Interestingly, the changes both in dimensions and styling don’t make the QX50 look appreciably bigger, even though overall length is increased by 113 millimetres (4.5 inches) from 4,631 mm to 4,744 mm. Once you check out the rear passenger area, however, you can see the difference. There’s 109 mm (4.3 inches) of additional rear seat legroom and 3.9 inches of additional rear knee room (compared with the 2015 model). Seventy-five litres of cargo space are added and overall interior volume is increased by 235 litres.

QX 50 remains powered by Nissan’s formidable 3.7-litre V6 engine generating 325-horsepower and a seven-speed automatic transmission. It certainly doesn’t lack in power and performance. Standard features include leather upholstery, heated front seats, Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System, RearView Monitor, eight-spoke 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and the moonroof.

Available technology is extensive (the three trim levels are Premium, Navigation and Technology), including Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system, Around View Monitor with Front and Rear Sonar System, Lane Departure Prevention system (LDP), Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), Distance Control Assist (DCA) and Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning.

A fully-equipped 2016 Infiniti QX 50 also includes Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) with auto-leveling headlights, maple interior accents, Bose® Audio System with 11 speakers, Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with Plasmacluster® air purifier, power up-folding second-row seat and the 19-inch wheels.

Whether the increased interior room will translate into increased sales remains to be seen. It is fundamentally the same vehicle as the outgoing QX50, after all. And when seen side-by-side with the daring and dramatically designed QX30, the QX50 lines really show their age.

A proper road test will give a better idea of the QX50’s driving dynamics, utility and curb appeal. Pricing for the QX50 has always been very competitive. Release date for the 2016 Infiniti QX50 is mid-2015.

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