We design concept cars with true production potential, and the QX Sport Inspiration offers a vision of how Infiniti could bring something exciting and new to the mid-sized SUV segment," he said.

Infiniti has a QX60 available in some left-hand drive markets. A three-row vehicle, it is based on the current Nissan Pathfinder. The QX Sport is strictly a two-row (a four-seater in concept form) and is aggressively styled and stanced.

Said Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director: "The QX Sport Inspiration expresses power and purpose through what we describe as its 'proportional clarity'... The exterior design will appeal to an artistic sensibility. It has a more flowing, natural aesthetic than that evident in traditional premium SUVs."

“Off-road versatility” is promised thanks to 230mm of ground clearance.

No drivetrain details have been released.

The vehicle also moves on a number of the brand’s design elements, most obviously a new interpretation of Infiniti's "crescent-cut" C-pillar.

Infiniti says this is inspired by the brand’s Paris 2014 Q80 Inspiration flagship concept.

But, says Albaisa, there are also elements of practicality in the new crossover. The sills include recessed steps for driver and passenger, for example, and the bold front venting is all functional.

The QX Sport’s panoramic glass roof features a “Cosmic Chrome” gradation,“visually blending the glasshouse into the rear roof spoiler, creating a distinctive aesthetic feature,” says the car-maker.

The interior is pure concept car. The production version will almost certainly arrive with a conventional five-seat layout.

Expect many of the saddle-leather surfaces to be consigned to the design studio floor and the bold black and white interior will also be toned down.

At this stage Infiniti Australia has no information about production plans for QX Sport, nor its relevance to the local marketplace.

Given the strength of mid-size luxury SUV sales Down Under, however, you’d be brave betting against the car coming to Australia in due course.