Infiniti QX50 to be fledgling brand’s top-seller

Infiniti has struggled to capture the hearts and minds of luxury vehicle buyers since its 2013 arrival in Australia, where sales are down almost 14 per cent so far in 2018 with just 445 registrations.

However, Nissan’s premium brand is hoping to improve its sales fortunes by releasing its first mid-size SUV, the all-new Infiniti QX50, in the nation’s largest and fastest growing SUV segment.

In fact, although its local launch has been delayed from late this year to mid-2019, Infiniti expects the new QX50 to be its most popular model in Australia.

"We're pretty excited about this vehicle," said Infiniti Cars Australia corporate communications manager, Tony Mee.

"The QX50 is a medium SUV, which is one of the most popular sales segments in the country. The new styling, the VC engine and the interest in this segment means it has the potential to be a strong selling vehicle for the business."

The new Infiniti QX50 is claimed to usher in an all-new era for the brand, given it's based on all-new platform and will debut a world-first variable-compression (VC) engine, a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder offering plenty of power (200kW/380Nm) and diesel-like efficiency.

Slightly bigger than a Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X3, the Infiniti QX50 has a large boot, with a claimed 895 litres of cargo space that extends to 1699 litres with the second-row seats folded flat.

Front and all-wheel drive layouts will be available, all hooked up to a CVT automatic transmission, with AWD versions sprinting to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds and maxxing out at 230km/h.

The Infiniti QX50's all-new platform will enable all the latest semi-autonomous driving technology -- including automated steering, acceleration and braking -- and it will bring an all-new interior with high levels of luxury and a twin touch-screen infotainment system.

Specific pricing and equipment levels for the new model have not yet been announced for the Australian market, but Mee said the QX50 will beat its rivals when it comes to value.

"The strength of Infiniti is that when we sell a car, we sell a car with everything included. Look at our competition and you end up having to spend more for optional extras," said Mee.

It’s not yet clear where pricing for the new Infiniti QX50 will start, but expect it to undercut direct rivals like the Audi Q5 (from $65,900), BMW X3 ($66,529) and Mercedes-Benz GLC ($61,990).