2019 Infiniti QX50 Arrives With Mature Looks, Variable Compression Engine

The new 2019 Infiniti QX50 has made its official debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Infiniti is happy to show off its more grown-up, sophisticated exterior design. The automaker says the crossover carries its “Powerful Elegance” design language, sporting deep character lines, its signature double-arch grille and prominent bumps in the hood. We’re also told the crossover is extremely aerodynamically efficient, contributing heavily to its overall fuel efficiency.

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Making more of a splash in regards to fuel economy is the QX50’s innovative new 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine, which Infiniti describes as the world’s first variable compression engine. The automaker has shared this technology with us in the past, but this is the first time it will appear in a production car. The engine features multi-link connecting rods, which continuously lower and raise the maximum stroke of the engine to offer differing compression ratios. It can produce any compression ratio between 8:1, which would be better for performance, to 14:1 for efficiency. Infiniti says it will make 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque in the QX50 and will be paired with a CVT automatic transmission.

SEE ALSO: Infiniti is Will Debut a New Concept in Early 2018

The crossover rides on an all-new, yet-to-be-named front-wheel-drive platform. It’s made up of ‘Super High Formability’ high tensile-steel, which is the first automotive application of the extra-strong material. The automaker says it provides a torsional rigidity improvement of 23 percent over the current QX50. The trunk volume has expanded from 895 liters to 1,048 liters and grows to 1,699 liters with the rear seats folded. The rear bench can also side for additional cabin flexibility.

“The 2019 QX50 is the most important vehicle we have ever launched, and it embodies everything the brand stands for: beautiful design, advanced technology and empowering performance,” said Christian Meunier, Infiniti Global Vice President. “As a luxury, mid-size crossover, it’s the right vehicle at the right time in one of the world’s fastest-growing segments.”