Infiniti QX55 SUV-coupe previewed

Japanese premium brand Infiniti has confirmed a sportier coupe version of the current QX50 mid-size SUV is on the way and that it will carry the QX55 badge.

The surprisingly rakish QX55 was previewed via a simple line drawing of the forthcoming SUV, which will be smaller than the existing Infiniti QX60 and has been created by Infiniti to go head-to-head with BMW's X4 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.

The big question is whether Australians will ever have access to it, given neither the QX60 nor the QX50 themselves are available yet Down Under, where the Infiniti SUV line-up comprises the only small, soon-to-be-retired QX30, the large QX70 and the huge Patrol-based QX80.

Set to share its platform and advanced variable-compression 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with the QX50, the more stylish QX55 will dwarf its rivals in size, helping it offer best-in-class luggage capacity and passenger space.

There's no word yet if, like the QX50, the QX55 will be offered with both front- and all-wheel drive layouts – but all versions will almost certainly come with the car-maker's CVT automatic transmission.

It's unclear when Infiniti plans to unveil the QX55, but the first tease could hint at a reveal at this October's Tokyo motor show.