Hyundai Motor North America introduced its new Hyundai IONIQ5 EV, an electric crossover utility vehicle (CUV) during Memorial Day Weekend in Miami Beach. Built with a targeted driving range of 300 miles, the IONIQ5 rides on Hyundai’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). The IONIQ5 is part of Hyundai Motor Group’s goal to design 23 Battery-Electric Vehicle models and 1-million BEVs on the road worldwide by 2025.
A Hyundai IONIQ5 EV Walkaround
Hyundai’s Miles Johnson takes us around the new IONIQ5 EV
What struck us the most was how big the new IONIQ5 EV actually is. Here are some other highlights:
Extended 118.1-inch wheelbase – IONIQ 5 has the longest wheelbase in Hyundai’s U.S. product lineup
Cutting-edge Parametic Pixel LED lighting elements
Eye-catching V-shaped front bumper incorporates distinctive daytime running lamps (DRLs)
Flush door handles provide clean surface styling and enhanced aerodynamics
Front and rear forms merge together at the doors, another example of Hyundai’s ‘Parametric Dynamics’ design
Strong C-pillar shape, inspired by the ‘45’ EV concept, gives IONIQ 5 a commanding presence
Large 20-inch areo-optimized wheels echo the Parametric Pixel design theme and complete IONIQ 5’s perfected proportions, optimized for Hyundai’s E-GMP platform
A choice of IONIQ5 EV powertrains and drive systems
Hyundai’s IONIQ5 EV overlooks Miami Beach.
The IONIQ5 comes with two powertrains, and one 77.4 kWh battery pack. Buyers will select either one or two electric motors. Topping the range is a two-motor AWD configuration making 320 horsepower (74 kW front + 165 kW rear) and 446 lb-ft of torque. It goes from 0-to-60 in 5 seconds, while the single-motor layout driving the rear axle makes 225 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Quick charge artist
With a 350-kW charger, IONIQ 5 can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 18 minutes. In just five minutes, the IONIQ5 can gain 68 miles of range using a 350-kW fast charger. The standard Level 2 on-board charger completes a full charge in 6 hours and 43 minutes.
Hyundai has joined with Electrify America to support 2021 Kona Electric and IONIQ plug-in sedans owners with DC Fast charging with the Electrify America app. Owners will enjoy over 600 ultra-fast charging stations across the country. The companies will offer unlimited 30-minute charging sessions for two years from the date of vehicle purchase. Electrify America plans to have about 800 charging stations with more than 3,500 ultra-fast chargers developed by the end of 2021.
The Hyundai IONIQ5 EV interior.
IONIQ5 also provides the ability to use or charge any electric devices, like electric bicycles, scooters or camping equipment. It serves as a charger on wheels. It can even charge a stranded EV. It’s perfect for powering necessities during a power outage, tailgate party, camping or outdoor projects.
Get in line!
The Hyundai IONIQ5 EV at 1111 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach.
IONIQ 5 goes on sale this fall with a pre-reservation program for early purchasers that offers special benefits. Mark Elias Media is looking forward to testing the new IONIQ5 in the near future. Check back for a full report!
The 2021 Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye is Daimler-Chrysler’s er, Chrysler Corporation’s er, Cerberus er, FCA er, Stellantis’ take on keeping a sedan relevant. First it ditched the former Charger’s coupe body style in favor of a four-door sedan loosely based on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The 2021 Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye with Red Sky.
Then it brought back the HEMI engine. The original version, available from 1958 to the late seventies, was consigned to the history books as fuel prices and emission levels climbed. At that point, four-cylinder turbocharged Dodge Chargers based on the Dodge Omni became as powerful a charger as we would see in dealership showrooms.
In the early 2000s, the HEMI returned but in a new, more efficient form. Available in 5.7-liter iterations, it grew to a 6.4-liter and now 6.2-liter supercharged version that can produce 717 horsepower as found in the Dodge Charger Hellcat. Somehow, the Hellcat Redeye did some alley-catting after hours and was bitten by an additional 80 horsepower for an otherworldly 797 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque.
The 797 horsepower HEMI powering the 2021 Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye.
Like a Cop Car…on Steroids
The 2021 Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye starts as a standard Dodge Charger four-door sedan. You are probably familiar with the tan and black units favored by the Florida Highway Patrol and other police agencies. Luckily Mark Elias Media Services is not familiar with any such agency.
Only this one actually has some serious guts inside. Start with the 6.2-liter Supercharged HEMI engine. But make sure the supercharger is larger than the regular Hellcat’s version. Add an extra fuel pump because the HEMI is now more hella thirsty than before. Chip it for a higher redline and beef up many of the internal components. Fit it with the same TorqueFlite 8HP90 8-speed automatic transmission found in the regular Hellcat but this time beef it up with stronger axles and beefier driveshaft.
We’re just getting started. Add launch control, an array of SRT performance applications that mimic a dragstrip Christmas Tree, and a more robust A/C system to cool things down to a more suitable level. Finally, tweak the blower to close its bypass valve for more boost quickly.
The 2021 Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye.
How fast will the Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye go?
The result is Hellacious. Factory numbers say the Hellcat Redeye runs from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds. We’ve seen it do the deed a tenth faster at 3.5 seconds. That’s 0.3 faster than the non-Redeye model. The standard Dodge Charger Hellcat has a top speed of 196 mph, but Dodge says the new Hellcat Redeye taps out a 203 mph, making it the fastest production sedan in the world!
The view most will see of the 2021 Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye.
And all this power isn’t just for straight line speed. There’s also the available Bilstein Adaptive Damping Suspension. Steering is precise, and braking straight and sure. The result is a road racer that can kick equal butt on the twisties.
How does it look?
Start with a hunkered down look thanks to the adjustable Bilsteins. As a result of these and the low profile tires, the Hellcat Redeye is even more aggressive on the Charger than it is on the Challenger. Start with a new front splitter and spoiler that combines with a huge air intake to keep the big mill cool and fed with cold air.
The 2021 Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye.
There’s a blacked out stinger style hood that cuts down on reflection that could flare up on lesser vehicles. A small lip spoiler puts a bit of downforce on the rear wheels. Speaking of wheels, they are blacker than black so you won’t worry too much about brake dust soiling your alloys. At the rear, two exhaust dumps make their way through the rear diffuser. It’s a look that puts the sta’ in stance.
They lead into flares over the wheel wells that allow the use of monster-wide Pirelli P-Zero 305/35ZR20 tires. They aren’t for the faint of heart or wallet, seeing that they check out at $446 apiece. That’s just $1,784 for a set of four. Your right foot has been warned.
What about inside?
The 2021 Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye business office.
Inside the Charger Hellcat Redeye is a tan leather interior that looks as though it was appropriated from the leatherworks that do the deed for Ferrari. Butterscotch tan, and highly bolstered, it looks good enough to eat. At the center of the dashboard is the Uconnect 4 system complete with 8.4 in touchscreen display. It’s one of the easiest systems to connect to and it actually sounds pretty good so kudos to the electrical engineers behind that!
The dashboard of the 2021 Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye.
There are touches of faux carbon fiber throughout, USB ports, a flat-bottom steering wheel and paddle shift levers where they should be.
The butterscotch interior of the 2021 Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye.
There’s plenty of rear seat legroom. Just buckle up, because there ain’t no control from the cheap seats.
Behind the Wheel of the Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye.
In a word, thrilling. There are very few cars short of some supercars that can go zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. This one does that and then some, reaching terminal velocity at 203 mph. The beauty of the Hellcat Redeye is that this car struts along like its doing a measly 80 mph.
The Hellcat Redeye Logo
There’s nothing else like it. Just make sure your insurance premiums are paid up.
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade review by Mark Elias Media Services
Now in its fifth generation, the 2021 CadillacEscaladehas stepped up its game to the point where it truly is the standard of the world once again. At one time, limousines used to ply their trade, carrying A-list celebrities, politicians, dignitaries and even a bunch of crazed bridal parties before, during and after the nuptials. Now it’s the job of the luxury SUV. While the Escalade was paving the way towards future greatness, it wasn’t all that it could be.
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade is the perfect match for Camera Copter’s helicopters.
That was the past. In those days, it seemed the Escalade was always a Chevrolet Suburban or a GMC Yukon that had a Cadillac grille slapped on the front of it.
Not anymore.
For 2021, the Crest club has really moved upmarket with an Entirely new Escalade. It could be Cadillac’s last great hope to save the brand. Mark Elias Media Services had a chance to experience the new Escalade for a week. Here’s our report.
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade is the perfect match for Camera Copter’s helicopters.
What’s new about the 2021 Cadillac Escalade?
It’s all-new for 2021
It has been stretched out a tiny bit
Super Cruise for near-autonomous driving is optional
Choice of engines including new 3.0-liter Diesel.
Available air suspension to supplement independent rear suspension.
Platinum models are pricey (some over $100,000)
Available in regular and XL sizes!
And just what is it?
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade is parked alongside Camera Copter’s Hughes helicopter
The Cadillac Escalade is the fifth-gen luxury SUV from General Motors’ flagship brand. This latest version is a technological tour de force representing a quantum leap over previous models. It now rides on a specially-built ladder frame, which caters to more improved ride and handling. It’s a different arrangement than the tough truck-like box-frame underpinnings of other large luxury vehicles. This includes the outgoing 2020 model.
Power for the Escalade comes from a choice of two engines: the first, a 6.2-liter V8 that makes 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This direct-injection engine features cylinder deactivation that will shut down four cylinders once cruising is achieved to save fuel. The second choice is the 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-6 cylinder engine, which is a no-cost option. This powerhouse makes 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft at a barely-breathing 1,500 rpm. It uses a diesel exhaust fluid reservoir filled with urea to “scrub” the diesel exhaust gas. It needs refilling approximately every oil change or 10,000 miles.
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade as seen from the rear view.
Both engines are mated to a stellar 10-speed automatic transmission. Our tester included the new Cadillac air ride adaptive suspension with magnetic ride control, which works to provide one of the smoothest and most isolated rides we have ever experienced in a luxury truck-based SUV. It is a GM product that has found its way into the new rear-engine Corvette Stingray and is used under licensing agreement in several Ferrari cars.
With all these features, it’s easy to see why some call this new Cadillac Escalade “the new King of the road.”
A jog around the 2021 Cadillac Escalade (as big as a) block.
Still looking every bit like the massive SUV that it is, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade features a newly designed front end with horizontal LED headlamps, vertical front lighting elements, three-dimensional taillights and a rear spoiler.
New 22-inch wheels are standard, while our Escalade 4WD Sport featured a large black mesh grille, and similar black features around the SUV. Our Premium model included a distinctive level of distinguished chrome brightwork both inside and out.
Speaking of inside…
The interior of the new 2021 Cadillac Escalade
This seven-passenger SUV has been re-engineered thanks to the addition of the independent rear suspension making its debut in the 2021 model. As a result, it has been designed with seats that ride lower and are positioned in a much roomier fashion. That redesign has opened up ten inches of extra legroom for third-row ADULT passengers.
There’s luxury everywhere. The sixteen-way power front seats offer massage and climatizing, depending on your needs and the ambient temperature. Middle-row seats are equipped with captain’s chairs, but if you need to transport up to eight people, the captain’s chairs can be replaced with a bench seat at no charge.
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade touchscreen display.
Our Platinum Luxury version included a semi-aniline leather interior and a 36-speaker (!) AKG stereo system. Soft closed doors protected our sensitive ears from the sudden jolt of a door slam, while adaptive cruise control, automatic reverse braking and Magnetic Ride Control with Air Suspension helped to soften the ride and protect the passengers inside.
Magic Carpet Ride!
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade 2nd row.
That’s exactly what it feels like in the 2021 Cadillac Escalade 4WD Sport Platinum model. We can’t get that Steppenwolf song out of our head now, damn it! But crank up the 36 speakers from the AKG audio system. It will be good for you!
Behind the wheel, you’ll feel like you are in the cab of a big rig because in all actuality, you are. Thankfully this feels nicer than a Peterbilt or a Kenworth. Power from the big 6.2-liter V8 is satisfying, especially when you consider the Escalade is tipping the scales at over 5,600 pounds. That’s almost three-tons of fun!
The three rows of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade.
The Escalade’s new infotainment system with the 38-inch display is certainly impressive, with its directions that overlay on a live camera feed of the road ahead. It’s just the thing to keep you heading in the right direction. Which, after all, is the goal of life in the first place.
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade is on sale now.
Our sincere thanks to Paul Barth andCamera Coptersfor the assistance in making these photos. He is the best in the business for Aerial Cinematography piloting a variety of platforms. You’ve seen his work on Television and in Film. You just might not have realized it!
The maker of World-famous Matchbox Cars strive to use 100% recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic materials across all Cars, Playsets and Packaging by 2030
The world’s largest maker of small (tiny) cars, Mattel announced their new program “Drive Toward a Better Future,” along with a product roadmap to make all Matchbox die-cast cars, playsets and packaging with 100% recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic by 2030. The new program coincides with Mattel’s goal to utilize 100% recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic materials across all its product and packaging lines by 2030. We’re guessing Barbie will begin wearing her dresses more than once now.
A new Matchbox fan holds the Tesla Roadster.
First up: Matchbox Cars Tesla Roadster
The first Matchbox Car to be released by Mattel is a Tesla Roadster. It’s the perfect vehicle in the sense it is made from 99% recycled materials and according to the company, “certified CarbonNeutral.” The Matchbox Tesla Roadster will be available beginning in 2022.
The reimagined broader Matchbox brand will feature new product lines and packaging that will include:
More environmentally friendly and innovative materials across vehicles, playsets and packaging
Enhanced consumer recycling through product design and packaging labeling
The company will talk the talk and walk the walk by offering more e-vehicle models and electric chargers in Matchbox fuel station playsets.
Mattel and Matchbox Cars has a Car Czar
“Since the inception of the modern-day die-cast car nearly 70 years ago, Matchbox has been using design and innovation to connect kids with the real world around them through play,” said Roberto Stanichi, Global Head of Vehicles at Mattel. “Matchbox is committing to using 100% recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic materials to do our part in addressing the environmental issues we face today, and empower the next generation of Matchbox fans to help steer us towards a sustainable future,” said the Matchbox and Hot Wheels Car Czar.
If it wasn’t for a Matchbox set gifted to me by my Grandmother, I might have gone on to a legal or medical career rather than one that puts me in touch with a wide variety of vehicles to this day. Mark Elias Media Services would only be a dream!
Matchbox Gas Station Playset.
Matchbox fans will immediately notice the commitment through zero-plastic packaging using paper and wood fiber materials, on shelves now. The first die-cast vehicle to have zero-plastic packaging includes the popular Matchbox Power Grabs® assortment featuring a variety of licensed and original 1:64 scale Matchbox die-cast vehicles, while an EV-themed five-pack is now available with a paper foam inner tray.
Zero-plastic packaging
Matchbox Cars electric models.
In addition to its use of zero-plastic packaging, Matchbox is promoting proper recycling and waste recovery. Designed for recyclability with recyclable parts, electronics in playsets are consolidated into a single, easily removable module to help make the local e-waste recycling process easier. Matchbox is also exploring ways to reduce energy use, carbon emissions and waste in operations, while delivering the same standard of excellence across Matchbox products.
*The Matchbox Tesla Roadsters have been certified CarbonNeutral® by Natural Capital Partners with carbon offset credits going towards preserving grasslands in Colorado and Montana.
It’s one of Nissan’s most important vehicles. The 2021 Nissan Rogue is the long-overdue replacement for this best-seller, and with the competition that exists in the segment, Nissan couldn’t afford another swing and a miss. As a prime vehicle in the super-competitive compact crossover SUV range, it needs to bring its A-game every time. Did they do that with the 2021 Rogue? Follow along as Mark Elias Media Services takes a look.
The 2021 Nissan Rogue at the Lake Worth Lagoon.
What’s the Nissan Rogue got? Where’s it going?
The all-new 2021 Rogue takes a more grown-up approach to the compact crossover segment. Gone are the cutesy-curvy front end. Instead, Nissan has pulled out all the stops because, well, there is no crying in baseball.
The new 2021 Nissan Rogue is a four-door, five-passenger hatchback compact crossover utility vehicle. That’s a damn mouthful when it comes to describing the Rogue. It fits between the Nissan Kicks and the Nissan Murano. Segment-wise, it competes against such establishment stalwarts as the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Tiguan.
The 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder powering the 2021 Nissan Rogue.
The new Rogue is motivated by Nissan’s bread and butter 2.5-liter inline-4 cylinder engine that now produces 181 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 181 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600 rpm. That’s an 11 horsepower increase and six lb-ft of torque. It’s not an incredible increase, but it is sufficient to give a substantial boost over the previous version. There’s also talk from Nissan of an upcoming turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine as an alternative, but no intro date has been discussed.
From the Driver’s side: the 2021 Nissan Rogue interior.
The Rogue is available with front or all-wheel-drive using Nissan’s proven continually variable transmission (CVT), which has been tweaked, making it both livelier in the performance category and more stingy when it comes to fuel economy. The AWD system includes a central hydraulic clutch that accelerates power delivery as needed to the rear wheels for a torque-vectoring effect. There are five driver-selectable modes, including Standard, Eco, Sport, Off-road and Snow, that will allow the Rogue to take you almost everywhere.
But how does it look?
Nearly head-on: the 2021 Nissan Rogue.
In a phrase, the Nissan Rogue appears “grown-up.” Featuring a block-like aesthetic, the Rogue features the “two-box” arrangement that makes good use of the Nissan V-Motion grille and floating roof. More upright than before, it still has a certain sleekness that is helped by active grille shutters, front air curtains and flush underbody panels that help trim up the air channeling underneath the vehicle. They all do their part to lower the Rogue’s drag coefficient, improving it by five percent.
The front of the Rogue can be a bit deceiving. Let us explain: The “cool-looking” lights at the point where the hood and fenders come together are not the headlights at all. Instead, they are the daylight runners. What looks like turn indicators are the actual headlights just below. Crazy, those Nissan designers are.
What about inside the Rogue?
The 2021 Nissan Rogue’s Zero Gravity seats.
We’re in outer space! At least that’s how we feel with the NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats in the Rogue. Comfortable and supportive, they allowed us to travel for a while without fatigue. The backseat area has grown to include a few more inches of knee and headroom. The electronic gearshift lever has opened up more space underneath, allowing storage for sunglasses, phone cords and other personal effects. Finally, the cupholders at each door of the Rogue can now accommodate large 32-oz. bottles. We see a lot of bathroom stops in your family’s future.
The new Rogue is flush with desirable features from the S model with premium cloth interior to its Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-equipped 8-inch touchscreen. Step above to the Rogue SV with an 8-way power seat, surround-view camera, NissanConnect remote services, 6-speaker audio system and in-car Wi-Fi.
Nissan’s ProPilot Assist with adaptive cruise control lane keep assist is available on the Rogue SL and standard on the Rogue Platinum. The Rogue’s key safety features include;
Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode.
Finally, new for 2021, the Nissan Rogue Platinum is equipped with premium features like quilted semi-aniline leather upholstery, a 12.3-inch digital display, a nine-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Qi phone charging.
All-wheel-drive is available on any Rogue trim level for a reasonable $1,400.
Is the new Rogue right for me?
The new 2021 Nissan Rogue gets the ball rolling again following a long period of dormancy. We have always been fans of the brand, and hated to see it languish while other manufacturers pressed on. With the appearance of the new Rogue, it is clear a new captain is steering the ship. The Rogue is evidence of smooth sailing ahead.
2021 Nissan Rogue
Words and Photos by Mark Elias
2021 Nissan Rogue Specifications and Photo Gallery
The Infiniti lineup has been substantially overdue for a product portfolio refresh. With that in mind, the 2022 Infiniti QX55 was the right vehicle to get the ball rolling. The company introduced their new fastback crossover SUV with a staggered mid-pandemic launch that was both innovative, and at times, tedious. Desperate times call for desperate measures, right?
In the case of the 2022 Infiniti QX55, reacting in desperation sometimes leads to a masterstroke. Read on as we take a look at this new coupe’-style four-door fastback CUV. We think you’ll like what you see.
The new Infiniti at North Palm Beach Marina.
What moves the 2022 Infiniti QX55?
The Infiniti QX55 is the first Japanese-designed sportback CUV available in North America. Using baasic bones found on the QX50, Infiniti created a design that was pioneered by German automakers and now adopted by others, including the Brits and mid-continent Europeans, it offers a stylish rear hatchback body with four-doors and room for five passengers. Its target audience is younger city dwellers desiring sports car styling with carry-all capabilities. The Infiniti QX55 is manufactured in Mexico.
The 2.0-liter VC Turbo inline-4 cylinder engine.
Our slate gray launch vehicle is available with only one engine option. But it is a good one. The award-winning Infiniti 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine delivers 268 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400-4,800 rpm. Its innovation is in its name: VC stands for variable-compression, and this engine seamlessly alters its compression ratio between 8:1 and 14:1 for improved power and efficiency as necessary. A patented multilink system can vary the piston’s stroke, based on the driver’s needs at any moment. It is mounted within the engine room via an active torque rod mount to dampen any extraneous vibrations from finding their way into the QX55 interior. According to Infiniti, it is the world’s first production variable-compression turbocharged engine.
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive.
The torque from the 2.0-liter finds its way to the pavement via a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with standard steering-wheel-mounted paddle shift levers. Regardless of the trim level you select, your QX55 will be equipped with Infiniti’s Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive system. This “smart” AWD is designed to send up to 50-percent of the available torque to the rear wheels when sensors determine that better grip is needed. The system offers grip on low-friction surfaces or during takeoff. It can also be set to drive the front wheels only.
The QX55 in profile.
Helping to drive our QX was Infiniti’s optional Direct Adaptive Steering that, through sensors, helps to optimize the steering feel. With this system, the driver can personalize steering modes with a specific feel for each driving style. The system works on an active basis, changing at various speeds for specific maneuverability.
The QX55 uses Active Brake Limited Slip systems to brake individual wheels for better grip but to engage Active Trace Control to brake inside wheels at entry, mid-corner or exit. Think of it as brake-based torque vectoring.
An Infiniti QX55 walkaround.
The origami grille found on the new Infiniti QX55.
Sure the trademarked Infiniti grille is here, looking more spectacular than ever thanks to the ribbon-like detail work that forms the origami-inspired double-arch grille. But something else makes the QX55 stand out: The roofline. Infiniti chief designer Taisuke Nakamura said, “with its unmistakable bold presence and uncompromised looks, thanks to its dramatic roofline, the QX55 is a beacon for style among Infiniti crossovers.”
And it did attract attention. We at Mark Elias Media were surprised at the number of people who approached us to ask about it. What surprised us more were those who actually knew the QX55 was soon to be introduced.
Zero Gravity seats in Monaco Red.
Inside this new Infiniti, we found a lot to like. Starting with the layout of controls in the driver-oriented cabin. The first thing we notice is the blindingly bright Monaco red interior covering the Infiniti “Zero-Gravity” seats. We like them more than any other for their comfort and fatigue-fighting design.
Trim enhancements in our demonstrator included aluminum bits throughout. They combined with dark maple open-pore wood trim to offer a spectacular counterpoint to the red leather. It’s music to the eyes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make their way into the Infiniti QX55, allowing the driver to go hand and cable-free.
Music to the ears comes from the Bose Performance Series audio system with 16-speakers. Using Bose’s Centerpoint 2 Technology, the system automatically converts two-channel stereo sound into a surround-sound listening session using software to restore previously compressed digital music. The musical building blocks can be restored to a full concert hall-like experience using advanced digital signal processing.
The QX55 Interior.
The second row of the QX55 is no slouch either. Moveable rear seating slides forward or backward up to six inches for more legroom or more cargo room. Speaking of cargo area, there are 26.9 cubic feet of it behind the rear seat. Tumble the second-row seats forward and that area jumps to 54.1 cubic feet.
Behind the wheel of the QX55.
Our QX55 was eager to please thanks to the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the ‘55’s all-wheel-drive system. Acceleration was brisk but was kept out of the cabin thanks to the acoustic glass featured throughout. The glass received an assist from the specially-stamped floor pans designed to work like baffles in a recording studio, eliminating reverberation through asynchronous harmonics.
Our slate gray example included the available ProPILOT Assist that helps control the QX55 via steering, acceleration, braking and lane-centering features. It’s a step towards autonomous driving but requires a set of hands on the wheel, which tends to cause the fatigue that the assist is supposed to eliminate.
The new Infiniti QX55 offers a refined and engaging look at the future of Infiniti. Our time was brief with this new Slate Gray sled but we eagerly await our next go-round but as the Kinks used to sing, Yeah, you really got me going.
How much will the Infiniti QX55 cost?
Base MSRP for the 2022 Infiniti QX55 is $46,500, rising to $57,050.
