Infiniti QX50 undergoes growth spurt

The name remains the same, but the 2016 Infiniti QX50 is now larger and roomier and sports a much fancier body.

A 325-horsepower V-6 carries over as the sole engine.

The original EX35 that became the QX50 for 2014 has finally received the significant redesign that it has been owed the past two years.

The alterations place the entry-luxury wagon in step with the rest of the Infiniti lineup. Virtually all of the vehicle’s exterior is new and, just as importantly, the hatchback has grown 4.5 inches in length and gains 3.2 inches between the front and rear wheels.

The growth spurt has also resulted in 4.3 inches of extra legroom for rear-seat passengers and added interior volume for all. Infiniti’s stylists also started with a clean sheet of paper (more likely a blank computer screen) when envisioning the QX50’s cabin.

Joe Tortomasi, general manager at Park Place Infiniti, said the 2016 QX50 is priced $3,500 lower.

He added that the Las Vegas-based dealership is selling the model 15 to 20 times as much as before.

“It’s a better value than it ever has been,” Tortomasi said. “It’s always been a fun car to drive but now the styling is up to date, it’s less expensive and the company is supporting it with various leasing and buying options.”

Along with what the automaker calls its signature “double wave” instrument panel there’s a 7-inch touch-screen display, high-contrast gauges and power-adjustable front seats.

Returning for 2016 is a 3.7-liter V-6 that maxes out at 325 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The only transmission remains the seven-speed automatic with manual shift mode. Both rear-wheel- and all-wheel-drive models continue to be available in the same single trim level.

Standard features include leather seat covers, heated front seats, push-button start, Bluetooth connectivity, rearview camera, eight-spoke 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and a power sliding tinted glass moonroof.

From that point, there are a number of option packages for you to customize your QX50 with items such as climate control, 11-speaker Bose audio package, navigation system, maple interior trim (in place of aluminum), 19-inch wheels in place of 18-inchers and the latest in crash-prevention/avoidance hacks.

The base price for the four-door wagon/hatchback is $35,450.

Tortomasi said the QX50 is a good option for young professionals looking to enter into the luxury market.

“You’re not just buying the car; you’re buying the experience,” he said. “It’s a really good value.”

Reporter Ann Friedman contributed to this report.