2021 INFINITI QX50 Press Kit

The INFINITI QX50, which was completely redesigned for the 2019 model year, continues to be refined for 2021 and adds a number of enhancements, including additional standard content on various grade levels. For example, there is a wider availability of navigation, ProPILOT Assist, Head-Up Display, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Prevention and Blind Spot Intervention.

Also, a new Mineral Black exterior color has been added, along with automatic collision notification and emergency call, and Wi-Fi hotspot across the model range. New laminated side windows for front-seat passengers enhance the already high level of interior quietness, and new rear seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags are added. Finally, a new Appearance Package with 20-inch black painted and machine finished aluminum-alloy wheels and black/dark chrome exterior and interior accents is now offered on the QX50 LUXE grade.

What's unchanged is the INFINITI QX50's extraordinarily high level of versatility, efficiency and performance among luxury mid-size crossovers. The bold exterior styling brings a fresh interpretation of INFINITI's distinctive "Powerful Elegance" design language to the QX50 crossover. The unrivaled interior space, artistic application of high-quality materials and advanced craftsmanship make the cabin as welcoming and comfortable as it is flexible.

The VC-Turbo engine, the world's first production variable compression ratio engine, delivers driving pleasure and efficiency in equal measure, while INFINITI Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and ProPILOT Assist technologies react discreetly to certain driving situations, supporting the driver with a range of empowering driver-assist features.

Powerful Elegance design, signature INFINITI details

The INFINITI QX50 is defined by its distinctive proportions, which set the car apart from its competitors. Influenced by INFINITI's "Powerful Elegance" design language – characterized by flowing sculptural lines and strong, muscular proportions – the 2021 QX50 has an elevated, commanding crossover stance and strong character lines.

Within this design theme, the company's signature design cues make the QX50 instantly recognizable as a modern INFINITI. For example, the INFINITI's exclusive double-arch grille gives the face of the QX50 a unique and distinguished appearance. On the QX50, the double-arch grille is wider with no gaps between the grille and the hood.

The QX50 features INFINITI's signature LED headlight design, which emulates the human eye in its appearance, alluring and intense when seen at a glance. The horizontal light signature cuts across the projector to make a visual statement, similar in execution to the headlamps from the INFINITI Q60 sports coupe.

The QX50's striking visual character is enhanced by a muscular, clamshell hood that also retains the SUV's balanced body proportions. A four-link hinge system has been created especially for the QX50, allowing deep, sharp-edged character lines to flow from the hood along the body. Integrating the A-pillar into this shape also makes the hood appear longer.

The QX50's sophisticated rear aspect is characterized by clean, simple lines and curves that release the visual energy built up from character lines flowing along the vehicle's sides. INFINITI's signature crescent-cut D-pillar extends the visual length of the roofline, and the rear pillar arcs forward, emphasizing motion even when the car is stationary. The design of the LED taillights matches the shape of the front headlamps. The rear light design connects visually to the chrome tailgate strip and runs into the sides of the QX50, creating an uninterrupted visual line flowing from the front to the rear of the car. Within the rear lower bumper, chrome dual exhaust tips complete the rear appearance.

The QX50's commanding stance is aided by a choice of 19- or 20-inch wheels – which also adds to its sense of agility and SUV-like ruggedness. The wheels are pushed toward the corners, helping minimize the intrusion of the wheel arches into the passenger cabin on interior space. The rear overhang is just 37.48 inches.

Aerodynamic efficiency is another key to the QX50's design, with the drag coefficient improved by 6% compared to the previous-generation QX50. The hood, A-pillar, tailgate and enclosed underbody are all specially designed to encourage airflow over, around and under the vehicle, with minimal turbulence. The bumpers and wheel arches feature air slits, inlets and outlets to assist efficient airflow.

In addition, the center of the QX50 roof is subtly recessed toward the rear of the car, and the side spoiler (connecting the sides of the rear spoiler to the rear window) and a defined trailing edge to the rear combination lamps each contribute toward a zero-lift design.

The available Motion Activated Liftgate allows the keyholder to automatically open the tailgate by waving a foot under the rear bumper, enabling them to open the tailgate even when their hands might be full. The tailgate can also be opened remotely, either from the driver's seat or by pressing a button on the key fob.

The QX50 is available in nine exterior colors: Majestic White (premium color), Liquid Platinum, Graphite Shadow, Dynamic Sunstone Red (premium color), Hermosa Blue, Lunar White, Black Obsidian, Mocha Almond (premium color) and new Mineral Black.

A spacious, calm and connected interior

As with the exterior, the design of the QX50 interior deliberately articulates a sense of advanced human artistry. There is also a strong focus on space and functionality, with innovative packaging that creates ideal roominess and flexibility.

The interior space is highly flexible with a sliding rear bench. The cargo area is 39.0 inches deep with the rear bench slid back – increasing to 44.9 inches with the seats moved forward. As one of few vehicles in its segment to offer sliding second-row seats, the QX50 boasts rear legroom of up to 38.7 inches – sufficient to let rear passengers cross their legs in comfort.

The trunk's volume is 31.1 cubic feet with the rear seats in their rear-most position, expanding to 64.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The trunk accommodates three golf bags or a stroller situated lengthwise, with space for additional cargo. Hidden under-floor storage compartments can stow valuable items or wet and muddy clothing.

The panoramic sunroof, which is standard on all models except PURE, stretches from the front row to the cargo area, providing a dramatic view of the sky for all passengers. The sunroof visually enhances interior space, flooding the interior with natural light to accentuate the sense of space.

The QX50's driver-centric, passenger-minded asymmetric interior design enhances the driving experience and creates a calm and connected space. It also offers technologies that enhance the potential for relaxation and calm, creating an environment suited to the driver and passengers' needs.

For the driver, the steering wheel has a sport-inspired form, shaped for a comfortable grip over long distances to minimize hand fatigue while allowing the driver to feel fully in control. Paddle shifters are mounted on the steering wheel, rather than the steering column, for ease of use. The wheel is finished in matte chrome and cross-stitched leather, while the gear shifter is also wrapped in leather and positioned for intuitive control.

An intuitive Human Machine Interface helps take the stress out of driving for greater comfort on longer journeys. The system adopts smartphone-style controls, and each of the screens can be operated with pinch-in/out operation.

The 2021 QX50's infotainment system features INFINITI InTouch™ dual HD displays with upper 8-inch and lower 7-inch VGA LCD touch screens. Apple CarPlay® integration and Android Auto™ integration are also standard on all QX50 grade levels. A Wi-Fi hotspot is standard for 2021.

The QX50 also connects users to the car with its InTouch infotainment system, allowing access to vehicle comfort and entertainment settings via dual screens at the center of the instrument panel. Users can interact intuitively with InTouch through the dual touch screens or through the INFINITI Controller, a dial on the center armrest. Occupants can also connect to InTouch via a hand-held device, meaning passengers can stream media from smartphones, tablets, MP3 players and notebooks, connecting devices with one of the four USB ports, or via Bluetooth® for wireless music streaming and voice calls. Video can also be connected and played back, and InTouch can synchronize with a phone's digital calendar.

Also, the Head-Up Display in the driver's line of sight shows important warnings and information on a 9-inch area on the windshield, requiring drivers to adjust their sightline by just 4 degrees, compared to the 20 degrees that is typical in other vehicles. It is standard on the SENSORY and AUTOGRAPH grades.

Heated and ventilated seats in the front, as well as a heated steering wheel, are also available. A Remote Engine Start System with Intelligent Climate Control allows the driver to start the engine remotely with the Intelligent Key and can cool or heat the cabin before entering.

The climate control function is designed to benefit all passengers — not just those in the front of the car. Dual-zone climate control automatically maintains the cabin temperature for driver and front passenger, while a more passenger-minded optional tri-zone automatic climate control extends temperature functions to the rear.

The optional Bose® Performance Series audio system replicates the rich sound of a live music performance. The 16-speaker system is tuned specifically for the QX50's interior acoustics, and the hardware underpinning the system includes an amplifier, a high-quality sound processer, tweeter speakers and a subwoofer. The Bose® Performance Series delivers deep, rich and nuanced sound to the driver and all passengers – while the depth of sound provided by the 16 speakers delivers clear, natural-sounding low and high frequencies.

Specialty trim and color combinations allow for personal expression inside the QX50. Interior package options give customers a choice of trim colors and materials. Colors include Graphite, Wheat/Black, Wheat/Brown and White, with each used across various surfaces, from the center console leather to other parts of the trim. Smooth leather or quilting is used for seats, with open-pore wood or aluminum adorning the dashboard.

Using bespoke manufacturing methods, wrap-and-sew detailing is a highlight of the handcrafted ambiance. The leather on the dash is selected for its quality and is hand-wrapped over the edges of the panels. The seats, door panels and dashboard feature a laser hole-cut stitch pattern specifically tailored to follow the curves of the interior surfaces. Contrast color stitching is used on the seats, paired with 3-millimeter piping for a luxury look and feel. Even items that are typically complicated to manufacture, such as the instrument panel's wave form, use wrap-and-sew production methods.

Where many luxury vehicle interiors use high-gloss wood surfaces to create the perception of quality, the QX50 is finished in genuine, matte-finish, open-pore maple wood. The wood is treated to retain its natural characteristics in texture and appearance, with the grain of the wood still detectable to the touch.

The world's first production VC-Turbo

The 2021 QX50 is again powered by INFINITI's 2.0-liter VC-Turbo, the world's first production variable compression ratio engine – one of the most advanced internal combustion engines ever created.

This unique variable compression technology represents a breakthrough in combustion engine design. The engine continually transforms, adjusting its compression ratio to optimize power and fuel efficiency. As a result, it combines the power of a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with enhanced torque and efficiency.

The VC-Turbo changes its compression ratio seamlessly with an advanced multi-link system, continuously raising or lowering the pistons' reach to transform compression ratio – offering both power and efficiency on demand. A high compression ratio gives greater efficiency, but in certain applications poses the risk of premature combustion (knocking). A low compression ratio allows for greater power and torque, and it avoids knocking.

In operation, the VC-Turbo engine offers any compression ratio between 8:1 (for high performance) and 14:1 (for high efficiency). The engine delivers 268 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. The VC-Turbo's specific power output is higher than many competing turbocharged gasoline engines and comes close to the performance of some V-6 gasoline engines. The unit's single-scroll turbo ensures immediate accelerator responses on demand.

Equipped with the VC-Turbo engine, the 2021 QX50 is competitively efficient and delivers fuel economy of 26 mpg combined for front-wheel drive and 25 mpg combined for all-wheel-drive models.

Other highlights of the VC-Turbo include compact packaging and weight-saving technologies. The engine block and cylinder head are cast in lightweight aluminum alloy, while the transformative multi-link components are manufactured in high-carbon steel alloy. Compared to INFINITI's 3.5-liter VQ V-6 engine, the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo weighs about 40 pounds less and requires less space in the engine bay.

The engine employs the world's first multi-link system and an electric motor with a unique Harmonic Drive reduction gear to transform its compression ratio. The electric motor is connected to the Harmonic Drive with a control arm; as the Harmonic Drive rotates, the control shaft at the base of the engine rotates, moving the multi-link system within the engine. As the angle of the multi-link arms changes, it adjusts the top-dead-center position of the pistons – and the compression ratio with them. An eccentric control shaft changes the compression ratio of all the cylinders at the same time. As a result, the engine capacity varies between 1,997 cc (for a low 8:1 ratio) and 1,970 cc (high 14:1 ratio).

The VC-Turbo engine combines a number of existing INFINITI technologies to realize its variable nature. The engine employs both multi-point injection and gasoline direct injection to balance efficiency and power in all conditions:

• Gasoline direct injection improves combustion efficiency and performance, and enables the engine to avoid knocking at higher compression ratios;
• Multi-point injection mixes fuel and air earlier, enabling complete combustion in the chamber for greater efficiency at low engine loads.

The engine switches between both at regular engine speeds, with both sets of injectors able to work in conjunction under higher loads.

INFINITI's low-friction mirror bore coating contributes to a 44% reduction in cylinder friction, allowing the engine to rotate more smoothly. The coating is applied to the cylinder walls by a plasma jet, then hardened and honed to create ultra-smooth cylinder walls.

The QX50's 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine also employs the world's first active engine mount vibration damping system, called an Active Torque Rod, to reduce engine noise even further. The QX50 is the only vehicle in its class to offer this kind of technology.

Intuitive ProPILOT Assist and Direct Adaptive Steering

The 2021 QX50 offers available ProPILOT Assist, as well as the first crossover and first front-wheel-drive application of Direct Adaptive Steering, which is now in its fourth generation. Both technologies are critical elements in INFINITI's vision for driver-assistance technologies that allow drivers to retain ultimate control over their vehicles.

ProPILOT Assist, which is now standard on all grade levels except PURE, is the umbrella term under which all future INFINITI driver-assist technologies will be based and represents the first step in their development. These technologies support the driver in identifying and responding to other road users and potential hazards. Drawing on radar and camera inputs to read the road ahead and monitor the position of vehicles in front, the system allows the car to react accordingly. The framework that underpins ProPILOT Assist will be developed in the future with a series of new functionalities.

As the first in a potential suite of driver-assist technologies, ProPILOT Assist can help the driver control acceleration, braking and steering during single-lane highway driving. ProPILOT Assist takes over single-lane driving operation at the push of a button, and the driver can choose to let the car operate on his or her behalf in stop-and-go traffic. The technologies that make up the ProPILOT Assist system include Direct Adaptive Steering and Intelligent Cruise Control.

The 2021 QX50 offers two adaptive steering systems: rack-electric power steering and the fourth-generation version of INFINITI's Direct Adaptive Steering — a steer-by-wire system that supports driver-assist technologies by providing smooth operation, allowing for more direct steering responses and easy maneuverability.

The Direct Adaptive Steering system has been tuned to provide greater customizability in the QX50, with less negative steering and road surface feedback. The electronic connection gives the driver instantaneous steering responses for a linear and secure driving experience.

Direct Adaptive Steering works with ProPILOT Assist to enable a range of single-lane driver assistance functions. The steer-by-wire system links with the driver assistance function to provide intelligent lane-keeping when driving in a straight line and through curves, while offering drivers precise, high-feedback steering with ProPILOT Assist turned off. Direct Adaptive Steering is standard on THE 2021 QX50 AUTOGRAPH.

The rack-electric power steering system is a rack-and-pinion configuration, supported by an electric motor. It offers a natural build-up in the level of steering effort required from the driver as speeds increase while enabling measured and linear steering responses at low steering angles.

Both steering systems are adaptive, empowering drivers to tailor steering characteristics to their individual preferences via the Drive Mode Selector.

Safety, security and driver-assistance updates include a wide range of standard advanced technologies: Rear Automatic Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, High Beam Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and rear parking sensors. Traffic Sign Recognition is standard on ESSENTIAL, SENORY and AUTOGRAPH grades.

Other available technology includes an available Around View Monitor (AVM), which offers a 360-degree overhead view of the space around the QX50 – displayed on the center console screen – to aid parking in tight spaces. Moving Object Detection works in tandem with AVM to alert the driver of people or objects that move into proximity of the vehicle. Four parking sensors in each of the front and rear bumpers (eight in total) make the QX50 even easier to park.

Additional notable safety features available to 2021 QX50 buyers include pre-crash seat belt technology, Adaptive Front lighting System with high beam assist, a tire inflation indicator and lighter steering for certain parking situations.

Advanced platform and all-wheel-drive technology

The QX50's platform provides ideal underpinnings with superior space, flexibility, ride sophistication and structural integrity. The platform's front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout is engineered with flexibility of application in mind, setting new standards for refinement, rigidity and interior space in the compact luxury crossover segment.

The QX50's body-mass index (the body shell's ratio of weight-to-size) is one of the best in the segment. The body-in-white is large but lightweight, weighing just 923.7 lbs. A double-ring structure provides the body shell with a naturally strong frame, in particular reinforcing the rear of the car and the area around the tailgate, contributing to ideal rigidity.

This generation QX50 also represents the first automotive use of SHF (Super High Formability) 980 MPa high-tensile steel, further strengthening the platform. The high-tensile material can be molded into unprecedented shapes, saving weight and representing a torsional rigidity improvement of 23% over the previous QX50. This rigidity allows the car to resist flex and vibrations, while also reducing the noise transmitted to the cabin.

In addition to reducing flex and body vibrations, the high rigidity body provides a stable base for the QX50's front and rear suspension systems, steering and brakes to perform optimally and to provide the driver with greater control.

The QX50's MacPherson strut front suspension system delivers immediate responses during spirited driving, with geometry set up to also provide high levels of straight-line stability and ride sophistication.

The QX50's damping control system maximizes body control and ensures a comfortable ride by isolating vibrations and reducing unwanted body motions. The system, fitted to the struts, uses a floating valve in the dampers. It is tuned to provide greater control and reduce the level of elasticity in driver inputs – the lurching delay between the driver turning the wheel and the car reacting – while enabling a greater degree of compliance and shock absorption at wheel level. Under cornering, the valve adds greater damping force to reduce body roll and aid immediate handling responses. At steady straight-line speeds, a reduced level of damping force aids cruising comfort.

The QX50's braking system is engineered to deliver comfort and responsiveness and provide confident braking in all conditions. Ventilated disc brakes are fitted on both axles, with larger front brakes than the previous generation QX50 (growing 0.4 inches in diameter to 13.0 inches). The brake booster features a tie-rod system that reduces the need for higher brake pedal pressure.

The 2021 QX50 offers a choice of 19-inch wheels with 235/55R19 tires (PURE, LUXE, ESSENTIAL) or three 20-inch wheel designs with 255/45R20 tires (SENSORY, ESSENTIAL and new black painted and machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels with LUXE Appearance Package). The run-flat tires strike a balance between design, practicality and refinement.

Customers can specify their QX50 with either Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or the standard front-wheel drive (FWD) drivetrain.

The optional AWD system offers all-season safety, providing optimal handling performance and maximum driver confidence in variable conditions. The drivetrain offers two-wheel drive efficiency, with all-wheel traction when the driver requires it. The AWD drivetrain continuously monitors traction levels and wheel spin and can send up to 50% of the engine's torque to the rear wheels to maintain traction. If the extra rear-wheel traction isn't required, the drivetrain defaults to front-wheel drive for maximum efficiency. When accelerating from a standstill, the system automatically reverts to AWD power delivery, with a 50:50 front-to-rear torque split.

The AWD system also features two special elements to its Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system. Active Brake Limited Slip enables wheels to brake individually and isolates the delivery of torque to those wheels with the most grip. Active Trace Control provides braking to individual wheels to limit understeer when cornering.

The FWD system is engineered to deliver the same handling characteristics under most conditions as AWD models. The FWD drivetrain constantly monitors traction levels at the front axle and keeps wheelspin in check. FWD models are equipped with VDC as standard, offering the same Active Trace Control system as AWD models to ensure confidence-inspiring handling. The rear suspension is revised to accommodate the lighter weight over the rear axle.

Every QX50 is also equipped with an advanced Drive Mode Selector, which allows the driver to select the driving mode that best suits his or her preferences and present road conditions by adjusting engine torque output, transmission shift points, steering ratios and steering effort in each of the four drive modes – Standard, ECO, Sport and Personal.

Standard is suitable for everyday driving, while Sport mode enables more immediate throttle responses and adjusts the engine output to deliver higher power and torque. Personal mode empowers drivers to pick their settings. The engine and transmission can be set to Sport, ECO or Standard settings, while steering effort can be set to Sport or Standard. Furthermore, owners of Direct Adaptive Steering-equipped models can tailor steering responses to Default, Dynamic or Dynamic+, with Dynamic+ offering the most immediate reactions to driver inputs. The Drive Mode Selector gives drivers of all models the option to turn off Active Trace Control.

The QX50 also features a pair of active sound control technologies: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Active Sound Enhancement (ASE). ANC reduces noise to give the QX50 one of the quietest cabins in its class. It uses two microphones to identify undesirable low-frequency engine noise (booming), then neutralizes it by playing opposing sound waves through the door speakers.

ASE adds to the driving experience by enhancing the sound of the QX50's performance. Noise cancellation technology provides a quiet platform and enhances the engine note through the speakers, augmenting certain engine noise frequencies under acceleration.

Choice of five well-equipped grade levels

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 luxury mid-size crossover is offered in five well-equipped grade levels and a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

The 2021 QX50 PURE comes equipped with standard features and equipment including the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine, paddle shifters, 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, LED headlamps and LED signature Daytime Running Lights, leatherette seats, Intelligent Key, power liftgate, INFINITI InTouch dual display system, Forward Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, High Beam Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Automatic Braking, rear parking sensors, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, Wi-Fi hotspot and much more.

The QX50 LUXE model adds the power panoramic sunroof, LED fog lamps, roof rails, auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote engine start, HomeLink® universal transceiver and for 2021, heated front seats, Distance Control Assist, Blind Spot Intervention, Intelligent Cruise Control, ProPILOT Assist and Lane Departure Prevention.

The 2021 QX50 ESSENTIAL model includes INFINITI InTouch with Navigation and INFINITI InTouch Services, Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection, heated outside mirrors, front parking sensors, Traffic Sign Recognition and more.

The QX50 SENSORY model adds 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Bose® Performance Series audio system, leather-appointed seats, heated steering wheel, Cube design LED headlights, Adaptive Front lighting System, Head-Up Display and more.

Finally, the 2021 QX50 AUTOGRAPH model includes Direct Adaptive Steering, climate-controlled seats, Tri-zone Climate Control, Motion Activated Liftgate, semi-aniline leather-appointed seating, ambient lighting, natural maple wood interior trim, Ultrasuede headliner, pillars and accents and more.

Also available are four special option packages, including Convenience Package, Climate Package, Premium White Leather Package and the new Appearance Package with 20-inch black and machine finished aluminum-alloy wheels, 255/45R20 all-season run-flat tires, black outside mirror caps, heated outside mirrors, black grille mesh, dark chrome front grille surround, dark chrome front fender accents, dark chrome tailgate finisher; body color rear diffuser and graphite headliner.

# # #