Introducing the Updated and Enhanced 2016 Infiniti QX50

Apr 13, 2015

2016 Infiniti QX50
Since 2007, the Infiniti QX50 has held strong in the small luxury crossover SUV class. The crossover has always featured a sleek, stylish design, and a powerful, yet efficient, V6 engine. But for the most part, the QX50 hasn’t undergone any radical changes, except for its name. (The QX50 was formerly known as the EX35, prior to Infiniti’s recent naming updates.)

In 2016, though, you can expect a few slight, yet noticeable, updates and enhancements to this classic crossover. At the New York International Auto Show earlier this month, Infiniti unveiled the latest 2016 QX50 concept. The latest version of the compact SUV will feature a larger wheelbase and an extended cabin. Those updates give the QX50 an even more aggressive stance. Plus, exterior design updates are plentiful and they create one of the boldest roadside profile’s we’ve ever seen on the QX50.

2016 Infiniti QX50’s New Design Details

In addition to the longer profile and larger wheelbase, the exterior of the 2016 will feature some subtle updates. First, the front fascia has been updated with a new look; the grille has been upgraded to resemble the grille from the Q50 sports sedan. Now, the grill features a crisscrossed black grated pattern, instead of the 2015’s solid bars. Plus, the lower headlamps have been updated with new LED lamps. Similarly, the QX50 will feature an updated rear fascia as well in 2016.

Another new design detail: The QX50’s side lamps have been updated, and they will now feature integrated LED lighting. Finally, newly designed alloy wheels will add to the 2016 QX50’s athletic profile. The new alloys will feature a bolder black-on-gunmetal design.

What Will Remain Unchanged in the 2016 Infiniti QX50

One area that didn’t receive any major updates: The QX50’s engine. In 2016, the QX50 will feature the same engine. It’s a 3.7-liter V6 that has provided the QX50 plenty of pop on the road since it was first introduced. The V6 provides 325 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque and it receives an estimated 17 and 25 MPG city/highway.

Additionally, the QX50’s cabin remains mostly unchanged. The most noticeable difference – which all your backseat passengers will love – is that the extended length and wheelbase upgrades provide extra interior space. For instance, the rear seat will feature about 5 more inches of legroom, as well as more knee room. Overall, the 2016 version will have about 8 more cubic feet of interior volume.

Plus, the newly updated compact SUV will feature an impressive list of standard features. For instance, all models will be equipped with a powered sliding moonroof and leather seating surfaces. Additional features will include pushbutton start, heated front seats and Bluetooth streaming and audio controls.

When Will the Updated QX50 Become Available?

After unveiling the latest iteration of the QX50, Infiniti was mum on the launch details. At Lake Norman Infiniti we’re speculating that the new version will become available sometime next year. Pricing data wasn’t released either. But it’s likely the price will jump slightly from 2015’s $35,000 MSRP starting price. Additionally, the new QX50 will be released in two trims, just like the 2015 version. There will be a standard front-wheel drive QX50, as well as an AWD model, featuring Infiniti’s Intelligent All Wheel Drive.

Another interesting note: Infiniti didn’t just unveil the 2016 QX50 at the New York Auto Show; they also showed off the latest in their crossover SUV line, the QX30. The QX30 shares some similarities with the QX50; they’re both crossovers and feature a great assortment of standard features. Yet, the QX30 is smaller and more agile and features a more futuristic exterior.

So whatever way you look at it: 2016 will be a big year for Infiniti’s crossover line. At Lake Norman Infiniti, we couldn’t be more excited to see these new models in our showroom sometime next year.