Introduced as QX56 in 2011, the Infiniti QX80 luxury has hitherto boomed and has become refreshed for 2018. And really, it is more a refurbishment than anything else, because there is no mechanical changes to this beast . Nevertheless, the QX80 remains one of the best of the large, a combination of luxury with good performance and a fine driving dynamics.
Infiniti has reworked the face of the QX80 and removed the previous Beluga-style muzzle to further align it with the rest of the brand. There is a new front panel, a larger grill and raised LED headlights, making it look more modern … well, less hospitable. At the rear we see the tailgate, rear lights and a redesigned bumper. The standard 20 inch and optional forged 22 inch wheels have been redesigned.
The interior adjustments include new seams, piping, refined quilted leather, fresh upholstery and larger DVD rear screens, plus better sound insulation. Also new in 2018: a mirror “smart” that uses a camera like the rear window is blocked.
I have always admired the QX80 because of the enormous amount and the way it is worn. All this has not changed – this beast still impresses. This is a traditional body-worn SUV with a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, but nothing beats a truck in the way the QX60 slips on the road, the passengers in a cocoon spoil quiet luxury. It has a fully independent self-leveling rear suspension.
The VX of the VX with 32 valves and 5.6 liter V8 with direct injection delivers 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. torque at 4000 rpm. There is a seven-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel drive four-wheel drive with snow modes and towing. It is a quiet, quiet powertrain that does a good job and transports the three ton QX80 without much hassle. The official fuel figures are 17.4L / 100 kilometers in the city, 12.2 on the highway and 15.1 combined. Premium fuel is recommended.
Although the footsteps on most SUVs are simple tasks, they are a necessity here. You are in this vehicle. The outside view is good and the QX80 has a relatively small turning circle that makes maneuverability easy – just like the 360-degree Around View Monitor camera system, which offers an aerial view of the QX80 at parking speeds.
The cabin is beautifully designed and still looks good seven years later. Every surface is rich, the decorative elements are well detailed and there is an intriguing design flair as the cut stripe flows through the door panels. While the new competitors are full of digital technology, one could consider the cabin of the old generation Infiniti as a refreshing return. There are an abundance of well-marked buttons and buttons for analogue climate control, seat heating and ventilation and most important infotainment functions. Unfortunately, this older system does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and Infiniti’s latest semi-autonomous auxiliary systems are missing when you care about such things.
Heating, cooling and adjustable power – 10 ways for the driver, 8 for the passengers – the front seats fall into the comfortable category, but not particularly supportive. Other standard features: rear entertainment
ats, dual-zone climate control, electric tailgate, GPS navigation system and speakerphone up to 15 loudspeakers Bose sound system.
The seats on the third row, which can be brought up and down (v-e-r-y slow, watch out for you) from the front cabin or just in the hatch are good for children and small adults. With this folded row the loading floor is not flat and the loading capacity is not too impressive for a vehicle that projects such a huge shadow. That is the price you pay for a chassis body platform, a high ride height and all-wheel drive.