The 2020 Infiniti QX60 Monograph is a concept vehicle that previews the next-generation QX60 SUV, scheduled to debut in 2021. Even though a concept that won't go into production as is, the 2020 QX60 Monograph is a near-production-ready vehicle that will hit the assembly line without massive changes. It gives us a glimpse at the SUV's next-generation design and signals Infiniti's intent to move the QX60 up the premium ladder. Is the 2020 QX60 Monograph a big improvement over the outgoing SUV? Let's find out in the review below.

Exterior

The front grille is much bigger now, while the old horizontal outlets that incorporate the fog lamps have been replaced by vertical vents. The grille itself is flanked by thinner and more angular headlamps with upper LED lights in a "digital piano key" design. There's also an illuminated emblem that kicks off a lighting sequence that fans out to the headlamps as a welcome light for the drivers.

Infiniti also redesigned the lower bumper, now featuring a wide opening and a split skid plate finished in body color. The engine hood is muscular and wider than before, now stretching toward the sides to include the upper front fenders.

The QX60 Monograph become even more dramatic toward the sides. Not only it rides on bigger wheels, but it also features a higher beltline. Running in a straight line from the front hood to the tailgate, this new beltline reminds of Range Rover designs and gives the QX60 a more commanding look. The glasshouse is sleeker than before as well, sporting an almost teardrop-like shape toward the back. All but the A-pillars are almost invisible, so it looks as if the roof is floating, an effect aided by the black-painted upper roof edges and A-pillars.

The hidden door handles, the side steps, and the gloss black detailing around the roof, and the wheel arches are among the details that suggest Infiniti will roll out a fancier QX60.

The Monograph concept is arguably the first QX60 that doesn't look extremely dull from behind. Infiniti finally dropped the dual taillight layout, opting for the lightbar we've seen on a lot of brand-new SUVs in recent months. To be fair, the Monograph still features a taillight on each side of the tailgate, but they're integrated into a tinted "glass" unit that stretches from one corner to the other. When the lights are off, it appears as if the SUV features a lightbar. When the taillights are on, they illuminate the same piano key pattern as the headlamps, which is cool.

The bumper looks very sporty for an SUV. It features gloss black detailing, just like the wheel arches and the roof, but the areas around the exhaust pipes are finished in body color, creating a diffuser-like effect. The exhaust is quite big and surrounded by chrome trim to keep American customers happy. Speaking of colors and tint, the concept is finished in a reflective platinum hue that highlights the body's subtle but exquisite styling cues. It also works well with the gloss black elements, and I hope Infiniti will offer this combo on the production model.

Interior

There are no photos to run by either, so we're completely in the dark. But expect the next-generation QX60 to feature Infiniti's latest technology, improved materials, new premium options, and even more driving assist and safety systems. The concept appears to have a slightly longer wheelbase, so expect a bit of extra legroom in there as well.

Drivetrain

No info on what powers the Monograph either, but choices for the production model are more than obvious. On the other hand, Infiniti also has a 2.0-liter turbo-four unit that packs an impressive 268 horses and 280 pound-feet of twist. Infiniti will go with only one of the two, and the four-cylinder seems like the better option.

Higher-trim versions will probably feature the turbocharged, 3.0-liter V-6 offered in the Q50 sedan. It generates 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, enough to make the sportier design language worthwhile. A hybrid drivetrain is also likely, but it remains to be seen if it will have something in common with the current gas-electric combo that includes the 2.5-liter four-cylinder.

Infiniti QX60 Monograph specifications

Final Words

The Infiniti QX60 Monograph provides a tangible insight into how the Japanese company plans to redesign its midsize SUV. And needless to say, the Monograph concept looks as hot as they get, and it's something premium automakers should worry about. However, it remains to be seen just how much of this design study will go into the production model, as most carmakers tend to dilute them a bit too much for the assembly line. If the production QX60 borrows at least 80 percent of the Monograph's exterior design, Infiniti will actually have a solid midsize SUV to throw at the German and American competition.