The 2017 Infiniti Qx30 burst onto the scene as a vehicle designed to defy categorization. It masterfully blends the sleek silhouette of a coupe, the elevated stance of a crossover, and the practicality of a five-door hatchback, all wrapped in Infiniti’s signature design language. This unique combination made the QX30 an instant standout in the crowded premium compact segment, appealing to a new generation of buyers seeking a vehicle as dynamic and versatile as their lifestyles.
Striking Design: A Visual Statement
The exterior of the 2017 Infiniti QX30 is undeniably captivating. It stays true to the daring design of the original QX30 Concept, showcasing a sculpted and emotional aesthetic. Alfonso Albaisa, INFINITI Executive Design Director, perfectly captured the essence of the design: “Its mix of artistry in the flowing lines, and power in the elevated stance and confident look, makes a bold visual statement and challenges current preconceptions of what a crossover should look like.”
The QX30’s low-slung roofline contrasts dramatically with its higher stance, creating a profile that’s both sporty and assertive. This elevated crossover appearance gives it a “go-anywhere” attitude, suggesting capability and confidence across diverse driving conditions, while maintaining the premium fit and finish expected from a luxury vehicle.
Key design elements include:
- Dramatic Curves and Sculpted Lines: The bodywork is characterized by flowing curves and dynamic character lines, creating a sense of movement and emotion. These lines evolve into purposeful shapes, adding to the QX30’s distinctive presence.
- Signature Double-Arch Grille: The iconic Infiniti double-arch grille with its three-dimensional mesh pattern seamlessly integrates with the headlights, creating a fluid and organic front fascia.
- Double-Wave Aluminum Hood: The sculpted hood features strong lines that flow from the grille, over the fenders, and into the car’s powerful shoulders, emphasizing its muscular stance.
- Crescent C-Pillar: Infiniti’s signature C-pillar design, forming a dynamic crescent shape, adds a touch of motion and elegance, even when the vehicle is stationary.
The elevated dimensions of the 2017 QX30 aren’t just for aesthetics; they contribute to a more confident and relaxed driving experience. The increased overall height, combined with a slim A-pillar design, enhances forward visibility. Furthermore, the taller ride height translates to a higher hip point, making getting in and out of the vehicle easier and more comfortable.
Standard exterior features include signature LED daytime running lights and auto on/off halogen headlights. Available upgrades include LED headlights with Active Front lighting System (AFS), auto high/low beam function, and LED fog lights. Personalization options extend to the outside mirrors, with various finishes (body-color, black, Satin Silver) and features like auto-dimming, power-folding, heating, and puddle lamps. A panoramic moonroof with a power sunshade and roof rails are also available, further enhancing the versatility and premium feel.
For those seeking a more aggressive aesthetic, the QX30 Sport trim stands out with unique front and rear lower fascias, a gloss black grille, body-color side sill panels, a chrome trunk finisher, dark chrome exhaust finishers, a lower ride height, sport-tuned suspension, cross-drilled front brake rotors, and distinctive 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
The QX30 Luxury AWD and QX30 Premium AWD models also feature unique front and rear lower fascias, along with extended overfenders, unique black mold-in color side sills, roof rails, unique 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and a ride height that is 1.2 inches higher than the two-wheel-drive QX30.
Asymmetric Interior: Driver-Focused Comfort
The bold design philosophy of the 2017 Infiniti QX30 seamlessly transitions into the cabin. The interior breaks away from traditional symmetry, embracing an expressive and modern design that prioritizes both the driver and passengers.
The asymmetric surfaces within the QX30’s interior are characterized by wave-like shapes and dynamic lines that appear to twist and flow away from the driver. This creates a sense of motion and dynamism, particularly as natural light interacts with the sculpted lines and contrasting materials throughout the cabin.
Albaisa further explains the interior design philosophy: “QX30’s asymmetric interior design results in an environment focused on the driver, yet encompassing passengers in such a way as to involve and cater for them, more so than the traditionally isolating designs found in the premium segment.”
Infiniti prioritized premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship in crafting the QX30’s luxurious cabin. The standard interior is finished in high-quality black Fibretec, while optional black or beige Nappa leather appointments (standard on the QX30 Luxury trim) elevate the interior to an even more refined level.
Comfort is paramount in the 2017 QX30. The advanced seat design incorporates Infiniti’s “spinal support” research and “Zero Gravity” technology. The seatbacks are meticulously engineered to mirror the natural curvature of the spine, providing consistent support and distributing weight evenly to minimize pressure on back muscles. The wider seat shape and soft cushioning further enhance comfort, especially on longer journeys.
QX30 Luxury and Premium grades feature 8-way power-adjustable front seats with 4-way power-adjustable lumbar support, ensuring a customized and comfortable driving position. Heated front seats are standard on these trims, adding to the luxurious experience. The rear seats offer a fold-flat, 60/40 split-folding design, maximizing cargo versatility. A rear seat pass-through (ski hatch) is also available for added convenience.
The QX30 Sport model features unique sport front seats with integrated headrests. These seats combine leatherette and Dinamica, a suede-like material originally developed for the high-fashion industry, adding a sporty and tactile feel. Dinamica is also used on the stitched door and instrument panel trim. Further enhancing the sporty ambiance are a flat-bottom steering wheel and aluminum-trimmed pedals.
Refinement and Technology: A Premium Driving Experience
The 2017 Infiniti QX30 prioritizes cabin quietness, contributing significantly to the overall sense of refinement. Extensive use of sound-absorbing materials minimizes the intrusion of wind, road, and engine noise. The high-rigidity body structure further isolates the cabin from unwanted noise and vibrations, ensuring a serene and comfortable environment, even on less-than-perfect road surfaces.
This quiet platform allows occupants to appreciate the subtle yet enriching tones of the QX30’s engine under acceleration, without disrupting the tranquility of the cabin during normal driving.
As expected from an Infiniti vehicle, the 2017 QX30 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of comfort and convenience features. These include genuine wood trim, aluminum pedal finishers, and an auto entry/exit system with three-driver memory settings for both the driver and passenger.
Standard features across all models include:
- Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System
- RearView Monitor
- Cruise control
- Power windows with front one-touch auto up/down with auto-reverse
- Power door locks with selective unlocking
- Paddle shifters
- Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror
- Dual overhead map lights and rear dome light
- INFINITI Intelligent Key
- Three 12-volt power outlets
- Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control with rear seat vents
Two USB ports provide convenient charging and media connectivity.
Advanced audio, navigation, and connectivity systems are readily available. The optional Bose® 10-speaker audio system delivers a premium listening experience. Standard audio features include HD radio, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (subscription required), and voice recognition for audio, Bluetooth®, and vehicle information. SiriusXM® Travel Link (subscription required) provides access to real-time information such as weather, fuel prices, stocks, sports scores, and movie times.
Infiniti’s InTouch™ infotainment system, initially introduced in the Q50, offers intuitive touch and swipe control through a 7.0-inch touchscreen HMI (human machine interface). INFINITI Voice Recognition interacts seamlessly with the InTouch™ system for hands-free control of audio and navigation commands.
The available INFINITI InTouch™ with Navigation system enhances the navigation experience with lane guidance, 3D building graphics, and voice recognition for navigation functions. INFINITI InTouch™ Services offers a trial period of safety, security, and convenience services, along with SiriusXM® Traffic, providing real-time traffic updates (subscription required).
Additional technology features include the advanced Around View® Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD) and Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), further enhancing safety and convenience.
Dynamic Performance and Versatile Drivetrain
The 2017 Infiniti QX30 delivers a dynamic and engaging driving experience, powered by an advanced powertrain and available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive.
The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine produces 208 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a robust 258 lb-ft of torque, available from 1,200 to 4,400 rpm. This engine is engineered to provide responsive performance while maintaining fuel efficiency. It features a lightweight aluminum block and cylinder head, chain-driven dual-overhead camshafts, a die-cast aluminum cylinder crankcase, and an optimized crank assembly, all contributing to weight reduction, reduced friction, and improved efficiency. The QX30 also incorporates an idle stop-start system (ISS) in conjunction with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine to further enhance fuel economy. This engine was developed in collaboration with Daimler and is sourced from Kolleda, Germany.
All 2017 QX30 models are equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. This advanced transmission intelligently pre-selects gears for rapid and seamless shifts. Manual mode allows drivers to take control of gear changes when desired, using the standard paddle shifters. The dual-clutch design ensures smooth acceleration at any speed and in any gear, with minimal interruption of torque delivery during gear changes, reducing unwanted lurching.
The QX30’s chassis is meticulously engineered to provide a comfortable ride and confident handling for both two-wheel and all-wheel drive models. Infiniti’s engineering teams focused on creating dynamic characteristics that bridge the gap between compact cars and crossovers, meeting the expectations of discerning buyers.
The front suspension utilizes a MacPherson strut design with twin-tube shock absorbers, while the rear suspension employs an independent multi-link setup with rear monotube shocks. Stabilizer bars are included both front and rear to enhance handling stability.
Steering is provided by an Electric Power Assisted (EPS) system, and braking is handled by power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The QX30 Sport features upgraded cross-drilled front rotors and distinctive INFINITI-branded calipers, further enhancing its sporty character.
The QX30 Luxury AWD and QX30 Premium AWD models feature Infiniti’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system. This system can distribute up to 50 percent of the engine’s power and torque to the rear axle to optimize traction on slippery surfaces or in adverse weather conditions, providing enhanced control and confidence. In situations where wheel slip is detected, the system applies braking to the slipping wheel while transferring torque to the wheels with more grip, further enhancing stability.
Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance Technologies
The 2017 Infiniti QX30 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of active safety and hazard avoidance technologies, enhancing both safety and the overall driving experience.
A standout feature, exclusive to the QX30 Sport and available on other trims as part of the Technology Package, is the new Intelligent Park Assist system. This system utilizes 12 sensors to assess potential parking spaces and determine if they are appropriately sized. Once a suitable space is identified, the driver simply confirms the selection and operates the accelerator, shifter, and brake pedal. The QX30 then autonomously parks itself smoothly in parallel or reverse-in parking spots*.
Parker highlights the convenience of this system: “Combined with the Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection, the new QX30 is one of the easiest cars to park in its segment.”
Additional available safety, security, and driver assistance features include:
- Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Forward Emergency Braking (FEB)
The 2017 QX30 also incorporates a comprehensive suite of passive safety features, including dual-stage front supplemental airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental airbags, front knee supplemental airbags, and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental airbags with a rollover sensor.
Model Lineup and Packages
The 2017 Infiniti QX30 is offered in a range of six distinct models, starting with the base QX30. Key features of each trim level include:
- QX30: Standard features include Intelligent Key, RearView Monitor, paddle shifters, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control, INFINITI InTouch™ with 7.0-inch screen, INFINITI InTouch Apps, HD Radio, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (subscription required), cloth seating, 8-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, LED signature daytime running lights, and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with run-flat tires.
- QX30 Luxury: Adds Nappa leather-appointed seating, 8-way power front seats with 4-way power lumbar adjustment, memory seats and mirrors, heated front seats, rear seat pass-through, front passenger seat storage, footwell lamps, and Nappa leather and stitched dashboard insert.
- QX30 Premium: Upgrades with a Bose® 10-speaker premium audio system, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, rain-sensing windshield wipers with heated washers, LED fog lamps, chrome trunk finisher, and aluminum kickplates.
- QX30 Sport: Features unique sport-themed exterior and interior enhancements, including sport seats, Intelligent Park Assist, Bose® audio, Around View® Monitor, and unique 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with summer run-flat tires.
- QX30 Luxury AWD: Combines the Luxury trim features with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and unique AWD-specific exterior styling elements.
- QX30 Premium AWD: Combines the Premium trim features with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and unique AWD-specific exterior styling elements.
A variety of optional packages are available to further customize the 2017 QX30, including the Sport Leather, Moonroof, Navigation, LED headlights, wood trim, roof rails, and Technology Packages.
Exclusive theme packages, such as the Gallery White Theme Package (available only with the QX30 Premium) and the Café Teak Theme Package (available with the QX30 Premium AWD), offer unique interior and exterior design treatments for a truly personalized 2017 Infiniti QX30.
The 2017 Infiniti QX30 was assembled in Sunderland, UK, with engines sourced from Germany, reflecting its global engineering and manufacturing collaboration.
