DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Infiniti QX Inspiration unveiled

Infiniti's next step in the future electrification of its range has debuted in Detroit today.

Revealed in full overnight, the Infiniti QX Inspiration concept introduces a battery/electric powertrain wrapped up in an SUV design that incorporates what is expected to be the brand's future styling theme.

And although the show car looks a long way from production reality, it is a "precursor" to a practical EV that will sell to customers in the real world, according to the manufacturer. As we reported earlier this month, the production counterpart to the Infiniti QX Inspiration will be aimed fair and square at Jaguar's I-PACE – there are even tell-tale styling cues in common – as well as Audi's e-tron and the Mercedes-Benz EQC.

"The QX Inspiration marks the beginning of a new generation of Infiniti cars and establishes a direct blueprint for the brand’s first electric vehicle," says Infiniti president, Christian Meunier.

"Based on a new, dedicated electric vehicle architecture and inspired by Infiniti’s Japanese DNA, the SUV concept previews a product portfolio which will offer high performance, ultra-low emissions, and range confidence."

Out here last year for the launch of the facelifted Infiniti QX80, the company's global Vice President, Francois Bancon told carsales.com.au that an SUV design study would be developed for the North American International Auto Show for 2019. Bancon also hinted that this vehicle would be a foretaste of the successor to the current QX70 model.

Infiniti apparently plans for all its future electric vehicles to feature the bold new design theme, which is founded in "the principles of modern Japanese design and architecture", with a marble centre console, rotating chairs and "spacious, relaxing, lounge-like interiors" at the core of the production vehicle's packaging.

According to the press release for the concept, the QX Inspiration's interior is related to 'Ma', a Japanese spatial concept that demonstrates "how open spaces between lines create tension and builds anticipation". Designers of the concept vehicle's cabin employed 'traditional techniques' and exclusive materials to create the right ambience. This 'lounge-like' ambience has been "influenced by ‘omotenashi’, the Japanese approach to hospitality."

Mechanically, the QX Inspiration will be all-wheel drive with an electric motor for each axle, much like Tesla's dual-motor configuration. Power for the motors will be stored in a high-capacity battery pack below the floor of the vehicle. Measuring 4.65m long, the QX Inspiration rides on a 2.85m wheelbase and is 1.63m high.