Although it was on the market for only four years, the first-generation QX50 was in dire need of a redesign. That's probably because it wasn't significantly different than its predecessor, the EX, which was introduced in 2007. Come 2017, and we have a brand-new QX50 on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The outgoing QX50 had one major flaw design-wise: it was the only vehicle in the current Infiniti lineup to not feature the company's most recent design language. This was fixed just now, with the slim front grille and swept-back headlamps replaced by styling elements similar to those seen on the Q50, Q70, and QX30. The D-pillar also gained the Z-shaped design of the QX30 and the larger QX60. The rear fascia has changed too and now includes a larger windscreen, a revised tailgate with more modern taillights, and a sportier diffuser-like element.

The interior follows the same route. Everything feels fresh and modern, there are higher quality materials, and the company's latest technology. You can choose between different types of leather and wood trim, and you have access to a fancy twin-display infotainment system. The cargo compartment offers up to 64.4 cubic feet of luggage room when the rear seats are folded flat.

But by far the most innovative feature in the new QX50 is the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine, the world's first production unit with a variable compression ratio. The ratio ranges from 8:1 to 14:1 and it enables the model to offer high performance without sacrificing fuel economy. Specifically, the engine is rated at 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, and it's able to return up to 27 mpg combined depending on drive configuration. The new ProPilot Assist function turns the QX50 into a semi-autonomous vehicle.

References

Infiniti QX50

Read our full review on the 2019 Infiniti QX50.

Read our full review on the 2017 Infiniti QX50.

Read more 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show news.