Infiniti does its best GLA-Class impression with QX30 Concept

By Ronan Glon March 2, 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.

Editors' Recommendations

Toyota gives its sweet, race-ready Supra the green flag for production

Topics

Contributor

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

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.