To put it bluntly, the Infiniti QX30 hasn’t been a sales phenomenon.
The Infiniti QX30 sold just over 8,000 examples last year, which isn’t great for what should be a higher-volume crossover. After all, the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class outsold the QX30 by 3-to-1. Underneath, both cars ride on the same platform. According to a new Motor Authority report, Infiniti realizes the QX30’s sluggish sales, and stated the current model won’t return for a second generation.
Infiniti president Christian Meunier acknowledged the QX30’s current state at the 2019 North American International Auto Show. “[It’s] not a very successful product. We’ll keep selling it for now…but this is not a product that has a future beyond its current life.” Going further, he said, “It will be replaced in the future by an all-Infiniti platform.”
New platform, new engine
At this point, it’s worth pointing out that the current QX30 came from a 2010 partnership between Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz. Infiniti’s car shares several of its components with the GLA-Class, as we pointed out in one of our comparison videos. Now, it appears the next-generation Infiniti QX30 will no longer use a Mercedes platform. On top of that, it may likely even use a different powertrain.
The 2019 Infiniti QX50 showcased a new 2.0-liter turbocharged variable compression engine, and it’s since made its way into the Nissan Altima as well. Meunier hinted that technology could make its way into the new QX30, according to Motor Authority‘s report. A smaller displacement engine is in the works, so it may end up smaller than the 2.0-liter unit in the QX50.
There was not any mention of electrification in the new QX30. In fact, after Infiniti pulled the Q70 Hybrid from the lineup last year, the brand doesn’t currently have any electrified models. However, the company plans to aggressively expand electric technology across its range. Current goals suggest every Infiniti will have an electrified option by 2023.
