Infiniti does its best GLA-Class impression with QX30 Concept

By Ronan Glon Published March 4, 2015

Infiniti will travel to tomorrow’s Geneva Motor Show to introduce the QX30, a concept designed to closely preview the company’s upcoming Evoque-fighting crossover.

Built on the same front-wheel drive platform as both the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and the CLA-Class, the QX30 is essentially a taller version of the Q30 concept that was presented at the 2013 edition of the Frankfurt Motor Show. Like the Q30, the QX30 falls in line with Infiniti’s latest design language thanks to a wide double arch radiator grille with mesh inserts, swept-back headlights and heavily sculpted flanks.

The muscular appearance continues out back with a small roof-mounted spoiler and twin exhaust outlets integrated into the bumper. 21-inch alloy wheels add a finishing touch to the look by increasing the crossover’s road presence.

Infiniti QX30 Concept — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Inside, two-tone blue and brown leather upholstery sets the tone by creating a premium ambiance. The four passengers sit on bucket seats with U-shaped frames, and the driver is greeted by a fully digital instrument cluster made up of two round gauges and a small high-resolution screen.

Power for the QX30 comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine borrowed from the Mercedes parts bin. The turbo four is linked to a seven-speed automatic transmission controlled by race-inspired aluminum shift paddles.

While some of the concepts that will be shown tomorrow in Geneva are merely design studies, Infiniti has confirmed that the QX30 will be slightly toned down and added to its lineup as a regular-production model next year.

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Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…

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