The Infiniti QX50 concept – the brand’s vision for a next-generation premium crossover – makes its Asia debut this week at Auto Shanghai.

Roland Krueger, President of Infiniti Motor Company said, “Infiniti is pleased to debut an SUV concept in the world’s fastest growing segment, here in the world’s largest market. Chinese customers will appreciate the attributes of the QX50 Concept, including its striking design, versatility and advanced technology. The QX50 production vehicles will feature advanced autonomous drive capability and will be the first vehicle in the world to be powered by an engine that can adjust variable compression ratio on the fly, using our ground-breaking VC-Turbo engine.”

Demonstrating how the design of the 2016 QX Sport Inspiration, its conceptual forebear, could be adapted for a future production model, the QX50 Concept is designed to articulate Infiniti’s ‘Powerful Elegance’ design language. A ‘cabin-forward’ silhouette combines with what are described as muscular lines and flowing surfaces to telegraph its purpose as a dynamic and practical crossover.

The organic forms of the ‘driver-centric, passenger-minded’ cabin were designed in harmony with the exterior shape. The company says that by blending progressive design with modern craftsmanship, the QX50 Concept’s interior reflects Infiniti’s desire to challenge conventional approaches to premium interior design.

Infiniti’s latest concept is also the next step toward the company’s future autonomous drive support technologies. Central to the strategy for the development of all future Infiniti autonomous drive support systems, they ensure the driver retains ultimate control over their vehicle.

Furthermore, the QX50 Concept illustrates a potential application for Infiniti’s advanced Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo) engine, offering drivers a powertrain that adapts to offer both power and efficiency.