Infiniti Unveils Refreshed QX50 CUV in New York

Infiniti unveils a refreshed version of its midsize CUV, the QX50 this morning at the 2015 New York International Auto Show.

The current QX50 debuted in fall 2007 in the U.S. as the EX35. In the time since, the small and midsize CUV segment has exploded in popularity, especially in the luxury sector.

However, the aging current QX50 hasn’t kept pace with competitors. Sales were down 12.5% through February to 365 units, WardsAuto data shows. Acura’s competing RDX sold 7,379 units in the same period, up 30.8% vs. like-2014.

One of the top complaints about the EX35/QX50, based on the old G35 sedan/coupe platform, is the CUV’s tight rear seat. Infiniti has added 3.2 ins. (8 cm) to the vehicle’s wheelbase, which helps increase rear legroom to 35.3 ins. (90 cm) from 28.5 ins. (72 cm) in the outgoing model.

Overall length also is up by 4.5 ins. (11 cm) and total interior volume grows by 8.3 cu.-ft. (3.8 cu.-m).

The QX50 also has slightly more ground clearance in both rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive variants than before.

The exterior of the ’16 QX50 is “coupe-inspired,” Infiniti says, and wears the brand’s signature double-arch front grille.