It’s no secret the QX50 hasn’t exactly lived up to the expectations that Infiniti set for it, ultimately prompting an intensive update for the 2016 model year. Come 2017, and we were staring the Infiniti QX50 concept in the face at the Detroit Auto Show. Only a couple months have passed since then, and now we’re looking at spy shots of the first prototype of the next-gen QX50 putting in work on public roads. While it’s heavily covered in camo and padding, we can still make out some styling cues, and as luck would have it, it looks like it will get at least some of the design DNA we saw in the QX50 concept. Of course, it won’t have those cool electronic door poppers and the overall styling will be toned down a bit, but it should be a huge departure from the current model and could very well give the SUV a chance at survival in an overcrowded market.

Now, before we go too far into it, the new QX50 will be based on a couple of different models. See, the next-gen QX50 is based on the QX50 Concept, which happens to be based on the QX Sport Inspiration Concept that was showcased at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show. So, as you can see, the next-gen QX50 will have some pretty significant DNA heritage when it finally disrobes. There’s no official timetable, so we can’t say for sure when it will make its official debut, but the Frankfurt Auto Show in September isn’t out of the question, with customer deliveries kicking off sometime in the first half of 2018. So, with that said, let’s dive on in and see what we can spot through all over the camo on this prototype.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2018 Infiniti QX50.

2018 Infiniti QX50

Specifications

• Make: Array
• Model: 2018 Infiniti QX50
• [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Pros

Cons

Exterior

So, for starters, this prototype is wrapped heavily in black tape, and what resembles garbage bags all held together by black duct tape. Okay, so it isn’t that ghetto, but it’s certainly concealing, and that’s the point I’m trying to get across. In comparison to the QX50 Concept, you’ll notice some of the same design cues, like the shape and recess of the front grille, the mesh that’s been painted black within all of the openings in the nose, and the LED strip at the top of the headlights. Of course, the headlights are nowhere near as sleek as those on the concept, but they should have a fair resemblance in the grand scheme of things. Further down, it looks like the QX50 will have a larger air dam, and the corner vents will be much larger than those of the concept. There’s no telling what the hood will look like, but the front end should be quite stylish, to say the least.

Moving over to the side profile, we can make out that the upper body line from the concept will find it’s way to the production model. The wheel arches also look to be reasonably flared as well, but outside of that, everything is so well covered we can’t make out the rest. It is possible that the lower portion of the doors will get the same concave area while the rear quarter windows could take on the same shape as well.

Moving to the rear, we see the same rear overhang from the concept, but it’s pretty clear that the production model won’t have as such a sloped roof. The taillights will look quite similar, but more inline with what we see on cars these days as opposed to the thinner LED units seen on the concept. The rear fascia is likely a decoy, or at the very least has been chopped up to expose the prototype exhaust outlets. All told, it should be a good looking model, but hopefully, Infiniti doesn’t drop too many of the QX50 Concepts design cues from the finished product. The brand could hit a home run with this next-gen model if it does it right.

Exterior Dimensions

Interior

Note: QX50 Concept interior shown here.

We haven’t gotten a look at the interior of the QX50 prototype, but I think we can look at the concept for a general idea. See, to our surprise, the cabin of the latest concept was far from futuristic and actually somewhat close to what we would expect to see in a production model. Expect to see the dash blend nicely with the door trim panels. The upper trim levels may get the quilted, soft-touch surfaces as we saw in the concept, but I wouldn’t expect that on the entry-level model or the lower trims in general. The dual infotainment display may carry over with a majority of interior functions control by the lower touch screen as opposed to having a bunch of buttons throughout the front of the cabin. The production model should get at least a semi-digital instrument cluster, but upper trim levels could get an all-digital unit.

The rear of the cabin should be complete with a comfortable bench with the outside seats almost matching the seats up front. The center seat won’t get all of the fancy stitching, but the seat should get a 40/20/40-split to allow the rear seats to fold down to make way for more cargo room. A rear seat infotainment system isn’t out of the question either. As far as technology goes, the QX50 should get the most modern technology there is available, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wi-Fi connectivity, some touch panel controls, gesture control, dual-zone climate control, and a rocking sound system to round everything out.

Drivetrain

Like the QX50 Concept, the production model should get Infiniti’s new VC-Turbo, variable compression engine. It can change the height of the pistons in real time to adjust the compression ratio as needed for performance or fuel economy. The target output for this engine is said to be 268 horsepower and 288 pound-feet of torque. It’s said to offer as much as 27-percent better fuel economy over V-6 engines of similar power output, which means fuel economy figures should be somewhere around 31 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg in the city. The combined rating will likely be around 24 mpg. There’s no word on transmission choices, but I wouldn’t expect a manual transmission – that’s for sure. Options may include a CVT transmission or possibly an eight-speed automatic unit. Higher trim levels may even get paddle shifters, but I wouldn’t hold my breath for that one. This thing is more about luxury than anything else.

Drivetrain Specifications

Pricing

The current QX50 starts out at $34,650 as of the time of this writing, but with the QX60 starting out at $43,100, Infiniti doesn’t have a whole lot of room to play with entry-level pricing. Expect to see a pricing increase, but not too big of an increase – maybe $1,500 at most. That would bring the starting price up to $36,150 or so, which isn’t too bad if the next-gen model ends up looking as good and being as comfortable as the concept that we saw in Detroit.

Competition

BMW X1

The QX50 might be a bit larger than the BMW X1, but the X1 is the closest competitor in price and will have a similar output rating. Otherwise, you would have to look at the X3, which starts out closer to the pricing of the QX60. The X1 is currently only offered in the U.S. in one trim level, 28i. It can be had with two-wheel drive in sDrive28i form or all-wheel drive in xDrive28i form. It’s powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that delivers 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Shifting duties are handled by an eight-speed, Steptronic automatic transmission with sport and manual shift modes for those who want to get a little spirited every now and then. The sprint to 60 mph takes 6.6 seconds while top speed sits at 131 mph. Pricing for the front-wheel-drive model starts out at $33,100 while the xDrive28i commands $2,000 more at $35,100.

Read more about the BMW X1 here.

Acura RDX

The Acura RDX has been a big seller for Acura in the grand scheme of things. For the 2016 model year, it went through a pretty sizable update that brought not only a fresh interior, but a new look on the outside that included Acura’s Jewel Eye headlights and a 3D grille that makes the “Acura beak” look a little more tasteful. Inside, you’ll find dual infotainment displays, a two-tone color scheme, eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, and an all-around comfortable cabin.

As far as motivation goes, you don’t really get a choice. The RDX is available with just one engine – a 3.5-liter V-6 that delivers 279 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque. It can be had with FWD only or AWD if you’re willing to pay a little extra. Fuel economy is rated for the FWD at 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway while the AWD model gets 19 and 28, respectively. Pricing for the RDX starts out at $35,670 as of the time of this writing.

Conclusion

At this point, we really can’t make out too much beyond the extensive padding and camo on this mule, but it does look like there will be a number of styling cues from the QX50 Concept we saw just a couple of months ago. It will obviously be toned down in comparison, but should still look significantly better than the current model. Unfortunately, it won’t get the gnarly taillights or those super sleek headlights, but it should still be a looker in the end.

On the other hand, there’s a serious thing to take into consideration. This could be the first production model to get Infiniti’s new VC-Turbo engine, which means you have to take a bit of a risk and hope that the engine performs as well and is as reliable as it looks on paper. If that VC-Turbo turns out to be an Edsel, it could but a serious damper on the sales performance of the new WX50. For now, we’ll just have to wait and see. We’ll surely learn more in the coming months, but until then, let us know what you think about this mule in the comments section below.