Infiniti has released pricing for its latest vehicle, the 2017 QX30, as compact crossover sales stay hot in the U.S.
The crossover, which is available in six trims, starts at $30,945, including shipping, for the base model. It is set to arrive at dealerships in September, Infiniti said.
“The all-new QX30 is a tremendous addition to the Infiniti lineup — a powerful statement of our design and technology leadership and a vehicle that we predict will bring a new generation of premium buyers into our showrooms,” Infiniti Americas Vice President Randy Parker said in a statement.
The Luxury trim starts at $33,595, Premium starts at $36,295, Sport starts at $39,495, Luxury AWD starts at $35,395 and Premium AWD starts at $38,695. All prices including shipping.
Infiniti also noted that a reservation program is now available on its website. Buyers who sign up for the program will receive a gift of their choice: a GoPro camera, Bose headphones, a hotel stay, an online shopping experience or a culinary experience.
The QX30 figures to compete with the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA class, with which it shares DNA. The QX30 will cost slightly less than its competition.
The 2017 Audi Q3 starts at $32,750, the 2017 BMW X1 starts at $33,795, and the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA class starts at $33,425. All prices include shipping.
The QX30 arrives at a time when Infiniti’s U.S. sales could use a boost, and it will fill a void in the compact premium crossover segment.
Infiniti sales fell 4.7 percent in the U.S. in July to 9,945 vehicles, according to the Automotive News Data Center. Through the first seven months of 2016, Infiniti sales were essentially flat, up 0.3 percent to 74,923 vehicles, compared to the same time frame last year.
Compact premium crossover sales in the U.S. have totaled 192,335 vehicles through the first seven months of 2016, a 28 percent increase from 2015.
The QX30 is built in England and shares its chassis and powertrain with the Mercedes-Benz GLA as part of the global Renault-Nissan-Daimler product-sharing campaign.
While Infiniti designed the QX30’s exterior and much of the interior, the crossover is powered by Mercedes’ 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine. Mercedes also provides the transmission, the all-wheel drive for the QX30 AWD models and the vehicle’s suspension, including a rear multilink setup.
Initially, Infiniti planned to offer two compacts, the Q30 hatchback and QX30 crossover. However, because of their similar looks, Infiniti renamed both as crossovers. The Q30 is now the QX30, and the previously named QX30 is now the QX30 AWD.
