A concept version had been debuted at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance event, while the production model was unveiled at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The hybrid is powered by a supercharged 2.5-liter twin-cam 16-valve four cylinder engine with an electric motor and a compact 0.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack located under the 3rd row seat.

The QX60 and QX60 Hybrid were the first vehicles in Infiniti's North American lineup to use Nissan's Continuously Variable Transmission.

The Technology Package became standard on all 2016 QX60 models equipped with the Deluxe Touring Package and will be renamed Deluxe Technology Package, which includes Pre-crash Front Seatbelts, Front and Rear Sonar System, Backup Collision Intervention, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning/Prevention, Roof Rails with Crossbars, High beam Assist (added mid year into the 2017 model year), Tri-Pane Panoramic Moonroof with sunshade, Climate-controlled front seats switch, Blind Spot Warning/Intervention, Distance Control Assist, BOSE Surround Sound System with 15- speakers and 5.1 channel decoding, Heated Outboard Second Row Seats, Advanced Climate-controlled System, 20-7.5 Inch Wheels, Active Trace Control, Eco Pedal, Unique Seat Quilts (Front and Outboard Second Row Seats), Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Power Fold Third Row Seats (Not available on Hybrid Models), Motion Activated Liftgate (Available for the 2017 model year), and Maple Interior Accents.

All 2016 QX60 Models (and its cousin the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder) also have redesigned cup holders and new exterior colors and chassis enhancements.

The Pure models are the least expensive trim levels, having fewer options compared to Luxe, and are not available with any packages.

[8] On February 13, 2017, Infiniti QX60 hybrid units sold in China that were manufactured between January 19, 2016 and February 5, 2016 were recalled due to certain parts of fuel tanks being thinner than standard, leading to possible fuel leakage under heavy collision and possibly causing a vehicle fire.

This recall comes after a woman's 2016 Nissan Murano parked on a street near community mailboxes in Texas ignited on fire several minutes after the ABS warning light came on and didn't realize initially that her Murano was included in the recall until she started smelling burnt melted plastic with the warning coming on.

A third accident also occurred when a 2017 Nissan Maxima ignited on fire and exploded less than a month after it was manufactured and purchased due to brake fluid leaking onto the circuit board.

The vehicle was previously previewed by the QX60 Monograph concept, and has been developed alongside the R53 Nissan Pathfinder that debuted in early February 2021 also as a 2022 model.

[13] The vehicle uses the same powertrain as the previous generation and the Pathfinder, which is the VQ35DD 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine mated to a 9-speed automatic from ZF, replacing the continuously variable transmission.

Some grades will have the capability to tow up to 6,000 lb (2,722 kg), 20 percent more than the outgoing model due to an uprated transmission oil cooler, an integrated hitch receiver, trailer-tuned stability programming, and dedicated pre-wiring harnesses.

[12] The L51 QX60 is a seven-seater vehicle, with a two-position rear bench that preserves room in the middle for a storage box, or an optional pair of captain's chairs.