French automaker Renault and Nissan have had an alliance since 1999. Through this alliance, the joint-company has become the fourth-largest automaker in the world, and the unique arrangement of this agreement allows Renault-Nissan to partner with other automakers to develop new vehicles.
Since 2010, Renault-Nissan has partnered with Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, to develop new luxury segment automobiles. One of the first to come out of this partnership is the brand new 2017 QX30.
The QX30 – a vehicle INFINITI designed to target the compact luxury SUV segment – shares architectural and mechanical equipment with Mercedes’ GLA Class SUV. They’re both similar vehicles, with the same engine, wheelbase and similar interior dimensions. Yet, with the release of the QX30, INFINITI has paved new ground for its version of the GLA. The QX30 features a more stylized exterior, improved infotainment, and sportier suspension, helping it to differentiate itself from the GLA.
QX30 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA: Similarities
Both the QX30 and GLA have their own unique styles, but the dimensions of both are very similar. Their wheelbases match, and they both have similar low-hung stances. In terms of design, though, that’s where similarities end. The QX30 features INFINITI’s forward-thinking design language, while the GLA settles on a more traditional look.
Both vehicles also share much of the same equipment. Both feature a 208-horsepower 2.0L inline turbo 4-cylinder. The engine has a maximum output of 258 pound-feet of torque. Plus, they both share a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Key Differences between the 2017 QX30 and Mercedes GLA Class
INFINITI has made bold design choices to help the 2017 QX30 stand out of its platform-sharing counterpart. Many key differences exist, including:
- Distinctive Exterior Styling: Both vehicles might be similar in shape, but INFINITI and Mercedes have different approaches to styling. The QX30 is sportier, featuring dramatic dual side creases, a more flowing roofline and an S-shaped C-pillar. Plus, the QX30 also standard a little closer to the ground. The result is a much sportier take. The GLA Class, on the other hand, is more traditional, using softer lines and a more rounded architecture.
- Cabin Design: In many ways, the QX30 is better appointed than the GLA. Featuring available Nappa leather seats, as well as real wood accents, the cabin is elegant and modern. Plus, the QX30’s dramatic styling is featured in the cabin, with its unique dash layout.
- Infotainment Quality: INFINITI integrates a single-screen version of its infotainment system InTouch in the QX30, equipped with a 7-inch high-def display. Compared to Mercedes’ COMAND system, InTouch improves intuitiveness, will offering all of the same features.
- Maximum Comfort: The QX30 also is equipped with INFINITI’s Spinal Support bucket seats. Based on nearly a decade of research, the seats are designed to support natural posture. This is an added bonus, helping to maximize comfort in the QX30.
- Sport-Tuned Suspension: The QX30 may share components with the GLA, but INFINITI fine-tuned them so that the QX30 would have a sportier, more INFINITI-like drive. This includes a QX30 Sport model, which sits closer to the ground. Yet even the QX30 and QX30 AWD have lower ground clearances and tighter suspensions than the GLA.
- Improved Transmission: Both feature the 7-speed automatic, but in the QX30, INFINITI has programmed it to be more aggressive. The QX30 has the ability to hold gears for longer, while making faster throttle tip-in. Plus, there are three distinctive driving modes, including Sport, Eco and Manual.
Test drive the all-new INFINITI QX30 at INFINITI of Coconut Creek.
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