Infiniti says it's not a coupe, not a hatchback, and not a crossover, but a fusion of all three. That's apparent from the name: After Infiniti scrubbed its alphabet of all but two letters (cars start with the letter "Q," SUVs and crossovers start with "QX") the Q30 moniker indicates the new crossover slots under the QX50 and likely isn't meant for serious off-roading.
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On the road, it'll be the first new Infiniti that's influenced by three-time Formula One champion and Infinti performance director Sebastian Vettel, who made a surprise appearance on the stage in Frankfurt.
The not-a-crossover is also the first offspring of the new Mercedes-Infiniti partnership, which explains why the Infiniti Q30 and Mercedes GLA share the same basic underpinnings. In our opinion, the Q30 is the clear winner in the looks department.
According to Infiniti design director Alfonso Albaisa, the new Q30 is "slim, sleek, and flowing," featuring a rear end that blurs the line between glass and tail lamps, and a split grille up front. Inside, shiny and matte copper finishes blend together in a dashboard that wouldn't be too far an evolutionary jump from Infiniti's current lineup. Asymmetry is an important design element, with clearly delineated passenger and driver areas.
Infiniti president Johan de Nysschen says it's "younger, aspirational, and trend setting." And although the brand concentrated on a compact car this year, de Nysschen promises that expansion will happen at the "bottom and top end" — perhaps with an S-Class competitor as a new flagship.
Despite the word "concept," the Q30 at the Infiniti stand in Frankfurt is not too far from reality. A production version is expected soon. US-bound Q30s will likely be built alongside the GLA at a new plant in Aguascalientes, Mexico. The plant will open later this year.
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Keith was the Editor in Chief of Reviewed's appliance and automotive sites. His work has appeared in publications such as Wired, Car & Driver, and CityLab.
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