Infiniti showcases its fully electric concept SUV, the QX Inspiration

Making its debut at the 2019 North American International Auto Show, the Infiniti QX Inspiration mid-sized SUV concept serves as a precursor to the brand’s first fully-electric vehicle.

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. 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 total range confidence,” said Christian Meunier, President, Infiniti.

The all-wheel drive QX Inspiration concept signals a new era for Infiniti design enabled by technology, with a form language hinting at the potency and character of electrified powertrains. The new concept sets a direct precedent for the company's first fully-electric production car, illustrating how new architectures and technologies that are influencing modern Infiniti design. It also draws on the Japanese spatial concept of ‘Ma', demonstrating how open spaces between lines create tension and builds anticipation.

Infiniti's future models will offer drivers a mixture of fully-electric, e-POWER and performance hybrid vehicles. These powertrains will be matched with dedicated platforms and vehicle architectures, delivering the high performance, complete range confidence and low environmental impact that buyers are coming to expect from premium car manufacturers.

With the planned electrification of Infiniti's future product portfolio, the QX Inspiration signals the brand's intention to produce a fully-electric mid-sized SUV, based on an all-new vehicle platform which could accommodate a powerful electric all-wheel drive (e-AWD) system. The concept's SUV packaging means the high-capacity battery pack can be located below the vehicle floor, feeding power to a pair of electric motors (one on each axle).

This Japanese DNA continues into the cabin. The interior of the QX Inspiration concept is hand-crafted using traditional techniques and a choice of materials inspired by a subtle Japanese sensuality. The development of new electrified vehicle platforms enables the creation of spacious, lounge-like interiors influenced by ‘omotenashi', the Japanese approach to hospitality. Providing a seamlessly enabling and instinctive experience, the cabin incorporates technologies to create a welcoming environment, while assisting drivers and connecting occupants to the world around them.

“Global demand for SUVs continues to grow, as does the numbers of drivers willing to make the shift to an electrified powertrain. QX Inspiration meets at the intersection of these trends and sets a direct precedent for the launch of a powerful all-electric SUV. Infiniti is a brand built on the idea of technological innovation, and the electrification of our product line-up is a natural next step for us. The QX Inspiration concept signals the direction we plan to take,” added Meunier.

“QX Inspiration is the manifestation of our electric ambition and has been 30 years in the making,” said Karim Habib, Executive Design Director, Infiniti.