NEW YORK -- Infiniti has given its low-selling, small QX50 crossover a quick makeover for 2016 with new front and rear designs and a re-engineered chassis.
Infiniti has stretched the QX50’s wheelbase by more than three inches for the midcycle facelift, the company revealed ahead of its New York auto show unveiling on Wednesday.
But most significant about the changes are that Infiniti undertook them at all.
The QX50 -- formerly marketed as the EX -- has been little talked about, little noticed and little sold since its debut in December 2007. There has been some speculation that the vehicle would be discontinued as Infiniti prepares for a redesigned product offensive in 2018-19.
The nameplate brought Infiniti just 2,727 U.S. sales in 2014, a 26 percent increase from 2013 sales.
But the crossover will remain part of Infiniti’s portfolio at least for the next few years.
The 3.2-inch lengthened wheelbase gives the QX50 more interior space, and especially more rear seating, which has always held back more practical luxury buyers. Rear-seat legroom increases by 6.8 inches in 2016.
Infiniti is three years away from introducing a trio of new compact models that it will manufacture in a new factory in Mexico. The three models -- which will include a compact crossover -- are being developed in partnership with Daimler. Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz brand also will receive three models from the plant under construction in Aguascalientes, Mexico.
The QX50 will also receive new front and rear designs, mirroring the styling of the Q50 sedan and the recently introduced Q60 coupe.
