Infiniti's QX30 takes a hatchback and morphs it into a capable crossover (pictures)

Don't let the name confuse you -- this isn't the same as the Infiniti Q30, a hatchback that debuted at Frankfurt earlier this year.

The QX30 is built on the same platform as the Q30, but this one is angled as a proper crossover.

The main difference between the QX30 and the Q30 is ride height -- the QX30 sits about 2 inches higher than its hatchback brother.

The front and rear bumpers also feature more aggressive lower treatments for a bit of that off-road flavor.

The QX30 also shares some similarities with the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, as both vehicles ride on the same platform.

With its low-slung roofline, it's not hard to see a bit of Mercedes in this Infiniti.

The QX30 is all-wheel drive only, whereas the Q30 offers a four-wheel drive option as well.

The QX30's AWD system is capable of sending up to 50 percent of power and torque to the rear wheels, so it's a front-biased system when it's not treacherous outside.

The crossover maintains a sporty look, despite its ride height, thanks to that low roof and thin A-pillars up front.

To counteract the QX30's higher center of gravity, Infiniti stiffened up the springs and rear anti-roll bar.

Those suspension tweaks also give the car flatter handling characteristics.

The styling is unmistakably Infiniti, with both front and rear taillights resembling many other cars in the automaker's lineup.

Infiniti made no specific mention of US drivetrain options yet, but we'd bet on the car packing the same 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine as the Q30.

The sole transmission option on the QX30 is a seven-speed dual-clutch, the same as on the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.

Markets outside the United States will get to enjoy both gasoline and diesel powertrains. Lucky ducks.

The QX30's higher ride point also gives the vehicle a higher hip point, making ingress and egress less of a chore.

Infiniti is using its own infotainment system in the QX30, a 7-inch touchscreen setup that first debuted on the Q50 sedan.

Automatic parking assist will be available for those who prefer to let computers do the parking.

The QX30 looks good cruising down this idyllic B-road, but it may be more at home off in the grass somewhere in the background.

Let's hope you like likes, because the rear end has a whole bunch of 'em.

Real car geeks will notice that this is the same key that Mercedes-Benz uses on the GLA-Class. It's shaped like no other Infiniti key.

The QX30 will be available with parent company Nissan's excellent Around View Monitor system, which puts a 360-degree, top-down image on the infotainment screen for tight parking maneuvers.

The car's hatchback characteristics means that loading items through the rear is as easy as can be.

Mercedes switchgear abounds in the cabin, as evidenced by the window buttons and door-panel-mounted seat controls, the latter of which is a Mercedes staple.

The interior is well appointed even in base trim. Standard equipment includes black cloth, but buyers can opt for black or brown nappa leather, as well.

Infiniti made no mention of price or specific availabilities at its debut.

The QX30 will launch in several different markets in mid-2016.