The QX Inspiration: a glimpse at Infiniti's electric-SUV future

The QX Inspiration follows a rapidly emerging electric car template of batteries under the floor and powerful electric motors front and rear, all sitting within a new, unique pure-electric architecture, one that gives designers freedom to introduce a whole new design language.

As a result, the QX gets clean surfaces, sharp origami-inspired lines, a thrusting snout, a blanked-off grille and a high-waisted, tapering coupe profile. It all makes for a design that, at first sight, is a natural fit for Infiniti, with its love of the Japanese aesthetic in technology and architecture, as well as traditional arts and crafts. “Serene strength” is how design boss Karim Habib puts it, adding enigmatically that it is the empty spaces between the edges that often carries the loudest message.

There are hints in the design from previous Inspiration concepts, including two of the most wonderful design studies of recent years, Infiniti’s retro racers Prototype 9 and Prototype 10. They were never going to make production – much as we would like them to – but make no mistake this one’s definitely a keeper.

Using proven technology from partners Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi – all of which have more of a track record with ultra-low and zero emission technology than Infiniti – the firm claims its electric QX will offer both high performance and a practical range, though there are no figures to study.

Like its pure-electric European competitors – and its home-grown rival from Lexus, launched as a concept in Detroit this time last year – the QX Inspiration falls into the mid-size SUV class. At 4650mm it’s just an inch (25mm) shorter than the Jaguar I-Pace.  The visual giveaway to its SUV ambitions is its high-riding body and rugged wheelarch extensions, though whether they are enough to test its all-wheel drive ability in rough terrain is doubtful.

The SUV trait the QX Inspiration does boast, however, is a spacious, flat-floored interior, complete with coach doors and swivelling front seats for easy access. As with the exterior, the design is all about managing the empty spaces between objects, according to the designers. The aim – successful, we’d say – is a welcoming, lounge-like space.

A pillar-to-pillar widescreen dashboard display and configurable information and lighting speak of plenty of hi-tech, while the design and materials echo the exterior and have their roots in Japanese culture – fans of luxury Japanese minimalism queue here. It’s not all Eastern influence though: that centre console is Carrara marble.

“The Infiniti QX Inspiration marks the beginning of a new generation of Infiniti cars and establishes a direct blueprint for the brand’s first electric vehicle,” said Infiniti chief Christian Meunier.

What he is not adding is when we can buy one. An electric QX is however promised to be the first of a raft of electrified Infinitis, both pure electric and hybrid, in coming years. Its Lexus electric SUV rival is promised for 2020, and it’s our bet the Infiniti will be there to greet it. Given Infiniti’s parentage with its wealth of electric car expertise, it’s perhaps a surprise the battery-powered Infiniti hasn’t been with us sooner.