2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid crossover SUV teased for New York

Set to debut later this month at the New York Auto Show, the 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid will join its newly-renamed 2014 QX60 sibling this summer as the latest member of the automaker’s expanding gas/electric family of vehicles. Like the conventionally powered QX60, it’s based on what is currently known as the 2013 Infiniti JX and will be offered in both front-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. Infiniti says the most fuel-efficient version of the new QX60 Hybrid is expected to deliver a stellar 26-mpg combined EPA rating — 24-percent better than its QX60 counterpart and a number that would make it class leader in the Luxury Large SUV segment.

Also: 10 Coolest cars under $25,000 
 
In place of the 3.5-liter V6 used in the QX60, this the gas/electric Hybrid variant is fitted with a version of Infiniti’s Direct Response Hybrid one-motor/two-clutch system that’s been adapted for use in front-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive applications. Here, it pairs a supercharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a 15kW (20.1-hp) electric motor fed by a lithium-ion battery pack located under the third-row seat. Collectively, the QX60 Hybrid’s powertrain components generate a V6-like 280 total horsepower. Both are connected to a continuously variable automatic (CVT) transmission. The system also incorporates an Intelligent Regenerative Braking system for on-the-fly battery replenishment.

Also: 2013 Best Resale Value Awards winners

In addition to offering better fuel economy and extended range, Infiniti says the QX60 Hybrid retains all of the people and cargo space as a standard QX60 along with its flat rear load floor. The 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid is slated to command about a $3,000 price premium compared to the QX60 and we’ll have more details when it appears in New York.