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2022 Infiniti QX60 First Drive Review | Wading back into deep waters

NAPA, California — Standing out in a field that includes the Audi Q7, Volvo XC90 and Acura MDX is no easy task. The trio nails driving dynamics, modern style and tech to a tee, putting all the more pressure on InfinitiÂ’s long-awaited revamp of its top-selling QX60. As a sophomore effort to an SUV that lasted well past its best-by date, the 2022 Infiniti QX60 undergoes a substantial overhaul to bring it up to snuff. Does it succeed? We scored seat time in all three rows for answers. Most visibly in this image-conscious segment, the QX60Â’s fully redesigned exterior is a less fussy, more serene look than the previous one, which debuted back in 2013 as the JX35. Gone are the deeply contoured body panels, whose pinched sheetmetal and curved character lines evoked a certain (and increasingly dated) moment in InfinitiÂ’s design language history. The new QX60 flattens many of those creases, bringing a smoother, more monolithic vibe to the table. According to Infiniti senior design director Taisuke Nakamura, the update embraces the concept of “Ma,” which describes a form of Japanese minimalism. WeÂ’re not sure if NakamuraÂ’s “kimono fold” headlights or “origami-inspired” dashboard are readily identifiable as such, but the redesign is nevertheless a handsome one. The 2022 QX60Â’s redux actually gives it a stylistic leg up on some competitors. The QX60 cabin has also been reworked to become a more livable space, starting with a de-cluttered dashboard that incorporates a fully digital instrument panel, an available 10.8-inch head-up display, and a standard 12.3-inch multimedia screen that replaces an 8-inch unit (the last QX60 never got Infiniti's bizarre double-screen tech interface). Standard tech includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six USB ports, a revamped Infiniti Intouch app that adds greater functionality, and the industryÂ’s first integration of remote starting via Alexa voice command. Up front, the interior comes across as sleeker and modernized, with a low-profile expanse of HVAC vents forming a sweep of horizontal lines across the dashboard. Though attractive, their functionality is somewhat hampered by the need to reach into the narrow slots in order to redirect the airflow up or down.  Some of the cabin's luxury touches are a bit heavy handed, like the Autograph trim level's diamond quilting on the dash whose stitches seem thick and indelicately executed.

Infiniti to move forward with 'Nissan-plus' strategy for its future cars

Sales at Infiniti in 2019 were down in the dumps. While the market as a whole fell 1.2%, Infiniti brand sales were down 21%. Nissan wasn’t too far behind, with its sales sliding 9.9% year-to-year. None of those numbers look great, but Nissan COO Ashwani Gupta still sees a path forward for NissanÂ’s luxury brand, Infiniti. “We will bring back Infiniti as Nissan-plus, in terms of product and technology," Gupta told Automotive News. “Infiniti will be great again.” Historically-speaking, Infiniti has been “Nissan-plus” for a long time over the years. Many vehicles in its lineup have been re-skinned versions of Nissans with some luxury thrown into the mix, and thatÂ’s not necessarily a bad thing. There have been some standouts, namely the original Q45 with its pioneering active suspension and shockingly sporty dynamics. And then there are the G coupes and sedans, vehicles that are still desirable to enthusiasts today. View 31 Photos InfinitiÂ’s current enthusiast offerings revolve around the Q50 sedan and Q60 coupe, both of which are rear-wheel-drive (or all-wheel-drive) cars with sporting intentions. ThereÂ’s no equivalent Nissan sold in America, but the Q50 is the Nissan Skyline in Japan. ItÂ’s impossible to know what the fate of these rear-drive-based cars will be, but a few possibilities lie ahead. Infiniti could really lean in to the “Nissan-plus” nomenclature and repurpose the new Altima as an Infiniti sedan. More likely, however, is a move to electrification. The Nissan IMs Concept and Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept both suggest that the company is interested in creating electric sedans. A “Nissan-plus” electric sedan sure sounds a whole lot better than a front-drive-based rebadged Nissan. InfinitiÂ’s biggest problem at this second is the lack of new product on the market. Its QX50 crossover is the most recent big redesign weÂ’ve been witness to, but it needed replacements yesterday for the QX60, Q50 and Q60 to be competitive with others in those segments. Both Lexus and Acura are outpacing Infiniti by a wide margin. The path forward as “Nissan-plus” also suggests Infiniti aims to be a premium brand, rather than a full-fledged luxury brand competing toe-to-toe with Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. ThatÂ’s consistent with how the brandÂ’s cars have stacked up in recent years, even as it collaborated with Mercedes to put an Infiniti badge on the GLA crossover.

2014 Infiniti Q50's novel drive-by-wire steering system recalled

The gradual replacement of mechanical components in automobiles with electronic systems brings with it definite advantages, but also poses certain potential dangers. Just think of the inevitable problems you've encountered with the computer on which you're reading these words and you'll know what we mean. But a computer crashing isn't as problematic as your car going on the fritz when its electronic systems fail.
That's what Infiniti is being reminded of with its new drive-by-wire electronic steering system. The Japanese automaker developed and installed the Direct Adaptive Steering System in its new Q50 sedan, but a small number of those cars on the road are now being recalled due to that system.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, on a small number of examples, the Q50's optional by-wire system may fail if the temperature in the engine compartment drops below freezing. There's a backup mechanical setup in place should the electronic system fail, but NHTSA says that the backup system may also fail to engage in time to avoid a crash.