What is it: The QX30 can be a sleek compact crossover to the entry luxury buyer. The Premium with all-wheel drive model tested this can be a top quality and adds a Bose head unit, rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED front fog lights in addition to a panoramic moonroof.

Key Competitors: Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA250, Mini Countryman

Base Price: $38,695 As-Tested Price: $46,460

Full Review: Infiniti QX30 first drive

Highlights: All new in 2019, the QX30 largely carries over for the 2019 model year. Infiniti’s small SUV may be a near carbon-copy from the Mercedes-Benz GLA250, with the exception of the body, which receives unique (and some would argue vastly improved) styling, and Infiniti’s own tuning alterations in powertrain and suspension. Even the key fob comes from Stuttgart, with one brand’s logo swapped to the other. This particular model comes along with over $7,000 in options, which add both styling and precautionary features, but push the sticker to nearly $50K.

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Car Reviews

Gallery: 2019 Infiniti QX30 interior

Our Opinion: The Infiniti QX30 is actually a Mercedes-Benz GLA with an Infiniti-styled body kit. The chassis and powertrain are derived from Germany, and the suits us fine. Turbocharging four-cylinders can be as popular as a / c nowadays, this also one, a 2.0-liter with 208 peak horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, can be a peach. It hustles through traffic worry-free and settles down nicely once you only desire to cruise. Rolling down the road at any speed, our bodies and chassis is freed from any creaks or moans, that permits the shocks to perform their job nicely.

Equally pleasant, the QX30 cabin feels plenty comfy and comforting following a full day’s work. It’s a good entry into the luxury-car world without dropping crazy money — like dipping your toes in water to find out if you wish the temperature. Because it’s relatively small, you will get all-wheel drive, decent power and still manage 30 miles for the gallon.

It’s really an exterior styling choice amongst the GLA and QX30. What one looks better? To me it’s the Merc, but my background is engineering, so take my own using a dose of skepticism. But either choices powerful one out of the premium small-car market. In today’s world, you don’t have to move big to look luxurious. And you’ll regards that much more if parallel parking belongs to your way of life.

–Robin Warner, managing editor

Options: Technology package including Around-View Monitor with moving-object detection, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, forward emergency braking, intelligent cruise control, intelligent park assist, high-beam assist ($2,200), Navigation package with Infiniti InTouch navigation and Infiniti InTouch services, color center meter display, front and rear parking sensors ($1,850), cafe teak theme package – brown napa leather appointed seats; brown leatherette stitched dash insert, center console and door trim; graphite contrast stitching; wood center stack and door handle trim; graphite suede-like material headliner and A-pillars; satin silver mirror caps ($1,750), LED package – LED headlamps, adaptive front lighting system, enhanced LED interior ambient lighting ($1,000), premium paint ($500), radiant illuminated kick plates ($465)

 

Car Reviews

2019 Infiniti QX30 first drive: Small, spry and really German

The short story to the Infiniti QX30 is always that it's a reskinned Mercedes-Benz GLA with some minor changes in making it Infiniti’s own. The more time story is always that …

On Sale: Now

Base Price: $38,695

As Tested Price: $46,460

Powertrain: 2.0-liter DOHC turbocharged I4; AWD, seven-speed dual-clutch automatic

Output: 208 hp @ 5,500 rpm, 258 lb-ft @ 1,200-4,000 rpm

Curb Weight: 3,346 lb

Fuel Economy: 21/30/25 mpg(EPA City/Hwy/Combined)

Pros: Quiet, well-appointed cabin

Cons: Less badge cachet than its Mercedes twin