The Infiniti QX Inspiration is a mid-sized SUV concept previewing the brand’s first fully-electric vehicle. As a company with technological and powertrain innovation at its core, electrification is a natural next step for Infiniti, and the design study previews the brand’s plan to launch a range of high-performance electrified vehicles which promise an engaging drive and deliver range confidence. The QX Inspiration signals a new era for the brand design enabled by technology, with a form language hinting at the potency and character of electrified powertrains. “The decision to electrify the Infiniti range was an inflection point for our brand. We started to understand the potential of new architectures and technologies, and how they could influence a change in how we design our cars”, said Alfonso Albaisa, Senior Vice President for Global Design at Nissan Motor.
The QX Inspiration’s form language is characterized by straight lines and sudden creases, finely-balanced, smooth surfaces and organic shapes. This contrast gives the QX Inspiration a new tonality compared to earlier brand designs – it is muscular, yet composed; and less overtly aggressive, yet bold in its details. Infiniti’s earlier SUVs, such as the iconic 2003 FX, have been characterized by their long hoods – a nod to their powerful V8 and V6 internal combustion engines – and a cab-rearward silhouette. The QX Inspiration concept proposes its own uncompromisingly modern silhouette, inspired by its fully-electric powertrain. Without the need for a large engine, brand’s designers adapted the proportions to accommodate a more balanced overall shape, a cab-forward design with short front and rear overhangs and a shorter hood.
The interior of the QX Inspiration concept shows the potential for new electric vehicle platforms. Powered by a battery pack stored beneath the floor, with electric motors on each axle, there is no intrusion from driveshafts or transmission tunnels. The result is a spacious, lounge-like space, with flat floors and greater room for occupants and luggage. The spaciousness enables the car’s human-centered ergonomics and creates a welcoming, open atmosphere that invites occupants to relax in comfort. The cabin has a level of architectural modernity to it, with a highly structural layout that diverges from conventional automobile design. The instrument panel is trimmed in a luxurious grey cloth normally used to upholster furniture and finished with Infiniti’s patented ‘dot quilting’ effect. Inspired by classic buttoned leather sofas, dot quilting produces a more informal interpretation of the diamond lozenge shape that gives classic Chesterfield lounge chairs their distinctive appearance.
