DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Infiniti QX Inspiration EV concept revealed

The wraps have come off the Infiniti QX Inspiration teased last year, a concept SUV that previews the luxury Asian marque's first EV and will feature several new technologies.

To be fully revealed at the 2019 Detroit motor show and aiming for a 2021 market launch, the swoopy-looking concept car previews the brand's first all-electric SUV designed to take on the likes of the Audi e-tron, Mercedes-Benz EQC and Jaguar I-PACE.

Infiniti, the luxury offshoot of Nissan, has not revealed any vital statistics for the new model but it will need to grind out at least 250kW of power and offer a range of 400-500km to compete with its prestige EV peers.

All the Japanese brand has confirmed thus far is the new model will provide 'complete range confidence'.

Battery recharge times will also be crucial - as will sharp pricing.

Although it could be a moot point for Australian buyers who have shunned the brand since it was launched here in 2013. With only a handful of dealers in Australia, the brand sold just 649 vehicles in 2018, down 16 per cent on the year prior.

The single photo reveals a new direction for the car-maker's EV range, which is described by Infiniti's design chief, Karim Habib, as "…the beginning of a new era for Infiniti, and an illustration of where we want to go with the brand".

Like the Audi e-tron, the wing mirrors have been replaced by small cameras and Habib hints at other new innovations besides.

"New technology has given us the opportunity to evolve our design philosophy – and the new vehicle communicates the 'serene strength' at our core," he said.

Understood to be very similar to the production model, Infiniti says the new QX Inspiration rides on a new EV platform that 'represents Infiniti's plans for high-performance electrified vehicles'.

Potential owners of the Infiniti QX Inspiration production model tipped to arrive in 2021 will be greeted with a hand-crafted interior with high-quality finishes, while the technology offerings will adhere to the Japanese principal of 'omotenashi', which centres on hospitality and a welcoming ambience.

Translation: car perfume and ambient LED cabin lights.

The new Infiniti QX Inspiration concept EV will be revealed at the 2019 Detroit motor show on January 14.