Hot News: Infiniti CUV to Use Mercedes A-Class Platform?

Mercedes-Benz powertrain technology may work its way into future Infinitis, but it appears at least one Daimler-engineered platform may wind up underpinning a new Infiniti compact crossover designed expressly for the European market.

According to the French publication L'Automobile, the Daimler-Renault-Nissan alliance may enable Nissan to craft a smaller CUV for Europe. Reportedly dubbed the "DX," the vehicle would slot in beneath Infiniti's current small crossover -- the EX -- and allow the brand to target BMW's X1 and the upcoming Audi Q3.

L'Automobile suggests the crossover could ride on the same underpinnings as Mercedes-Benz's A- and B-Class vehicles. We wouldn't be too surprised to see Infiniti tap Daimler for a four-cylinder engine for the Euro-only model, although it could also look to parent Nissan for a thrifty engine. Thus far, the only platform sharing announced as part of the Alliance has involved small cars. It's more than likely that the next-generation Smart ForTwo, ForFour, and the Renault Twingo will ultimately share a common architecture.

If the DX comes to fruition, it'll be a sign that Nissan is finally getting serious about marketing the Infiniti brand in Europe. The brand recently began installing turbo-diesel V-6 engines into its Euro-spec EX and FX crossovers, and will do the same when it launches the new M abroad. Infiniti also revealed it was likely to launch a premium compact car, which would compete against the BMW 1 Series, Lexus CT200h, and Audi A3.

That car is still a few years away, but don't be too surprised if it incorporates a few components or designs that originated in Germany.

Thanks to: Motor Trend