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2019 Infiniti QX50 vs. compact luxury SUV rivals: How they compare

With apologies to the EX35, or whatever it was eventually renamed, Infiniti has been without a proper, competitive entry in the compact luxury SUV segment. You know, the segment that's growing faster in sales and entries than any other? To say the 2019 Infiniti QX50 is long awaited would therefore be an understatement. At first glance and drive, the new QX50 would indeed seem to be wildly more competitive than its predecessor, which come to think of it, was eventually called the QX50 as well. This one is based on an all-new front-wheel-drive platform, and although it lacks the inherent verve of the old, rear-drive- and 370Z-based one, the resulting increase in cabin space should be a welcome tradeoff. In fact, as you'll see below, the QX50 has gone from one of the smallest compact SUVs to the most spacious. How does it stack up in every other way? Say, against the segment's four best-selling entries last year: the 2018 Lexus NX 300, 2018 Acura RDX, 2018 Audi Q5 and 2018 BMW X3. On paper at least, really well as it turns out. Let's go to the spreadsheet! Discover and compare other luxury crossovers with our Car Finder and Compare tools. Comparing engines, drivetrains and transmissions With the exception of the Acura, all of the contenders come with 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines. As you can see, the Infiniti is the heavyweight amongst the four-bangers, boasting the most horsepower and torque. The Acura V6 nips it by 11 hp, but the QX50 is still the overall torque champ. Plus, as we documented in the QX50 first drive, the Infiniti's new VC-Turbo engine is also the most technologically advanced. The Lexus is the wimp of the group and is also the second-heaviest, which isn't exactly the ideal scenario. The Infiniti is the only one in the group to feature a continuously variable transmission. That's not going to generate much applause around here. The BMW tops the gear count with eight, while the Audi is the only entry with a dual-clutch automated manual. The Acura and Lexus have only six gears, but they're good transmissions and it's not like their fuel economy is off the pace. The Audi and BMW come standard with all-wheel drive, while the others offer a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Comparing cargo and interior space The new front-wheel-drive platform is paying dividends inside for the 2019 QX50, as it now boasts the most maximum cargo space at 65.1 cubic feet.

2016 Lexus GS F is a .22 in a .357 world, and that might not be a bad thing

In Max Brooks' zombie epic World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War, the author envisions an apocalypse where the living dead necessitate a rethinking of societal behavior. One such change, among many, was the replacement of large-caliber, automatic weapons with smaller .22-caliber rounds and semi-automatic firearms that promise better accuracy when battling the undead. We're hoping Lexus used this as its inspiration when finalizing the numbers for its 467-horsepower, 4,000-pound GS F sedan. Lexus may not have brought a knife to a gun fight, but it's fair to say the firepower of its new GS F is lagging behind that of its German rivals. While BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and most recently, Cadillac, are playing with force-induced V8s and power figures that are well north of 550 ponies, Lexus' kiddy table approach belies a significant weight savings against some of its rivals. At just 4,034 pounds, the Lexus is some 350 pounds lighter than the BMW M5 and nearly 400 pounds lighter than the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S 4Matic (that said, the Lexus is only about 100 pounds lighter than the 640-horsepower Cadillac CTS-V). We won't know if this weight advantage is enough for the 2016 GS F to outrun its competitors until we're able to drive it, though. Beyond that, Lexus has fitted the sort of tinsel typical of its high-performance models, with an even more wildly gaped fascia and vertically staggered rear exhausts. Meaty wheels and tires hide under flared wheel arches, while the cabin features far more aggressive sport seats and stylish upholstery. Take a look at our live images of the new GS F, fresh off is debut at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show.

600-horsepower IS leads Lexus to SEMA

SEMA appears to be back in full swing for 2022, replete with in-your-face custom builds and engines tuned within inches of their lives. Lexus will be at the show with several builds based on its factory offerings, not the least of which is an IS 350 sedan packing Toyota's new turbocharged six-cylinder, rather than the V8 found in the IS 500 F-Sport Performance. Let's dive right in.  Lexus DSport IS600+ SEMA build View 10 Photos DSport IS 600+ Concept The DSport IS 600+ is far and away the headliner in this crowd. Unlike the IS 500 F-Sport Performance, this build utilizes Toyota's new turbocharged six-cylinder. A fresh set of turbos and custom tune for E85 churn out more than 600 horsepower (hence the name) for this track-focused build. Additional modifications include a 4-point roll cage, sequential transmission, carbon ceramic brakes and a two-way adjustable suspension. Carbon fiber and an Artisan Spirits widebody kit complete the exterior look.  Lexus LX 600 Urban SEMA Concept View 8 Photos LX 600 Urban Concept Dialing things back a bit, the LX 600 Urban Concept leans toward luxury. Artisan Spirits is featured here yet again, with a body kit that is far more subtle than the one found on the IS 600+. You'll still find plenty of carbon fiber (front spoiler, rear bumper, fenders, hood, rear roof spoiler, rear gate spoiler and diffuser) but no carbon ceramics or adjustable dampers.  LX 600 Alpine Lifestyle SEMA Concept View 5 Photos LX 600 Alpine Lifestyle Concept If practical off-roading is more your speed, the Alpine Lifestyle Concept may just be for you. This build leans into the overlanding craze. Yeti is featured heavily in the gear department, while the truck itself was overhauled with endless storage and fitted with enough armor to protect it in most off-road situations.  GX 460 Overland SEMA Concept View 9 Photos GX 460 Overland Concept Sticking with the overlanding theme, this GX 460 Overland concept built by Cruiser Outfitters looks to expand the GX's off-road capabilities. Beneath the extensive exterior modifications, you'll find an Old Man Emu suspension with increased ground clearance and travel, Toyo mud-terrain tires and  self-recovery winch up front from Warn.  RX 500h F-Sport Performance AWD SEMA concept View 7 Photos RX 500h F-Sport Performance AWD Concept Don't let the "500" and "F-Sport Performance" bits fool you; there's no V8 to be found here either.