What It Is: Infiniti’s second-generation QX50 crossover, caught testing in Arizona wearing black camouflage disguising its exterior styling. The QX50—originally known as the EX35, for the few people who’ve heard of it—is Infiniti’s compact two-row SUV, slotting in above the subcompact QX30 co-developed with Mercedes-Benz and above the three-row QX60, which shares most of its mechanicals and platform with the Nissan Pathfinder. Today’s QX50 dates all the way back to the 2008 model year.

Why It Matters: Crossovers are where it’s at for luxury brands, and Infiniti’s are some of the oldest in the business. The QX50 has suffered from a compromised package going all the way back to its debut as the EX35, where its cramped passenger compartment kept sales low. A wheelbase stretch that arrived for 2016 finally alleviated the rear-seat legroom deficit, but the model’s advanced age still is evident.

View Photos BRIAN WILLAMS

Platform: The current QX50 rides on a rear-drive-based architecture that promises a sporty driving experience (that it only partially delivers). In contrast, the new version is expected to be spun from the same Daimler bones as the QX30 and the Mercedes GLA-class. The spy pictures show a large front overhang and relatively short distance between the front wheel and the A-pillar, further suggesting that Infiniti is switching to a transverse-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. That change—similar to what BMW did with the latest X1—would open up interior space, albeit at a cost in handling prowess. Infiniti was mum on the subject of the car’s layout at the introduction of the QX Sport Inspiration concept, which debuted last spring as the first show-car precursor to the new model, and has remained so through the unveiling of updated versions seen last fall at the Paris auto show and last month at Detroit.

We can see even through the camo that the new QX50 features front-end styling similar to that of the QX60. The stance also appears much wider than today’s relatively long and narrow QX50 but with a rising beltline and a fast-sloping greenhouse.

View Photos BRIAN WILLAMS

Powertrain: When Infiniti rolled out the updated QX Sport Inspiration concept last fall, it also took the wraps off a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that showcased the brand’s new variable-compression technology. Dubbed Variable Compression-Turbocharged (VC-T), the technology allows the compression ratio to vary from as low as 8.0:1 to 14.0:1, helping the engine achieve 268 horsepower and 288 lb-ft of torque. It’s probably no coincidence that the engine—which Infiniti claims will be in a production model in 2018—made its debut alongside the QX concept. Its 268 horsepower, however, is down from the 325 ponies in the current model’s 3.7-liter V-6, so an additional, higher-output engine might also be offered.

Competition: Audi Q5, BMW X3, Cadillac XT5, Jaguar F-Pace, Mercedes-Benz GLC-class.

Estimated Arrival and Price: We expect the QX50 to appear in production form later this year and go on sale as a 2018 model. Its base price may rise a bit from the $35,645 starting figure for today’s version.

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