What We Like
It looks good from all angles
It's essentially a GLA-Class but costs $9k lesser than the Merc
Rides comfortably
High quality materials fill the cabin
What We Dislike
368-litres of boot space loses out to rivals in its class
Feels a tad lethargic in Eco mode
Similar to how the handsome Infiniti Q30 hatchback shares its modular platform with the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the Infiniti QX30 that you see here also shares its platform as well as its powertrain with the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.
This is the result of the partnership between the Renault-Nissan Alliance and Mercedes Benz's parent company, Daimler, back in 2010.
The similarities between the QX30 and the GLA-Class show the moment you open the doorsSo while the QX30 from Nissan's luxury arm is the newest member with the least experience to enter the crowded and competitive compact crossover segment, it doesn't necessarily mean it's any lacking.
Why do you say that?
The QX30, like the Q30, is another Infiniti with the heart of a Mercedes-Benz. But the Japanese luxury car, in several ways, is better than the Mercedes.
For starters, the QX30 is about $9,000 cheaper than the GLA250. While many will shout and scream and argue that having the three-pointed star emblem is worth more than that, we won't get our panties in a bunch because of badging.
Cabin is filled with high-quality materials that befit Infiniti's premium brandingAs an objective buyer, price - above many other considerations - is always one of the top priorities. And when push becomes shove, buyers will come to realise that the QX30 is not only just another Mercedes, but perhaps more than that in its very own way.
Secondly, the new Infiniti crossover, with its sweeping roofline, tugged styling and muscular haunches, gives it a distinctive appeal over not just the Merc but also the rest of the rivals.
But what about the drive?
Yes, from the dynamic BMW X2 and the Jaguar E-PACE to the funky-looking Toyota C-HR and the Volvo XC40, these newly launched crossovers are clearly no pushovers.
2.0-litre engine sends 208bhp and 350Nm of torque to all wheelsBut the Infiniti QX30 is no patsy either. Motivated by Mercedes-Benz's 2.0-litre four-cylinder powerplant, the QX30 is capable of sending 208bhp and 350Nm of twisting force to all four wheels.
Less capable, though, is the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, which doesn't necessarily respond according to your right foot in Eco mode. You exert pressure on the accelerator pedal but the car appears to be a tad lethargic.
This is the result of the partnership between the Renault-Nissan Alliance and Mercedes Benz's parent company, Daimler, back in 2010.
Why do you say that?
The QX30, like the Q30, is another Infiniti with the heart of a Mercedes-Benz. But the Japanese luxury car, in several ways, is better than the Mercedes.
For starters, the QX30 is about $9,000 cheaper than the GLA250. While many will shout and scream and argue that having the three-pointed star emblem is worth more than that, we won't get our panties in a bunch because of badging.
Secondly, the new Infiniti crossover, with its sweeping roofline, tugged styling and muscular haunches, gives it a distinctive appeal over not just the Merc but also the rest of the rivals.
But what about the drive?
Yes, from the dynamic BMW X2 and the Jaguar E-PACE to the funky-looking Toyota C-HR and the Volvo XC40, these newly launched crossovers are clearly no pushovers.
Less capable, though, is the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, which doesn't necessarily respond according to your right foot in Eco mode. You exert pressure on the accelerator pedal but the car appears to be a tad lethargic.
And when you decide to push the car a little harder, there's a sudden power surge that makes controlling of the car in heavier traffic risky.
Small gear lever resembles certain models in Merc's lineupIn Sport mode, however, acceleration is more instant and rev-happy, even if it sounds more strained than stirring.
Keep holding your right foot down and you will get a respectable century sprint of 7.3 seconds. Despite sharing the same mechanical underpinnings as the Merc, the QX30 is over a second slower from nought to hundred due to its heavier kerb weight of 80kg.
But its heft doesn't stop it from providing a plush ride. Over bumps and broken tarmac, the QX30 soaks them all up in its stride, giving all on board the comfort they deserve.
Despite big 19-inch wheels, road noise is kept well at bay
Does the cabin feel like the GLA?
Yes, to a certain extent, the GLA bloodline shows in the QX30 but that's no bad thing at all. It's showered with quality materials and top-notch finishing that's deserving of its premium branding and affordable price tag of $168,800 (as of 20 September 2018).
What isn't as deserving is its boot space of 368 litres. Rivals like the GLA and the Q3 boast a bigger 421 litres and 460 litres respectively.
Boot space of 368 litres is adequate, but loses out to rivals
Does that mean it's not worthy?
That said, having a smaller boot does not mean it's a bad choice of car. Sharing a lot in common with the Mercedes-Benz GLA Class, the new Infiniti crossover remains practical enough for a small family to utilise on a daily basis.
Yet, it's currently one of the most affordable premium crossovers that's attractive enough for objective-driven people who aren't into the badge for the sake of boasting rights.
Keep holding your right foot down and you will get a respectable century sprint of 7.3 seconds. Despite sharing the same mechanical underpinnings as the Merc, the QX30 is over a second slower from nought to hundred due to its heavier kerb weight of 80kg.
But its heft doesn't stop it from providing a plush ride. Over bumps and broken tarmac, the QX30 soaks them all up in its stride, giving all on board the comfort they deserve.
Does the cabin feel like the GLA?
Yes, to a certain extent, the GLA bloodline shows in the QX30 but that's no bad thing at all. It's showered with quality materials and top-notch finishing that's deserving of its premium branding and affordable price tag of $168,800 (as of 20 September 2018).
What isn't as deserving is its boot space of 368 litres. Rivals like the GLA and the Q3 boast a bigger 421 litres and 460 litres respectively.
Does that mean it's not worthy?
That said, having a smaller boot does not mean it's a bad choice of car. Sharing a lot in common with the Mercedes-Benz GLA Class, the new Infiniti crossover remains practical enough for a small family to utilise on a daily basis.
Yet, it's currently one of the most affordable premium crossovers that's attractive enough for objective-driven people who aren't into the badge for the sake of boasting rights.
