FX successor: Infiniti's next SUV 'coupe' named QX55

The FX (aka QX70) hasn't been on the market for over two years, but a replacement will finally arrive at dealerships in mid-2020.

Infiniti's next all-new model will be a successor to the discontinued FX, bearing the name QX55. The announcement, which was light on details, was made Friday afternoon at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

In addition to giving us a name, the company released a "brushstroke" sketch of the QX55's silhouette, highlighting a coupe-like roofline.

Although "coupe" SUVs are an increasingly common staple of luxury car lineups, Infiniti has been absent for two years from a category it single-handedly pioneered, starting with the FX concept in 2001 and the production model in 2003.

The original FX came at a time when most SUVs were body-on-frame trucks, and the idea of car-based crossovers was just beginning to gain widespread acceptance. Further sacrificing utility and cargo space for a sloping roofline, 20" wheels, low-profile tires, and a sporty exhaust note was unorthodox to say the least, but the result was a design that looks relevant 18 years later.

Infiniti says the QX55 will arrive at retailers in the summer of 2020. So far, there has been no word on a reveal date.

"The Infiniti QX55 is a stunning new SUV coupe in the heart of one of the industry's fastest growing segments, globally," said Deputy Chairman Mike Colleran.

"Customers will appreciate the distinctive design of the QX55 which features a sporty coupe-like roofline. We know customers and retailers are eagerly looking forward to the QX55 which will be available next year."