Infiniti reveals first EV concept QX Inspiration at Detroit Auto Show

Nissan’s luxury brand Infiniti has previewed its very first pure electric concept at the Detroit Auto Show this week, a sleek SUV design that the brand describes as a new “form of language for the era of electrification”.

While the brand has stated that its future lies in a mix of pure electric, “e-power” and hybrid models, the concept vehicle offers a guide for the brand’s future production EVs.

“The Infiniti QX Inspiration marks the beginning of a new generation of Infiniti cars and establishes a direct blueprint for the brand’s first electric vehicle,” said Infiniti president and chair Christian Meunier in a statement.

“Based on a new, dedicated electric vehicle architecture and inspired by Infiniti ‘s Japanese DNA, the SUV concept previews a product portfolio which will offer high performance, ultra-low emissions and range confidence.”

There’s not currently a lot of information on the QX Inspiration’s drivetrain and battery specs, but design notes wax lyrical about the clean and concise exterior design, combined with sumptuous, lounge-like interiors.

“QX Inspiration is the beginning of a new era for Infiniti, and an illustration of where we want to go with the brand,” said executive design director Karim Habib in a press release.

“New technology has given us the opportunity to evolve our design philosophy – and this new vehicle communicates the serene strength at our core,” he said.

Unfortunately the debut itself in Detroit was not quite so smooth, with a failure to start the concept vehicle causing a half-hour delay to its arrival on stage.

When the EV did eventually make it on stage, media reports suggested it wasn’t clear if that was under it’s own steam, so to speak, or thanks to physical efforts of Infiniti staff.

Infiniti’s head of global communication Trevor Hale kept his sense of humour, CNBC reports: “The Infiniti QX Inspiration, like many stunning beauties, is a bit of a diva and decided to to delay her debut. Another memorable NAIAS moment,” he said in an email.

“That’s show business.”