2017 Infiniti QX30 First Look Review

The line between cars and crossovers seems to grow thinner with every auto show. The most recent example is the new 2017 Infiniti QX30 crossover, which is essentially a jacked-up crossover version of the Q30 we saw earlier this year.

Infiniti unveiled the newest member to its QX lineup of crossovers and SUVs prior to the official kickoff to the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show. As we previously reported, Infiniti took advantage of its relatively new relationship with Daimler to develop the QX30. Its chassis, suspension, and powertrain are sourced from the Mercedes-Benz MFA compact car platform that underpins the CLA- and GLA-Class. Infiniti could’ve opted for the Nissan Juke or Rogue’s chassis, but the Benz connection was a wise choice in achieving a finished product that truly feels premium, based on our initial experience with Q30.

Infiniti’s styling has been on point recently, and the QX30 is no different. It’s much bolder than its German counterpart and has the same sharp, deep creases found on the Q30. Exterior design touches unique to the QX30 include plastic cladding on the lower edges of the rocker panel, wheelwells, and bumpers, as well as metallic trim meant to look like skidplates. Ride height, of course, is slightly higher than in the Q30.

Another key difference is that the QX30 will only be offered with an all-wheel-drive setup; the Q30 only sends power to the front tires. Infiniti says the QX30’s AWD system can redirect up to 50 percent of the engine’s power to the rear wheels. A 2.0-liter turbo-four making 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque provides power. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is the sole transmission choice. Our test of the mechanically similar Mercedes GLA250 4Matic resulted in a 0-60 run of 6.9 seconds, so we expect the Infiniti to be in the same neighborhood.

The interior will look just as premium as the exterior. Almost everything will be draped in leather or Alcantara, and tech goodies will include a standard InTouch touchscreen infotainment system. An adaptive cruise control system, a 360-degree Around View monitor, and an intelligent parking assist system are just some of the optional tech features that’ll be important in capturing the attention of the QX30’s targeted Gen X and Gen Y buyers.

Not only does Infiniti hope to lure in younger buyers, but it is also counting on the QX30 (and Q30) to do well globally. Infiniti needs to rise out of relatively obscurity in Europe, and these new premium compacts are the first step in achieving that goal. In fact, the QX30 will be the first Infiniti built in Europe (at its facility in Sunderland, U.K.). Its on-sale date is slated for the middle or end of next year following the Q30’s launch. Pricing should be in the low to mid $30,000 range, putting in line with the Mercedes GLA and the new 2016 BMW X1. The premium compact segment is where the money is, and starting next year, Infiniti won’t be missing out.

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